-Life as a Farmer in Japan-
Introducing
Thomas Kloepfer is the Owner and Operator of Pitchfork Farms located on Mukaishima in Onomichi city, Hiroshima Japan. He has used organic, natural, and regenerative farming techniques to revitalize a once abandoned hillside orchard overlooking the Seto-in-land sea.
Professional Background
Before coming to Japan he studied Sustainable Development: Agroecology and outdoor experiential education in Boone, North Carolina.
Early Inspiration
During his studies at Appalachian State, he discovered Fukuoka Masanobu a natural farmer who wrote the One Straw Revolution. Fukuoka described farming that took a minimalist approach to farming, one that didn’t require fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, and even tilling of the soil.
Inspiration to Action
Inspired by this book, he visited Japan in 2010 for an internship to possibly learn some of these techniques and see if Japan was a place he could eventually settle within.
In 2011, Thomas moved to Japan as an English teacher and began his farm project as hobby farm. The small plot gradually grew over the course of ten years and has now become the base of his operations today.
Pitchfork Farms
Currently Pitchfork Farms cultivates over 80 varieties of vegetables between a diverse fruit orchard. Thomas is also engaged with running a CSA (community supported Agriculture) subscription service.
Further, he sells his produce online, hosts tours and workshops, and trains people who are interested in growing food. The farm also raises chickens, ducks, pigs, and sheep as part of the very diverse eco-system that makes up Pitchfork Farms.
Reasons to Listen
This talk offers up a look at a lifestyle that is traditional in nature but is covered with a Japanese all-natural farming twist.
This will be a talk worth listening to for:
- those interested in knowing more about just how diverse and varied the life of farming can truly be
- those curious about the practicalities of being a farmer in a foreign country
- those who are looking for tips on how they too can explore the idea of pursuing a farming life
Listeners will come away with insights on:
- being a natural farmer in Japan
- what lead him down the path to farming and doing so in Japan
- what distinguishes the experience of farming in Japan as a foreigner
- a day in the life of Thomas while working and managing Pitchfork Farms
- effects of climate change on farming as per what Thomas has observed and his strategy for managing such challenge
- an oral description of Thomas’ farm
- unique opportunities Thomas has experienced as a foreigner living and working a farm in Japan
- what being a farmer and all that encompasses has come to mean to Thomas
- rewards and challenges of farm life
- Thomas’ relationship with technology when it comes to farming
- Thomas’ plans for his farm moving forward
- much more!
A Memorable Quote from the Episode:
“A farm or garden can often be a reflection of what’s going on in our lives. If things are getting hectic personally, then sometimes the garden feels hectic too. At the same time, when the garden is in good shape and looking good and you’re feeling more and more confident in it and what’s going on, that’s a huge takeaway from that interaction.”
-Thomas Kloepfer
Check out the Video Conversation:
For those who desire to view the full video conversation of this discussion, you can do so via Youtube.
Discover More
For those interested in learning more about Thomas and his work, be sure to check him out at his website or on the following platforms:
Keep Listening!
I hope you enjoyed the episode. For more, check out additional episodes here!
