Agricultural Cooperative Day

What Is Agricultural Cooperative Day?

November 19th is "Agricultural Cooperative Day" in Japan. It was established by the Central Union of Agricultural Cooperatives (JA Zenchu) to commemorate the promulgation of the Agricultural Cooperative Act on this day in 1947. It marks the law that became the starting point for Japan's agricultural cooperatives, known as "Nokyo" or JA.

The Story of JA, Starting with the Agricultural Cooperative Act

The Agricultural Cooperative Act aims to increase agricultural productivity and improve the economic and social status of farmers. Based on this law, cooperatives were set up across Japan, creating a system in which farmers work together.

• Origin: the Agricultural Cooperative Act was promulgated on November 19, 1947
• Established by: the Central Union of Agricultural Cooperatives (JA Zenchu)
• Purpose of the law: to boost agricultural productivity and raise farmers' economic and social standing
• What JA means: JA, the nickname for the cooperatives, stands for "Japan Agricultural Cooperatives"
• JA Zenchu: founded in 1954 to represent the JA Group nationwide

Where Did the Name "JA" Come From?

The familiar name "JA" is a nickname for the agricultural cooperatives, taken from the initials of "Japan Agricultural Cooperatives." JA Zenchu represents the JA Group across regions and businesses and is run on cooperative principles. The next time you see "JA" at a supermarket produce section or a farm stand, it may remind you of the cooperation among growers behind it.

Tips for Marking This Day

• Pay attention to the growing region and JA name when choosing vegetables
• Visit a local farmers' market or farm stand
• Cook a dish using seasonal Japanese vegetables
• Learn how cooperatives work

The Cooperation Behind Our Dining Tables

The vegetables and rice on our tables reach us through the cooperation of many producers. November 19th is a day to think about the law that started Japan's agricultural cooperatives and the connection between farming and our food.