Current Situation of Urban Agriculture (July 2025)

This information material from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries explains the importance of urban agriculture and its six functions, incorporating the latest survey data and case examples.

Key Points

1. Current Status and Basic Information of Urban Agriculture

Document Title: Current Situation of Urban Agriculture (July 2025)
Total Pages: Full version 6,235KB, divided into 3 parts
Purpose: Promote understanding of diverse functions of urban agriculture and urban farmland
Target Audience: Urban residents, local governments, agricultural stakeholders
Update Date: July 10, 2025

2. Six Functions of Urban Agriculture and Recognition Levels

① Supply of fresh agricultural products (local production for local consumption): Evaluated by about 50% of urban residents, about 60% wish to purchase locally produced agricultural products
② Provision of accessible agricultural experience and exchange activities (exchange creation function): Recognized by about 30%, about 40% interested in citizen farms
③ Securing disaster prevention space (disaster prevention function): About 40% expect disaster prevention function
④ Provision of green space bringing comfort and tranquility (landscape creation function): About 40% feel "comfort" and "tranquility"
⑤ Conservation of national land and environment (environmental conservation function): About 40% evaluate rainwater retention and groundwater recharge functions
⑥ Fostering urban residents' understanding of agriculture (food education/education function): About 60% wish to preserve urban agriculture and farmland

3. Status of Disaster Prevention Cooperation Farmland Initiatives

Overview: Disaster prevention function of urban farmland re-recognized after Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake
System Content: Local governments and farmers conclude agreements for use as evacuation spaces and temporary housing construction sites during disasters
Latest Data: Status as of March 31, 2024 compiled
Expected Roles: Various functions including water supply, emergency evacuation sites, agricultural product supply
Urban Resident Recognition: About 40% expect disaster prevention function during disasters

4. Specific Initiative Examples

Osaka Prefecture: Supply of fresh agricultural products using advanced fertilization techniques
Ohmiji Town, Aichi: Promotion of local production for local consumption in school lunches
Nerima Ward, Tokyo: Operating farms where full-scale agricultural production can be experienced
Kawasaki City, Kanagawa: Agricultural production fostering exchange with local residents across three generations
Yokohama City, Kanagawa: Program for experiencing comforting agricultural landscapes

5. Urban Residents' Awareness and Understanding of Farmland Preservation

Support for urban agriculture/farmland preservation: About 60% of urban residents wish for preservation
Correlation between farmland proximity and preservation awareness: Residents with nearby farmland tend to have higher preservation awareness
Interest in local production for local consumption: About 60% wish to purchase agricultural products within daily living areas
Willingness to participate in agricultural experiences: About 40% interested in citizen farms and agricultural experiences
Evaluation of diverse functions: Recognition of composite values including disaster prevention, environmental conservation, landscape, and food education