Fukushima Organic Cotton Project
Iwaki, Fukushima, Japan · Operator: 一般社団法人ふくしまオーガニックコットンプロジェクト
Overview
The Fukushima Organic Cotton Project grows native brown cotton organically on abandoned farmland in Iwaki, hit by post-nuclear-accident reputational harm, as a reconstruction effort. Over 5,000 volunteers and companies have taken part, aiming to give farmers new income and revive the area.
Citizen participation
In Iwaki, where reputational harm after the nuclear accident discouraged food crops, the project has since one year after the disaster grown native brown cotton, a 'non-edible crop', organically on abandoned farmland. Over 5,000 volunteers and companies from across Japan have joined since FY2012.
Operating model
A reconstruction project that returns cotton revenues to grower farmers; companies and NGOs such as Lush and Bridgestone Sports support it via organic-cotton products, and it incorporated as a general association in 2021.
Impact
It reclaimed about 3 hectares of abandoned land and, with volunteers from across Japan, created new income for farmers. Recognized with a Ministry of the Environment Good Life Award, it is cited as a leading disaster-recovery and community-building case.
Land tenure
Abandoned farmland in and around the city is leased for organic cotton growing.
Crops
- cotton
Scale
30,000 m² — いわき市内外約23カ所・計約3haの耕作放棄地で在来種の茶綿を有機栽培。
Sources（2）
This entry is compiled from the public sources, official sites and research below.
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