About Mr. Kagawa
In 2019, after dedicating 25 years to a corporate career, Mr. Kagawa decided to embark on a new adventure as a novice farmer by cultivating avocados in Fukuyama City Hiroshima Prefecture. He aspires to spread the deliciousness of fully ripened avocados, and his commitment to quality is evident in the recognition he received at the 2022 “Domestic Avocado Festival” held in Kagawa Prefecture, where he won the facility cultivation category. Mr. Kagawa proudly declares, “I aim for high quality by avoiding the use of pesticides and focusing on small-scale production.”
Pursuit of Quality and Expansion
Currently, he cultivates seven varieties and 30 avocado trees in a facility covering approximately 1,500 square meters. With plans for expansion underway, Mr. Kagawa expresses his determination to increase production gradually. While there are over a thousand avocado varieties worldwide, Japan primarily imports the Hass variety, harvested before ripening, mainly from Mexico. According to Mr. Kagawa, avocados ripened on trees have a higher oil content, offering a richer and creamier flavor that is truly exceptional.
Avocado cultivation in Japan is still in its infancy, lacking established methods. Mr. Kagawa, serving as the “Kirikomi Taicho” charge commander, embraces the continuous challenges, aiming to demonstrate what can be achieved. He acknowledges the crucial support of his family and the local community, emphasizing, “The cooperation of my family and residents is my emotional backbone. I am eager to increase domestic production and spread the delightful taste of fully ripened avocados.”
Support activities for new avocado farmers
In addition to selling his avocados at the Wakuwaku Square in Sanste Fukuyama, Mr. Kagawa has successfully established sales channels at department stores in Osaka. He extends an invitation, saying, “We are looking for farmers willing to cultivate domestic avocados. We offer free information on cultivation techniques, sales channels, and more. Feel free to reach out for consultation.”
Mr. Kagawa’s dedication to avocado cultivation reflects his passion for quality and his commitment to contributing to the growth of domestic production. As the “forerunner,” he strives to make avocados a staple in Japan, one tree at a time.
Words from Japanese
・Kirikomi Taicho（Charge commander. It means someone who challenges the field as a pioneer.）
