The IEEE Tokyo Section Life Member Affinity Group (LMAG-Tokyo), the Special Interest Group on Humanitarian Technology (SIGHT), the Technical Program Committee (TPC), and the Education Activity Group (EAG) jointly organized a technical tour to visit SAGAMICO FARM Inc., a solar power generation facility in Kanagawa Prefecture in Japan. The event was attended by 24 people of various generations, including LMAG members and their families.
This farm offered a unique opportunity for participants to gain practical knowledge and firsthand experience in “agrivoltaics,” the innovative practice of using land for both solar energy production and agriculture. The farm, a trailblazer in futuristic agriculture, produces food and energy through solar sharing and automates irrigation and fertilization. Its commitment to community collaboration and coexistence was recognized with the Mayor’s Award at the Sagamihara SDGs Award 2023. Participants also had the chance to attend a lecture titled “How to solve social issues through business? Renewable Energy x Agriculture x Local Community.”
Blueberries and Solar Panels
After the visit to SAGAMICO FARM, the tour continued with a hands-on harvesting experience at a nearby natural farm, “Abio-Farm.” This part of the tour was designed to actively engage participants and provide insights into various sustainable agriculture practices. Abio-Farm, with its focus on creating a sustainable society through the production of seasonal vegetables and fruits using low-impact cultivation methods, offered a unique and engaging experience.
The tour of the farms was not only enjoyable but also provided visitors with experiences and insights that they would not usually have. It was a visit filled with meaningful discoveries and realizations, inspiring participants to think differently about the intersection of technology, sustainability, and community.
