Introduction
In the sprawling fields of Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island, a troubling trend is taking root. Over the past decade, the number of children stepping up to take over their family farms has dropped by a staggering 40%. This decline, fueled by harsh economic conditions, the demanding nature of farming, and shifting societal values, is reshaping the future of agriculture in a region long celebrated for its fertile lands and bountiful harvests. For foreigners unfamiliar with Hokkaido’s rural landscape, this story reveals not just a local challenge but a global issue with echoes in farming communities worldwide.
Why are fewer young people choosing to carry on their family’s agricultural legacy? What does this mean for Hokkaido’s food production, rural economy, and cultural heritage? And how can this trend be reversed? In this article, we’ll explore the reasons behind this decline, its far-reaching impacts, and innovative solutions that could breathe new life into Hokkaido’s family farms. From economic pressures to technological advancements and global comparisons, we’ll uncover a path forward for this vital industry.
The Current Crisis: A 40% Drop in Family Farm Succession
In Hokkaido, “parental farming” (oyamoto shūnō), where children take over farms from their parents or relatives, has traditionally been the primary pathway for new farmers. However, recent years have seen a sharp decline in this practice. According to the Hokkaido government, 407 individuals started farming in 2023, with 282 (70%) classified as parental farmers. A decade earlier, in 2014, parental farming accounted for 80% of new farmers, totaling 487 cases. This 40% drop over 10 years highlights a growing reluctance among families to pass down their farms.
The reasons are clear yet complex. Rising costs of fertilizers, feed, and other essentials have made farming less profitable, while the relentless demands of the job deter both parents and children. Tadahiro Motoyama, a 40-year-old farmer from Biei in Kamikawa Subprefecture, who took over his family’s crop farm at 32, observes, “In our area, it’s about half and half—some take over the farm, some don’t. In a busy year, two or three households quit.” Inspired by his father’s dedication, Motoyama chose farming, but he admits, “It’s hard to convey the appeal of agriculture to the younger generation” when farm product prices remain low and unpredictable.
The Hokkaido Technical Extension Division points to profitability and busyness as key factors. With the price index for agricultural production materials 24% higher in May 2023 than the 2020 average, according to Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, parents hesitate to recommend farming to their children. Meanwhile, local governments, which have promoted third-party entrants to farming, struggle to address this generational shift.
Background: Hokkaido’s Agricultural Heartland
Hokkaido is Japan’s agricultural powerhouse. Known for its vast plains and cool climate, it produces rice, potatoes, dairy, wheat, and more, making it a cornerstone of Japan’s food supply. Family farms have long been the lifeblood of this region, with traditions and techniques handed down through generations. For foreigners, imagine Hokkaido as Japan’s equivalent of the American Midwest or France’s rural countryside—a place where farming isn’t just a job but a way of life.
Yet, this legacy is under threat. Japan’s declining birthrate and aging population hit rural areas like Hokkaido hardest. Young people are increasingly drawn to cities like Sapporo or beyond, lured by modern careers and lifestyles. This demographic shift leaves fewer potential successors, putting family farms at risk of disappearing.
Why Farming Is Losing Its Appeal
Economic Pressures
Farming in Hokkaido has become a financial gamble. The cost of essentials like fertilizers and feed has surged, driven by global factors such as supply chain disruptions and the war in Ukraine, which has spiked prices for key agricultural inputs. Meanwhile, farm product prices remain volatile, often failing to offset these rising costs. For young people weighing their options, the numbers don’t add up—farming feels more like a risk than a reward.
The Demands of Farming Life
Beyond economics, farming’s grueling nature is a major deterrent. Long hours, physical labor, and exposure to harsh weather—common in Hokkaido’s cold winters and short growing seasons—contrast sharply with the flexibility and comfort of urban jobs. Parents, aware of these challenges, often encourage their children to pursue less demanding paths, even if it means breaking a family tradition.
Changing Values
For the younger generation, career aspirations have shifted. Raised with access to education and technology, many see farming as outdated compared to opportunities in tech, business, or creative fields. This cultural shift amplifies the succession crisis, as farming struggles to compete with the allure of modernity.
The Ripple Effects of Fewer Family Farms
The decline in parental farming reverberates beyond individual households, threatening Hokkaido’s broader ecosystem.
1. Food Security and Economic Fallout
- Fewer farms could reduce Hokkaido’s agricultural output, impacting Japan’s food supply.
- Rural economies, reliant on farming-related jobs and businesses, may shrink, leading to unemployment and stagnation.
2. Loss of Heritage
- Family farms preserve traditional knowledge—how to grow crops suited to Hokkaido’s unique climate or manage livestock sustainably. Without successors, this expertise could vanish.
- The cultural identity of rural Hokkaido, tied to its farming roots, risks fading.
3. Aging Communities
- As young people leave, rural areas grow older, straining social services and diminishing community vibrancy.
- Empty homes and abandoned fields could become common sights.
4. Environmental Risks
- Unmanaged farmland may degrade, increasing risks of soil erosion, biodiversity loss, and wildfires.
- Industrial farming, if it fills the gap, might prioritize profit over sustainability, harming the environment.
Global Lessons: How Other Regions Tackle Succession Challenges
Hokkaido’s struggle isn’t unique—many countries face similar issues with aging farmers and disinterested youth. Here’s how others are responding:
United States
- With an average farmer age of 57, the U.S. launched the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program, offering training and support.
- Land-link programs connect retiring farmers with young successors, easing farm transfers.
Europe
- The EU’s Common Agricultural Policy provides young farmers with extra payments and land access.
- France’s “young farmer installation aids” combine financial help with mentorship.
Australia
- Grants and low-interest loans help young farmers buy land or modernize.
- Vocational training builds skills and interest early on.
Hokkaido could adopt similar measures—mentorships pairing seasoned farmers with novices, or subsidies to offset startup costs—tailored to its rural context.
Innovation: Making Farming Appealing Again
Technology offers a lifeline for Hokkaido’s farms, potentially attracting tech-savvy youth.
1. Precision Farming
- Tools like GPS, sensors, and data analytics optimize planting and harvesting, boosting efficiency and profits.
- These appeal to young people comfortable with digital solutions.
2. Automation
- Robots and drones reduce manual labor, from planting to monitoring crops.
- Less physical strain could make farming more enticing.
3. Sustainability
- Organic farming or regenerative methods align with global eco-trends, drawing environmentally conscious youth.
- Higher prices for sustainable products improve profitability.
The Hokkaido government could fund training and equipment grants to promote these innovations.
New Models: Urban Farming and Agritourism
Alternative approaches could also spark interest:
1. Urban Farming
- Vertical farms or community gardens in Sapporo could introduce city-dwelling youth to agriculture.
- These could serve as stepping stones to rural farming.
2. Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA)
- CSAs link farmers with consumers, ensuring steady income and community ties.
- Young farmers might find this socially rewarding.
3. Agritourism
- Farm stays or tours diversify revenue while showcasing rural life.
- This entrepreneurial angle could attract creative young minds.
Climate Change: A Growing Challenge
Hokkaido’s farmers face rising temperatures and erratic weather, complicating succession decisions. Addressing this requires:
- Research: Developing climate-resilient crops.
- Infrastructure: Upgrading irrigation and storage.
- Support: Offering weather tools and insurance.
A proactive stance on climate resilience could reassure young farmers of a stable future.
Building a Farming Future: Education and Support
1. Education
- School programs teaching agriculture’s value could plant early seeds of interest.
- Scholarships for agricultural studies encourage higher education in farming.
2. Community Networks
- Young farmer groups foster collaboration and advocacy.
- Events like farm fairs highlight success stories.
3. Financial Aid
- Low-interest loans and land access programs lower entry barriers.
- Incentives like Tsukigata Town’s 2-million-yen grant show promise.
Farmers like Tatsunori Murata from Makubetsu Town call for better training support, while Makoto Kamio from Fukagawa City emphasizes welcoming returning successors.
Conclusion: A Sustainable Path Forward
The 40% decline in family farm succession in Hokkaido is a wake-up call. Economic woes, demanding work, and shifting priorities have distanced youth from agriculture, but solutions abound. By learning from global peers, embracing technology, and supporting young farmers, Hokkaido can revive its farming legacy.
This isn’t just about saving farms—it’s about securing food, preserving culture, and sustaining rural life. With bold policies and community effort, Hokkaido can inspire a new generation to take up the plow, ensuring its fields remain green and thriving.
