What's JAEC?

In response to these changes, our agricultural challenge is to orientate itself towards a more productive and economically viable industry. As a prerequisite for that purpose, it is incumbent upon us to develop aspiring farmers who have the entrepreneurial knowledge and aptitude. They must have a keen sense of management and be well-prepared to respond positively to innovative technologies.

In the meantime, developed countries in the international community are required to share in the responsibility of supporting the economic development of developing countries. In view of the fact that the latter relies highly upon agriculture, it is of great importance to further international agriculture cooperation.

Against the background of such an international environment surrounding Japan's agriculture, the Japan Agriculture Exchange Council was established in March, 1988.

The objectives of the Council are to offer our young farmers the opportunities of learning management skills and acquainting themselves with a wider field of international awareness. Upon returning home, they are expected to contribute a great deal toward furthering the development of our local agriculture by making the best of use their newly acquired training experiences. They are expected to become the main stay of Japan's agriculture.

Another objective of the Council is to offer aspiring young farmers from developing countries the opportunities of experiencing Japanese agriculture and farm life through staying at our farmers' homes. The Council was formed by the consolidation of the following organizations:

The Association for International Collaboration of Farmers, Japan, established in 1952, which operated programs of dispatching agricultural trainees abroad as well as hosting those from abroad ; and The Japanese Agricultural Training Council, established in 1966, (its predecessor dates back to 1956) which operated programs of dispatching agricultural trainees to the United States. This was done in an attempt to assure further program developments and to strengthen their existing ones. It is my firm belief that the Council will benefit from the combined years of achievements and experiences represented by these two organizations. It will contribute greatly towards enhancing the abilities of our young farmers who are expected to bear the responsibility of Japan's agricultural future. Furthermore, we will be able to contribute greatly towards helping promote and accelerate agricultural development in developing countries, international exchange of farmers and thus world peace.

1.OVERSEAS YOUNG JAPANESE FARMERS TRAINING PROGRAM

JAEC sends agricultural trainees to agriculturally advanced countries under the 1 – 1 and half year program. They follow farm training and join lecture courses.

Upon return to Japan, they are expected to be leading farmers equipped with global perspectives, technological and managerial capabilities as well as strong leadership in their communities. These youths will also contribute to international exchange and cooperation.

Approximately 14,300 trainees have been sent to countries in North & South America and Europe since 1952, when the program started.

2. SHORT-TERM FOREIGN AGRICULTURE STUDY PROGRAM

This program provides community leaders and advanced farmers (men and women) with opportunities to observe and study the latest status of farm production and marketing, environmental protection, animal product processing, horticultural therapy, etc. on short-term visits of foreign countries.

The program is intended to train talented people, with an international perspective, who will contribute to the agricultural development of their communities and promote international exchange.

1. ASEAN YOUNG FARM LEADERS TRAINING PROGRAM IN JAPAN

This program hosts agricultural trainees from ASEAN countries (Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines and Thailand). They learn latest agricultural technology and management skills through practical on-farm training and lecture sessions. This program is also aimed at promoting mutual cultural understanding and friendship through personal contacts with the Japanese farmers in the local communities.

Since 1983, the total number of trainees who have completed the program is approximately 1,600 persons.

2. EUROPEAN YOUNG FARMERS TRAINING PROGRAM IN JAPAN

The program is implemented as a part of the two-way exchange program with European countries, where JAEC sends Japanese trainees. European youths are trained on farm. In addition, they contribute to mutual understanding and friendship through contacts with community people.

The program is being implemented since 1978.

1. STUDY OF INTERNATIONAL MARKETING OF FARM COMMODITIES

Seminars and workshops are organized for information exchange and discussions concerning overseas agriculture with a view to attaining internationally competitive agriculture. Participants are: farm community leaders, advanced farmers, potential entrants to farming, etc.

2. INFORMATION AND SERVICES

JAEC publishes a semi-annual magazine “The New Farmers”, other papers and documents. JAEC also provides services as requested by farmers, trainees, etc. concerned with farm exchange programs.

JAEC undertakes wide-ranging activities for supplementing the above-mentioned activities and promoting international cooperation. It also accepts requests from Government agencies and non-governmental organizations/institutions for occasional studies and other services as long as JAEC regulations permit.

1. ESTABLISHMENT

The Association for International Collaboration of Farmers, Japan (est. 1952) and the Japanese Agricultural Training Council (est. 1966) were consolidated in an attempt to assure the further development and strengthening of the programs. As a result, the Japan Agricultural Exchange Council (JAEC), the incorporated nonprofit organization, was established on March 30, 1988.

2. ADMINISTERING GOVERNMENT AGENCIES

• Consular and Migration Policy Division, Consular Affairs Bureau, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• Young Farmers and Women Division, Management Improvement Bureau, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries

3. OBJECTIVES

The goals of the Council’s activities are to offer Japanese farm youth the opportunities to cultivate their international awareness and to expand their abilities with experiences they have as overseas agricultural trainees. The Council also conducts agricultural training programs in Japan for farm youths of foreign countries, so that they can become core farmers in their respective countries. The programs are conducted with the objective of contributing to agricultural development both in Japan and abroad. These programs are intended to promote the international exchange of farmers and eventually to contribute to the world’s peace and harmonious prosperity.

JAEC publications written in English

The booklets which JAEC published are as follows;

Please click the underline, if you would like to download the booklet of PDF file.


1. Safe & healthy vegetables for Philippines consumers “ My dream, your dream”

2. Organic Farming Technology in Japan

3. The cultivation of strawberry in Japan

4. Farmers in Benguet Practice Savers Technology