X-MINING What is Local Production for Local Consumption? Its Benefits and Relation to SDGs

Local production for local consumption refers to the practice of consuming food products, including those from agriculture, forestry, and fisheries, that are produced within the same region.

In this article, we introduce the basic information about local production for local consumption. We also explain its high relevance to the ‘Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)’ and its benefits, so please use this as a reference.

Let’s first delve into the details of local production for local consumption and what we can actually do.

Overview of Local Production for Local Consumption

Local production for local consumption refers to the practice of consuming food products such as those from agriculture, forestry, and fishers that are produced within the same region.
This initiative aims to provide safe and secure food, improve the food self-sufficiency rate, and revitalize the local economy.
It also aims to preserve the local traditional food culture by utilizing local ingredients and promotes the development of the entire community by connecting local producers directly with consumers. This approach is positioned as an effort to build relationships where people can meet face-to-face, and communicate directly.

Reference: Promotion of Local Production for Local Consumption (Use of Local Agricultural, Forestry, and Fishery Products) | Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries

The Relationship with the Sixth Industrialization

The sixth industrialization refers to the efforts of agricultural, forestry, and fishery producers to actively engage in food processing, distribution and sales to increase income.

Addressing the challenges faced by primary industries, such as labor shortages and succession issues, and increasing income require the involvement of secondary and tertiary industries like food processing and sales.

The term “sixth industrialization” was coined in a law enacted in 2010, aiming to revitalize local industries by encouraging those involved in the “primary industry” of agriculture, forestry, and fisheries to also engage in the “secondary industry” of food processing and the “tertiary industry” of distribution and sales.

The term ‘sixth industrialization’ symbolized the combination of these diverse industries to invigorate the region. It is expected that this will stabilize local food production and increase local consumers’ interest and engagement with local products.

Reference: Law on the Creation of New Businesses by Agricultural, Forestry, and Fishery Workers and Others Using Local Resources and the Promotion of the Use of Local Agricultural, Forestry, and Fishery Products.

Are you aware of the strong link between local consumption and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)? The SDGs consist of 17 goals proposed by the United Nations and adopted in 2015.

Among these, Goal 14 ‘Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development.’:

– Goal 14 ” Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development.
– Goal 15 ” Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss.””

Additionally, local consumption is directly linked to “Affordable and Clean Energy” (Goal 7), “Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure” (Goal 9), and “Climate Action” (Goal 13).

By reducing energy consumption in food production and transportation, local communities can lessen their environmental impact on local communities, aiming for sustainable development on a global scale.

For those interested in learning more about the SDGs, please refer to the following column:

Is there something we can do for the SDGs? Initiatives for individuals and businesses

Local production for local consumption offers numerous advantages. Here, we introduce the benefits from the perspectives of “consumers and producers” and “environment and economy.”

Benefits for Consumers & Producers

Local production for local consumption can be seen as an initiative that connects both producers and consumers, benefiting the entire community and aiming to build a sustainable food system. The benefits are as follows:

For Consumers:

• Knowing the producers personally brings peace of mind.
• Access to fresh, safe, and secure ingredients.
• Support for the local economy.
• Preservation of local specialty products and traditional food culture.

Locally produced ingredients are quickly brought to market after harvest. Their freshness and high quality, along with transparency in production methods, provide peace of mind to consumers.

For Producers:

• Increased motivation through direct communication with consumers
• Involvement in revitalizing the local economy.
• Ability to sell non-standard products.
• Reduction in distribution costs.
• Avoidance of overproduction.

Producers have more opportunities to interact directly with consumers, making it easier to adjust production according to consumer needs and preferences, resulting in economic benefits due to cost reductions.

Benefits for the Environment and Economy

Increased direct transactions within the region boost local producers’ revenue, which circulates within the local economy. The advancement of the sixth industrialization, involving agricultural, forestry, and fishery workers in product processing and sales, leads to the creation of new products and services, expanding the market.

Furthermore, the sixth industrialization shortens the transportation distance of produce, making the food production and consumption cycle more efficient. This reduces the environmental impact and pursues sustainability.

To actively engage in local production for local consumption, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries promotes “selling at direct sales outlets and mass retailers,” “providing as school lunches,” and “leveraging in the tourism industry.”
Here, we elaborate on each of these activities.

Selling at Direct Sales Outlets and Mass Retailers

Selling at direct sales outlets and mass retailers is a crucial initiative for promoting local production for local consumption.
Direct sales outlets collaborate with large shopping malls, JA (Japan Agricultural Cooperatives), etc., to meet consumer demand for fresh local ingredients by selling vegetables.
Additionally, mass retailers like supermarkets set up in-shop or sales corners to sell agricultural products. Both require the cooperation and participation of producers.

Providing as School Lunches

Enacted in 2007, the School Lunch Act encourages the use of local produce in school lunches to promote local production for local consumption. Under this law, local communities and school lunches collaborate to incorporate local agricultural and fishery products into meals.
For example, setting specific percentages like “at least ○% from local sources” and using local agricultural and fishery products in school lunches accordingly.
The School Lunch Act aims to promote local agriculture and contribute to the community while providing opportunities for food education to children.
Nutrition teachers are encouraged to utilize local products in school lunches and make creative efforts according to local conditions to enhance students’ understanding of the local food culture, related industries, and natural environment.
Reference: e-Gov Law Search | School Lunch Act

Leveraging in the Tourism Industry

The tourism industry has a deep connection with local production for local consumption, such as selling agricultural products at accommodation facilities and maintaining farms where tourists can experience agriculture.
For example, setting up direct sales outlets or product corners at accommodation facilities allows tourists to easily enjoy local seasonal ingredients.
Additionally, accommodation facilities collaborating with nearby farms to offer agricultural experiences like fruit picking and vegetable harvesting to tourists can provide experiences not available elsewhere, helping tourists understand local agricultural culture and ecosystems.
Spreading green tourism (activities where tourists enjoy agricultural and fishery experiences and interact with local people) through word-of-mouth and social media can also enhance the recognition of the region as a tourist resource.

In promoting local production for local consumption, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries emphasizes the need for further dissemination and awareness-raising activities, assuming the production of safe and secure agricultural products supported by consumers.

However, the effects of local production for local consumption do not appear immediately, and continuity is crucial. The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries lists the following three support measures:

1.Support for environmental improvements at direct sales facilities to increase contact points between producers and consumers.

2. Development of regional leaders and coordinators Dispatching and training local production for local consumption coordinators tailored to each region’s characteristics and needs.

Also, supporting information provision and matching through the use of IT and smart agriculture.

3.Establishment of grants and formulation of local production for local consumption promotion plans

Demanding policies that consider each region’s unique specialty products, plans, and events, rather than a uniform system design.

These support measures aim to address the diverse situations and factors of each region and promote the nationwide expansion of local production for local consumption. High trust is placed in domestic agricultural products, and initiatives aligned with consumer awareness will continue to attract attention.

So far, we have introduced the benefits of local production for local consumption and initiatives for its realization. Now, let’s focus on the connection between Sumitomo Metal Mining and local production for local consumption, particularly on the high-function agricultural greenhouses using our “SOLAMENT™.”

What are High-Function Agricultural Greenhouses?

NOTOSHICHI CO.,LTD. | The sample of “Aotenjo”

Sumitomo Metal Mining’s near-infrared absorbing material, SOLAMENT™, combined with the unique textile processing technology of ‘Notoshichi Inc.,’ based in Kahoku City, Ishikawa Prefecture, has led to the development of the high-function heat-shielding net, ‘Aotenjo’.

Traditionally, sheets that can block 80% of sunlight were used to grow “soft vegetables” like mizuna and spinach, which are prone to heat damage. However, this also blocked sunlight necessary for growth.

The adoption of Aotenjo, utilizing near-infrared absorbing material, allows for the adjustment of the infrared spectrum’s proportion in sunlight, effectively controlling the greenhouse temperature during high-temperature periods and preventing heat damage.

For more details on near-infrared absorbing materials, please refer to the following dialogue article.

For creating the Heat-beat Greenhouse. CWO™ Product Development Story

Transforming Agricultural Greenhouses. Development of Heat-Shielding Sheets Using Near-Infrared Absorbing Material (SOLAMENT™) to Reduce Temperature

What is Sumitomo Metal Mining’s SOLAMENT™ for Realizing High-Performance Greenhouses?

Sumitomo Metal Mining’s near-infrared absorbing material SOLAMENT™ is an inorganic material that simultaneously offers excellent visible light transmittance and the ability to strongly absorb near-infrared light.

Near-infrared absorbing material effectively blocks light in the 850-1200nm range, which is the source of the sun’s heat, while allowing through light in the 400-850nm range necessary for photosynthesis.

Utilizing high-performance greenhouses with these features enables the robust growth of crops, even in areas of the greenhouse that previously received insufficient light. It also opens up the possibility of growing crops in locations where it was not feasible before, contributing to local production for local consumption.

Learn more about Sumitomo Metal Mining’s Near-Infrared Absorbing Material (SOLAMENT™)

Local production for local consumption, a system where goods are produced and consumed within the same region, is spreading as an initiative contributing to the construction of a sustainable community and the revitalization of the local economy.

Agriculture, in particular, supports local economic vitality by promoting the use of local produce and reducing environmental impacts from transportation.

The introduction of new technologies, such as high-performance greenhouses, is becoming increasingly widespread to enable sustainable production.

Our near-infrared absorbing material is utilized in agricultural greenhouses, contributing to improved efficiency and productivity in agriculture.

Collaborating with companies to create value, like the high-function heat-shielding net “Aotenjo” for agricultural greenhouses, allows for the optimization of crop growth environments.

If you are interested in Sumitomo Metal Mining’s “co-creation,” please feel free to contact us.