Visit: Local Farmers
On Thursday 14th May, a group of young farmers from the local area came here to look around the farm, and learn about Fukuoka. There were about 12 in the group, and they were led by an English lady who volunteers at the youth group center where these young farmers assemble.
We began by giving a talk on Fukuoka, his life, philosophy and methods. 
The talk was warmly received. The farmers all used the now traditional methods that include tilling and fertilizers. But they were nodding their heads in understanding and approval. We then showed them around the farm for an hour or so, explaining the methods used in the various areas. The farmers were concerned with what seemed to them to be low yields; we explained that we were right at the beginning of the conversion to natural farming, and that it would be some time before we saw exactly what Fukuoka's methods could produce (a ton of rice per quarter acre!).
The farmers came away, we believe, very satisfied. They learned a new point of view which we hope will take root inside their minds. One of them even mentioned that he has a small plot, free of any chemicals, lying fallow, which we could use as an experiment in Fukuoka. We agreed readily.
