First in Japan “Okayama Organic Pesticide-free Produce”
What kind of crops are considered organic? Simply put, the definition is crops produced without the use of chemically processed fertilizers and pesticides, and cultivated in a way which does not place a burden on the ecosystem.
In order to qualify as “organic produce” or “organically grown”, there are restrictions on the types of fertilizers and pesticides that can be used, and crops must be produced within the standards for over three years in order to maintain and support the cyclical function of nature.
While this approach has been Such approach has become popular all over Japan, Okayama Prefecture is the pioneer. Organic and pesticide-free farming began in 1988, and in 2001, a standard unique to Okayama Prefecture was established to kick off the “Okayama Organic Pesticide-free Produce” certification. It is the only standard in Japan which allows absolutely no pesticides or chemical fertilizers to be used.
Preserving precious breeds
With support from the prefecture, Okayama has a large number of farms which have adopted organic farming. Yamazaki Farm is an example. Based on their motto of “reliable, safe, tasty rice”, they produce rice without the use of pesticides, chemical fertilizers, or herbicides, using organic chicken manure-based fertilizer and homemade compost.
Yamazaki Farm grows crops which make the most of the local environment. Their main breeds of rice are Asahimai and Omachimai which are signature breeds of Okayama, but are rare and only grown in small quantities. Asahimai is believed to be the roots of popular breeds such as Koshihikari and Sasanishiki. It is a first-class rice with a large and shiny grain, favorable aroma and adequate sweetness, making it the best rice in the prefecture.
However, with the emphasis on production efficiency and mechanized farming, production of Asahimai has declined drastically, due to its vulnerable characteristics such as the ear falling off easily and the plant having the tendency to fall over. Sushi chefs in the Kansai area are distraught that they have been unable to purchase Asahimai.
Omachimai is a good ”sake” rice with a large grain and opaque core. The soft rice is produces aromatic ”sake”. However, Omachimai is also not easy to produce. The plant grows to be over 160 cm making it fall over easily, and is susceptible to crop disease. With the decline in production, it is called the “rare and legendary rice”. At Yamazaki Farm, they continue to produce traditional breeds of rice which are the pride of Okayama.
