AGRIMEDIA

Agrimedia, established in April 2011, operates as a multifaceted platform aimed at revitalizing and streamlining Japan's agricultural sector. The company was founded by Takashi Morofuji who, despite a background in real estate development with Sumitomo Fudosan, identified significant opportunities within the agricultural industry's challenges. Recognizing the sector's low profitability and aging workforce, Morofuji, along with a high school classmate who was a farmer, set out to create new value in agriculture. His initial approach involved directly engaging with farmers, visiting over 300 farms to understand their firsthand challenges, which revealed issues like the burden of unprofitable land and a reluctance to pass farms on to the next generation.

The company's business model is centered on connecting urban populations with agriculture, thereby creating new revenue streams for farmers. Its operations are diverse, targeting consumers, producers, corporations, and government bodies. For consumers, Agrimedia offers "Share Batake," a rental farm service that provides tools, seeds, and advisory support, allowing urban dwellers to experience farming without significant investment. This service addresses the underutilization of urban and suburban farmland. Other consumer-facing ventures include "VegiQ," a barbecue facility that incorporates a harvesting experience, and various agricultural leisure parks and farm-stay services. For producers and agricultural businesses, the company operates "Aguri Navi," one of Japan's largest agricultural job search websites, addressing labor shortages. Furthermore, Agrimedia provides consulting services to corporations and local governments, assisting with everything from market entry and operational support for agricultural facilities to regional revitalization projects. Revenue is generated through user fees for rental farms and experiences, recruitment fees from the job portal, and consulting fees for corporate and government projects.

A cornerstone of Agrimedia's portfolio is the "Share Batake" (Share Farm) service. Launched in 2012, it transforms idle or abandoned agricultural plots in urban areas into fully supported community gardens. Users receive a small plot of land along with all necessary tools, seeds, seedlings, and fertilizers. A key benefit is the on-site presence of experienced advisors who guide beginners through the cultivation process, making farming accessible to everyone. This model directly tackles the high entry barriers for city residents interested in gardening, such as lack of knowledge and equipment. The service not only creates a new use for underutilized land but also fosters community and provides educational opportunities. Building on this success, Agrimedia has expanded into managing larger leisure farms, farm-to-table restaurants, and even an agricultural school called "Agri Academia" to provide more systematic training.

Keywords: agricultural platform, urban farming, farm rental service, Share Batake, agricultural HR, Aguri Navi, farm-to-table, agricultural consulting, revitalizing agriculture, farmland utilization, agricultural recruitment, farming experience, community gardens, agricultural business support, regional revitalization, leisure farms, VegiQ, Takashi Morofuji, agricultural technology, food production