Asia Pacific Natural Agriculture Network · respects and offer gratitude to Rev. Tetsuo Watanabe, President of Sekai Kyusei Kyo and Rev. M. Kobayashi, Head of the EM Laboratory and

Asia Pacific Natural Agriculture NetworkAsia Pacific Natural Agriculture NetworkAsia Pacific Natural Agriculture NetworkAsia Pacific Natural Agriculture NetworkAsia Pacific Natural Agriculture NetworkContact : APNAN Kularb Apartment, 29 Soi Suparat, Phahonyothin Road

Samsennai, Phayathai, Bangkok 10400 ThailnadTel ++66-2-272-7061 Fax ++66-2-616-6022

E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.apnan.org

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ISSN - 0858-11363

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“Conventional and established methods of farming do not consider the value of soil –the most essential element of soil is not cared for and these methods tend to over emphasizechemical fertilizers, which are only supplements. Plants need soil to survive and hencethe soil needs to be nurtured”.

(Mokichi Okada 1882 – 1955) (Adapted from The Light from the East)

APNAN is sponsored by

SKK EMROINFRC

ASIA PACIFIC NATURAL AGRICULTURE NETWORK……….

Our little network, huddled within the Kularb Apartments in Saphan Khwai, Bangkok, Thailand, was first establishedin 1989 with 13 member nations, and funded by the International Nature Farming Research Center, Atami, Japan,through the generous support of the Sekai Kyusei Kyo, Japan and Thailand. The mandate given at its inception wasto elucidate the scientific basis and validity of Nature Farming and the technology of Effective Microorganisms, whichwas integrated into the concepts of Nature Farming.From small beginnings, APNAN moved on with its duties to facilitate research, information, producing EM, advisingall interested on Nature Farming•and training people from all walks of life. The network helped organize majorconferences on Kyusei Nature Farming in four continents and was instrumental in presenting the identity of NatureFarming at international fora such as the IFOAM conferences. The network was also responsible for planting seedsof interest on the technology of Effective Microorganisms in all continents of the world and today EM is beingblended into even chemical systems to reduce pollution to help preserve the environment for future generations, asadvocated by Mokichi Okada, the founder of Nature Farming principles.The network also provides training on Nature Farming and EM technology to interested groups, using the excellentfacilities offered at Sara Buri Nature Farming Center, managed by the Sekai Kyusei Kyo of Thailand. Information isdisseminated, and the Newsletter produced thrice a year among a readership spanning all continents.The network is run by a few staff and volunteers and is considered efficient. Today it is sponsored by the EMResearch Organization of Okinawa, the INFRC of Atami, Japan and is supported by the Sekai Kyusei Kyo of Japanand Thailand.

All interested in the work of the network – please contact its office at

APNAN,Kularb Apartment, 29 Soi Suparat, Phahonyothin Road,Samsennai, Phayathai, Bangkok 10400 Thailand.

Phone: +66 2 272 7061 Fax : +66 2 616 6022 Email : apnanmail @yahoo.co.jpWebsite: www.apnan.org

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Volume 19 (1) January - April 2008

THE EDITOR’S NOTE........

ANOTHER YEAR BEGINS………….As this our little network, the Asia Pacific NaturalAgricultural Network wanders along its chosen pathway,nearly the completion of its 19th year of existence, theeditor, alone in the office on a public holiday in the RoyalKingdom that is our home, thinks of the history withhappiness and to some extent with skepticism. However– when all the good and the bad that we have experiencedare placed on a balance – the good outweighs the bad in asignificant manner, which in turn, makes all associatedwith us happy and contented.The mandate of APNAN today is to present NatureFarming and EM technology the region and to anyonewho is interested. The presentation of EM technology toall who wish to learn is easy as there is much evidence interms of both research and practical experience. Thepractice came first, followed by research from many partsof the world. The first research came from Asia and morespecifically from APNAN itself – and later verydistinguished universities from regions of Europe, Asia,Oceania and the Americas proved the success of EM. Incontrast, the information on the application of NatureFarming is lacking to the same extent – The philosophy ofNature Farming as stated by Mokichi Okada is acceptedwithout question – However when we discuss theapplication – often we are posed with the question – Howcan one adopt it? This is often the case when APNANholds its workshops too – where participants requestinformation on the practicalities of Nature Farming. Wedo realize that there are books in Japanese – and thus weneed to get this valuable information translated intoUniversal languages such as English and German –especially because nations using these languages haveadopted EM technology in a significant manner – andNature Farming and EM technology coexist in a veryharmonious manner like the microbes in EM!!At this time, we at APNAN request through this editorialto our sponsors, the INFRC to provide us with thisinformation, to blend it into our training workshops. Thedemand for knowledge is growing and today with theelectronic media, the websites can also be upgraded withthis information – on the application of Nature Farmingto agriculture and its role in environmental management.This should be our goal within the next 24 months – toproduce some literature in English on Nature Farming, tohold workshops on Nature farming and promote thissystem of farming as we do EM technology. We assureour sponsors that we will do this job well – as an arm ofthe INFRC, and thus requests its support.One other factor that has surfaced and needs addressingby APNAN is the rivalry that is being developed – amongstthe users of EM as well. Nature Farming and EMtechnology, which we promote, coexist harmoniouslyworking to develop a better place for us humankind andall forms of life, while providing sufficient quantities ofhealthy food. However, we often hear of partners whocoexisted parting ways – purely because of greed andjealousy – which are two causes for destruction ofhumankind from the time that the humans were born onthis planet earth. We are told of breaking up or our partnerswho at one time worked together - rivalries betweenorganizations - fighting for EM and its rights – just likelittle children fighting for a sweet!! We implore to thesepeople – that Nature Farming relies on respect for natureand its components and the success of EM lies in itsability to get the selected species of microbes to coexist inan not too pleasant acidic environment!! Let us take theseas examples, learn from them and work together, sharingthe benefits and most importantly, like the staff at this

little network – be happy that we are making this world abetter place for humankind and all life forms on earth.As we step into this year, we as usual wish to express oursincere gratitude to all those who guide and help us –International Nature Farming Research Center in Atami,Japan and the EM Research Organization in Okinawa,who sponsor and support us– and especially the SekaiKyusei Kyo of Thailand, and it’s President, Revd. DaihoKasahara for their permission to use the Paradise on Earth– Sara Buri. Mr. Kanit Muangnil and our dear MasanobuSakurai, who help us in the workshops, trainings andwith visitors – we say - Thank you. We also pay ourrespects and offer gratitude to Rev. Tetsuo Watanabe,President of Sekai Kyusei Kyo and Rev. M. Kobayashi,Head of the EM Laboratory and Board member of SekaiKyusei Kyo, for their diligent support and guidance andexpect them to contribute through advice to us at all times.This is invaluable to us. Gratitude is expressed to thePresident and Board of Directors of EM ResearchOrganization in Okinawa for their ever-willing supportand advice. We say a big thank you to Rev. K. Amano,Chairman, Board of Directors of INFRC, Mr. T.Harakawa, Senior Managing Director of INFRC, Mr.Junichi Yuzuriha, Managing Director, Mr. A. Ito, ManagerExtension of INFRC, Mr. H. Okubo, Head of theInternational Section of INFRC and of course our dearPresident and Mrs. Higa and our ex senior and generaltechnical officers – who help us and think of us at alltimes.APNAN is small but efficient - Over 19 years we havedone well – but we never rest on our laurels and are movingahead – even with difficulties encountered on the way. Weare progressive and hard working – and have tried our bestto offer the best service that we can to our contacts, andfriends. When asked how are we so successful – we alwayssay - that the key to the success has been our low profilebut the diligence that we have – this is strength and we atAPNAN office have worked always in harmony andcoexistence for co prosperity. We do have our personaldifferences – this is human – but when working togetherwe emulate the principles of Nature Farming and EM - towork together, combining the strengths of all to achieveour targets and goals. Thus with the tongue in a cheek,the editor and all at APNAN also implore our bosses tostudy our working principles, and then support us toserve humankind – This is our mandate and we will do itwell. Thus in closing, all at

APNAN wishes

OUR FRIENDS, CONTACTS AND READERS AVERY HAPPY, SUCCESSFUL AND PRODUCTIVEYEAR, WHERE ALL ACHIEVE ASPIRATIONS ANDTARGETS.

APNAN, Bangkok, ThailandMay 2008.

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The Cover page presents activities over the last fourmonths – The pictures from the from top left corner ina clockwise manner depict Prof. Dr. Higa with theCambodian Minister, The participants of theInternational Workshop, The vehicle for promotingNature Farming and EM in Cambodia and a Lecturein progress at the INFRC, Japan, respectively.


THE HIGHLIGHTS OF THE SEASON…!

CAMBODIA HOSTS APNAN PRESIDENT ANDINFRC VIP

The Royal Government of Cambodia, and ourcounterparts, the NKA welcomed APNAN President,Professor Dr. Teruo Higa, Mr. Akio Ito, Head of theExtension Department of INFRC and a delegation inJanuary to visit EM sites and hold bilateral meetings todevelop Nature Farming and EM technology further inour neighboring land. This visit, undertaken over two daysin early January, paved the way for our president to meetwith their Excellencies the Ministers for the Environment,Finance and Economy of the Royal Government ofCambodia. As this country was a recent addition to ournetwork, the presence of Mr. Ito was strength to us, asthe INFRC helps us in our activities, especially inCambodia, which is developing Nature Farming amongthe poor and rural farmers of the nation, which is a mandateof the INFRC.The meeting held with the officials of the RoyalCambodian Government was very fruitful – to developthe technology that we promote to help the agriculturaland environmental sector of Cambodia. The meetings withthe NKA also helped develop organizational structures –to enable us work together in a more cordial manner. Thevisit also enabled Professor Dr. Higa and the delegationhold a workshop in the garrisons of the Royal Cambodianarmy – and inform them of the potential of EM technologyfor the development of their programs.APNAN is pleased that the program of activitiesundertaken in the Royal Kingdom of Cambodia isdeveloping at a significant pace – thanks to the help ofboth our sponsors, the INFRC of Atami, and EMRO ofOkinawa. We at APNAN initiated activities in Cambodiamany years ago, but again due to the lack of propercoordination and follow up, it was not very successful –and later over the last few years, the program has grownagain, much to our satisfaction. We do thank ourcounterparts the NKA and its dynamic head – Ms.Sovanly, who despite many other obligations has takenEM and Nature Farming as a personal responsibility, andalso our sponsors, the INFRC and EMRO for facilitatingthese developments – We will offer our support to the

best of our ability – as we always believe that like inNature Farming and EM, coexistence and co-prosperityare the key tools for success in expanding thesetechnologies to humankind. We also look forward toreporting future developments of the completion of anew building and initiative programs of the NKA in thefuture issues of this newsletter.We thank Prof. Dr. Higa and Mr. Ito for taking time tovisit our contact nations – your presence is a strength andhope that you will visit all our contacts at least once in 24months! This will make our work easier!!

INFRC HOLDS THE KYOTO FESTIVAL ONNATURE FARMINGThe International Nature Farming Research Center, whichis one of our principal sponsors, hosts an annualconvention in the ancient heritage city of Kyoto on anannual basis to promote Nature Farming and EMtechnology to the Japanese public. This year too, thisconvention was organized by the INFRC from the 16 –17th February at the Convention Center of Kyoto. Thisyear, it was the 13th conference, as this was initiated in1995, which is 6 years after the inception of this littlenetwork!!The convention drew in a mammoth crowd of 1100participants for the main forum and over 700 for theagriculture program, which is a highlight of this convention.We are told that as always, the convention was a successand this year, it was very special in that the themedeveloped was “Seeking a life that learns from nature”,with a sub theme of “ Leave a clean planet for our childrenand grandchildren”!!The convention of the INFRC has drawn much attentionat the present time, as the Government of Japan is now

concentrating on organic farming as a tool for sustainableagriculture. Thus, EM has been identified as an essentialcomponent of this program and hence its importance ispromoted on a national scale due to the success of NatureFarming with this technology. We are told that theMinistry of Agriculture, Forestory and Fisheries of Japanhas promoted the development of organic model towns,and the Chief of the Sustainable Aggriculture Office of theMinistry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japanspoke at the panel discussion of the convention and stated

The Kyoto conference

Prof Higa and Mr Ito meetCambodian Minister

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that organic farming will pave the way for the developmentof an innovative evolution of Japanese agriculture.Due to the emphasis paid on organic farming, thepresentations at the convention in Kyoto clearlyhighlighted that the use of Nature Farming with EMtechnology is developing systems of sustainable arablefarming to provide safe food at a low cost in a sustainablemanner! This system also helps us to pro-actively promotehuman health, develop a cleaner environment, preservenature and develop a system of food production thathelps retain our natural resources. This was the conceptthat the great philosopher Mokichi Okada presented andtoday is becoming widely accepted. We do anticipate theday when organic farming or more importantly NatureFarming with EM technology, which is promoted by theINFRC will become a household word in Japan and in thewhole of the Asian region and then globally. We at APNANare very happy to be a part of this program as we promotethis technology in the region and in other nations too. Wehave made significant progress and we will do our utmostto maintain our activities with the support of our sponsors,the INFRC and EMRO, along with the close cooperationof our respective partners in the different nations.We do congratulate the INFRC and also its managementfor organizing this event and hope that in the near future– they will think of organizing a similar event on a regionalbasis to expand its mandate of being a real InternationalNature Farming Research Center to help our mandateregion in Asia and thereafter in other continents as well.

MALAYSIANS HOST APNAN PRESIDENTThe month of February was indeed a busy time forProfessor Dr. Higa – our President. Soon after the INFRCConvention in Kyoto, he took wings to Malaysia at theinvitation of our counterparts JAMOF, led by the evergreenMr. Sawada. This time, Prof. Dr. Higa, accompanied byour boss Jun Matsumoto, who loves to travel to Malaysiato meet his friends Mr. Sawada and Mr. Abdullah ofJAMOF, visited the State of Sabah. On arrival at the cityof Kota Kinabalu, Prof. Higa and the team met with theState Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister, DatukMasidi Manjun and discussed the potential of using EMfor overcoming the pollution of the Mamut copper minelocated in the state. The Minister had stated that many

technologies had been used over the years to treat thepollution caused by the mining industry with no successin sight, and thus the state would consider using EM andeven sponsor it to help the environment.Prof. Dr. Higa has emphasized the value of EM and statedthat the technology could help reduce the pollution in 6 –12 months. He advocated the use of EM to help theprocess and thus a Minister has suggested the developmentof a pilot project. If proven successful, the Minister hasstated his willingness to advertise the success and alsouse EM in Sabah state to maintain its natural beauty. Thenewspapers also highlighted this visit significantly andalthough the state government has organized a helicoptertour of the site, inclement weather had prevented thedelegation from undertaking this ride!!We are told that our counterparts JAMOF will initiatethis pilot study and we offer our fullest support – we aresure that with diligent use of EM we can help overcomethe problems of the Mamut copper mines of Sabah.

LINCOLN UNIVERSITY HOLDS EM SEMINARThe New Zealand Nature Farming Society is active inpromoting EM in the land of the Long White Cloud!Thus, as they are based in Christchurch, a close connectionis established between the Biological Husbandry Unit(BHU) of the Lincoln University, which is also using EMand Nature Farming in some experiments. Thus NZNFSwas requested to participate in a seminar held at the BHUand present its activities to the audience – which were adiverse group ranging from scientists to practical farmers.APNAN was also invited to attend and an old hand ofKiwi land visited Lincoln for this event and othersorganized by the NZNFS. The presentation held on a nicesunny afternoon at the BHU was attended by over 40people. The first presentation of the day was by anAmerican Scientist, who was presenting organic pottingmedia developed by them for nurseries – This wassomething that EM could do without much trouble!!Mike Daly of NZNFS who introduced the APNANspeaker initiated the EM session. This presentation wason the international programs on EM and Nature Farming.The current use of EM all over the world was presentedalong with successful case studies. This aroused muchinterest and questions. The next presentation was by MikeDaly who talked of the current EM program in the nation.The final highlight was the presentation by Neville Burt,the owner of NZ Bokashi Co Ltd. His presentation inwaste management through EM technology is becoming ahousehold name, especially in the south island, and hencethe presentation and demonstration by him using samplesof his bokashi drew much attention. We are told that over10,000 kitchen buckets are in use in New Zealand todayand most of this credit must go to Neville Burt and hissmall team doing dynamic work all over the nation.The day ended with a visit to the ever famous HartsCreek farm, judged to be the best organic farm \in NewZealand on many occasions and which now has expandedin the last few months to acquire new fields for organic/Nature Farming/EM projects. As usual, the dynamic TimThe meeting in Malaysia

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Chamberlain of Harts Creek was at hand to explain theirprograms and the use of EM. We wish all these programssuccess and offer our continued support to the NZNFSto expand their activities in Kiwi land and even in theneighboring island nations.

HEAD OF INFRC EXTENSION VISITS FARMS INCAMBODIA

The delightful Mr. Akio Ito, Head of Extension of theInternational Nature Farming Research Center, whichsponsors activities of this little network was in Cambodiawith our President, Prof. Dr. Higa in January this year toobserve the activities that we do in the Royal Kingdom.Thus, after the official meetings with ministers andgovernmental officials, he took time to visit the farms,managed by the NKA, our counterparts, and all of themuse EM. The mango farm visited by Ito Bucho was veryimpressive - where they spray EM, EM5 and EM FPEevery week and hence could harvest high quality mangoesfour times a year, when compared to two harvests earlier!!Ito Bucho was very pleased to see this farm andcongratulated the farm officials and also our staff for theactivities to promote Nature Farming and EM in the RoyalKingdom of Cambodia. We at APNAN are happy thatvery senior officers of INFRC visited us – and we dohope that such visits are made more often to encourage usand also note the activities that we undertake under manydifficulties, but with much success, to promote NatureFarming in our region. Thank you Ito Bucho for coming toThailand and Cambodia and hope that you will visit usmore often – we love to have you to learn from yourexperiences and listen to the nice stories you tell us!!

NORTH ISLAND OF NEW ZEALAND ISINTERESTED IN NATURE FARMING AND EMTECHNOLOGYThe North Island of New Zealand, which principally haslarge dairy, sheep and fruit farms, has been rather slow toadopt Nature Farming and EM – principally because ofthe location of NZNFS in the South Island. The NZNFShas been consolidating itself in the South Island and nowhas begun programs in the north, especially with the helpof Neville Burt of NZ Bokashi. Thus, the NZNFS had

arranged several seminars and meetings when APNANvisited Kiwi land. The program was centered around thebusiness capital of New Zealand, Auckland and inparticular, the North Shore City Council, which managesan exclusive suburb of the city. A meeting was held withthe waste management unit of the city council, which wasvery keen to use EM for their garden wastes and garbage– as is done in Christchurch. The discussion was verywell accepted by the engineer who will test EM in thevery near future.The seminar that evening was in an exclusive club, attendedby many – all representing environmentally supportiveorganizations. They were all interested in learning aboutEM. The City council had put on a special evening withdrinks and lots of yummy finger food too!!The seminars followed the same theme of APNANpresenting the international situation, highlighting theworldwide use of EM and Nature Farming,- this wasdeliberately done to show that the technologies promotedby us are widely adaptable and that Kiwi land is not alonein this field. The presentation by NZNFS was on thesuccess of EM in New Zealand, where they showed itsversatile use. Again, the highlight was the presentation byNeville – who showed that EM bokashi can really be theanswer to household organic wastes – and showed manyinteresting case studies using the bokashi buckets.The next day – it was on the exclusive resort of WaihikiIsland, which is working hard to maintain its green identity.This resort island has many exclusive restaurants andvineyards and they are in the process of developing aself-sustaining environment, where they even use storerainwater without bringing any water from the mainland.The program was organized at the Mudbrick Restaurant,which is an exclusive venue on Waihiki Island, by GlendaAndrews-Neal of Waihiki Waste Resources Trust. Thisrestaurant recycles all its wastes in large bins on the gardensand the compost made with EM is used very successfullyin growing their own green vegetables and herbs, whichform a part of the beautiful landscape. One could even seethe chef coming to cut the herbs for the daily menus!!Moreover, there is no smell at all.. making it an idealexample of organic waste management with EM.

Ito Bucho on a Cambodian Farm

The New Zealand participants

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The two seminars held that morning and afternoon wereattended by over 50 people per session.. all interested inNature Farming and EM for their use either in their ownhomes, industries or in the small vineyards on the island,which all have waste management problems.There were many questions – on the efficacy of EM to itssuccess internationally and in New Zealand. The threepresenters did an excellent job – and thus there was muchenthusiasm. We do realize the potential and hence wehope that these participants will act as agents to spreadNature Farming and EM in the North Island at a muchfaster rate than it was done in the South Island!! However,APNAN has been requested to send its representativeagain next year.. which we accept as a sign of our capabilityto promote EM and Nature Farming in New Zealand – aland that is very keen on preserving its pristineenvironment. Dear friends of NZNFS. We will help alwaysas usual and wish you the very best for the expansion ofNature Farming and EM in Kiwi land!!

HAPPENINGS AND TRAVEL IN THE 4MONTHS…………

PROFESSOR DR. HIGA TRANSITS IN THAILANDOur dear President, Prof. Dr. Higa is a busy man.. anddoes not rest on his laurels, even though he is retired fromactive service at the University of the Ryukyus! Thus onhis way to the Royal Kingdom of Cambodia, he transitedin our host nation – the Royal Kingdom of Thailand fortwo very busy days visiting EM sites!!On arrival on the 6th January, he attended the openingceremony of the EM training center at Chon Buri – Thisunit, developed by the Electricity Generating Authorityof Thailand (EGAT) which uses a substantial quantity ofEM in their daily activities and for farming, is basicallyused to train the rural poor farmers. The training centercontains rice fields, croplands, animal units, fish farmsand charcoal production units, all using EM. At theopening ceremony, our president made the key noteaddress – where he spoke of the developments that havetaken place with Nature Farming and EM in the RoyalKingdom of Thailand, from the early 1980’s, and theprogress APNAN has made with the guidance of bothINFRC and EMRO over the past 19 years. He alsoemphasized that using EM in daily life will be the solutionto problems of pollution and food scarcity faced byhumankind – and gave some glaring examples of the successof EM all over the world.. This impressed the audienceand there were many queries on the success of EM andNature Farming – and our dear President providedconvincing replies with examples from Thailand!!!The ceremony ended with a sumptuous lunch made withproducts of the farm – all from Nature Farming with EMtechnology. We are informed by our boss Jun Matsumotothat the participants enjoyed the meal and stated howfresh and tasty the food was.. and that the tastes were notmasked by the hot spices found in the Thai cuisine!!Moreover, our President had been very pleased to see alarge portrait of himself hanging in the center of the

decorations of the opening ceremony.. with his ambientsmile on his face!!The transit stop to Thailand paved the way for Prof. Dr.Higa to visit a large poultry farm – which raises broilersfor the Bangkok market. The farm had significant problemsof odor due to the wastewater, chicken manure and thewastes from the carcasses – all of which caused the lodgingof many complaints by the neighbors. Thus, they beganusing EM – both EMAS and bokashi on the guidance ofEM Kyusei, which manages EM in the Royal Kingdom.The use of EM has brought about significant changes -where the principal problem of odor has been reduced toa great extent. This success has made the management ofthe farm use EM continuously – and the effects of EMare developing - where the environmental quality is beingenhanced. Although there was some odor during the visitof the APNAN President and the delegation, the adviceoffered by Prof. Dr. Higa impressed the farm management– and they promised to use more EM effectively toovercome their problems.APNAN is very pleased that our President takes time tohelp our contacts during these visits. His dynamism, whichhas not declined over the years, is an asset andencouragement to us and more importantly to thepractitioners of Nature Farming and EM technology. Thisboosts us too and our contacts – and thus enables us towork harder to promote Nature Farming and EM in ourmandate region and in other regions as well.Thank you Prof. Dr. Higa – please do help us in the futureas well by undertaking such visits- although you havesupposedly retired!!

HIGA ALUMNI OF THE UNIVERSITY OF THERYUKYUS HOLD MEETING!!!The retirement of Professor Dr. Teruo Higa from theUniversity of Ryukyus in March 2007 has not deterredstudents from pursuing research on Nature Farming andEM Technology!! Thus, there are many students wantingto conduct research – and this is an obstacle, which theUniversity of the Ryukyus cannot fill.. even to promotethis Okinawan technology! However, the last of theMasters students of our President completed their degreesin March this year.. they had registered in 2006 andcompleted their research. This was a grand occasion…andmost of the Higa alumni attended this memorable occasion– to hear the presentations of Seicho Oshiro and RyoichiFukui. Oshiro san presented his research on the use ofEM for managing waste from alcohol distilleries. Theprocess of fermentation of the waste with EM made itinto excellent organic fertilizer, thus promoting soilaggregation, erosion control and plant growth. This wasvery interesting research as there is waste material indistilleries, which are dumped, thus polluting theenvironments. The research also will offer much supportto the work going on in managing vineyard wastes inEurope – and all interested in this research please contactthe research section of EMRO.The presentation of Fukui san was based on zero tillagewith EM and the use of EM7 ( a new product of EM lab.)

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for pest management. The thesis illustrated that the useof EM 7 prevented pest damage to vegetables and alsoincreased their sugar content and dry weights. Thisresearch thus compliments the work in Australia withsugar cane, where the use of EM increased sugar contentsof cane and also yields.This was indeed interesting and very appropriate researchfor Nature Farming and EM Technology that we promote.Thus, we hope that at least EMRO will continue thisprogram – and that the University of Meio whereProfessor Dr. Higa is the Director of the EM technologyCenter will offer masters programs to support thestudents. We also hope that the University of theRyukyus, which offered so many masters programs inEM technology and which brought it fame will continueto offer this program to future students as well.However, the most important thing at this alumni meetingand presentations had been the meal.. A sumptuous mealas always - we too wish we were there to learn and enjoy!

PROFESSOR HIGA JETS AROUND DELIVERINGLECTURES ON EM IN JAPANAs stated, our president is a very busy man!! Even whenin Japan – he has no rest at all.. and is jetting around thenation delivering lectures on EM and promoting NatureFarming and EM. Soon after Malaysia’s tour, Prof. Higawas in Morioka city of the Iwate prefecture for a lecture.We are told that a large gathering was present to hear hisspeak. The next day it was a presentation in Akitaprefecture, which was a successful event. In March it wasin Nagasaki.. all promoting Nature Farming and EMTechnology. We hear that these seminars are real crowdpullers – all to learn EM technology and we hope that ourPresident will keep up the good work in the future, formany many more years to come!!

EMRO USA HOLDS ANNUAL MEETING ANDSEMINARThe annual meeting of EMRO USA, one of our principalcollaborators was held at its headquarters in TucsonArizona in March this year. It was also an occasion forEM America to discuss the developments that have takenplace in the USA and North Americas in general. Our Exboss. Takashi Kyan, who is president of EMRO USAwas at hand after about 22 hrs flying from Bangkok to theUSA – only transiting in Japan, not even stopping to seehis family – especially his 4-month-old son!!Prof. Dr. Higa and President of EMRO, Mr. KatsuyukiAsato were also present to discuss the EM program inthe USA and to answer any questions that have developedover the last 12 months. We are told that the dealers ofEM in USA attended a seminar forum held by the EMAmerica and also discussed future strategies EM andNature Farming activities with the management of EMRO.Dr. Shuichi Okumoto and Ms. Yuri Terry, the residentstaff of EMRO USA were also at hand to clarify anypoints of contention.The main subject discussed the challenge posed by fakeEM makers calling their products with similar sounding

names – and challenging the real products. Steps havebeen taken to sort these problems out, we at APNANwish to inform our friends in the USA that the fakes donot work out, and they fail in the end.. However we cannot be resting on our laurels all the time and prevent thesefakes from proliferating the markets. We need to be strongand dynamic and APNAN has enough experience dealingwith such people.Thus EMRO USA – if help is wanted please inform us –we will always offer support .. as we would like a holidayin Tucson admiring the Cacti!!

AN AMAZING ORGANIC HOME GARDEN INAUCKLAND!!APNAN, during its visit to Auckland took time to visitthe home of Ken and his wife Mabel (Mr. and Mrs. KamChiu Ng of 148Burnswood Drive,Auckland), who hadmigrated to NewZealand from China.The visit was arrangedby the evergreenEstella Lee, a leader ofthe Chinesecommunity ofAuckland, who ispromoting EM andthe bokashi buckets.The home garden ofthis family is all-organic and usesbokashi and EMsuccessfully.The garden was inexcellent shape andwhat was amazing was the growth of the cucurbits!! Therewas one gherkin type, which was over 2 meters long!!The proud home gardeners were taking measurements –and were keeping this fruit as a show piece of their success!They also offered the use of this garden as a model forEM and Nature Farming home gardens next year.. whenworkshops will be held for this community, which is verykeen in growing their own vegetables. The two evergreenhome gardeners told us that they could grow all theirtropical vegetables with EM and Bokashi, thereby provingits success and adaptability.We do congratulate these two dynamic people Ken andhis dear wife Mabel for the keenness shown and wishthem all the very best for promoting EM and NatureFarming in their community. As promised – APNAN hastheir pictures in this Newsletter – and please do contactus for any future help. We will support your activities.

THE UNIVERSITY OF NATURAL RESOURCES ANDAPPLIED SCIENCES OF VIENNA GRANTS ADOCTORATE FOR EM RESEARCHThe University of Natural Resource and Applied Sciencesof Vienna, more famously known as BOKU has been

The proud gardener Ken

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working on Nature Farming and EM technology for manyyears, primarily due to the dynamic efforts of our contactin Austria – Multikraft. Thus, with support fromMultikraft, a student R Ndona of the Department ofApplied Plant Sciences and Plant Biotechnologyundertook a research project to improve the quality oftomato under protected cultivation, using EM technology.This project, which took over three years, showed thattomato germination and growth was enhanced by EM andproduced greater marketable yields. The occurrence ofblossom end rot disease was much less in EM and EMmineral treated plots. This was due to higher chlorophyllcontent in EM treated plants. Detailed analyses of plantsshowed greater signs of stress in the non EM treatedplants and the better growth yield and quality of EMtreated plants was attributed to a better environmentdeveloped the technology.We congratulate the student for a good study and thereceipt of the Doctoral degree – we are also grateful forthe initiative taken by BOKU to undertake this researchand to Multikraft for supporting this activity. Details ofthe study could be obtained from the Department wherethe study was conducted – the thesis is in German – butthere is an English abstract!!!

SUCCESSFUL GOAT MANAGEMENTHIGHLIGHTED IN THE MALAYSIAN PRESSA small farm located in Parit Jabong Darat, Batu Pahat inMalaysia has about 450 goats and uses EM technologyfor making silage and for waste management. At first, theneighbors had objected to the establishment of this goatfarm, which raised animals for milk, mainly due to thepossible odors. However, after much research EM wasthe best solution to the problems of flies, diseases andpests and for odor control.The farm today raises goats imported from New Zealanddue to the very high demand for milk. The use of EM hasmaintained hygiene, the health of goats and raised yieldsand quality. The use of EM in silage making also hasproved to be successful and the technology, which is beingpromoted by the State Agriculture, Agro based industry,Regional development, Arts, Culture and Heritagecommittee is proving to be a winner as it is a basis ofbiotechnology. All this was highlighted in the New StraitTimes of Malaysia, the leading Newspaper of the regionand which is widely read in Johor state, where all this ishappening.This has been possible due to the active promotion ofEM by our counterpart Mr. Sawada of JAMOF and histeam and we are grateful to them for promoting EM inMalaysia.

BOKASHI NEW ZEALAND DEVELOPSEDUCATION POSTERS ON EM TECHNOLOGYNew Zealand has a very enterprising Kiwi. Typical kiwiingenuity of our dear Neville Burt has set the ball rollingfor making bokashi very popular in New Zealand. Thebokashi made by Bokashi.co in the South Island is nowsold in a package with the NZ made bokashi buckets in

most stores advocating ecological life styles. For example,the Ecostore in Auckland also sells these and promotesbokashi for households. Neville tells us that bokashi isalso used at times for wastewater treatment and evenanimal feed. He uses the best possible ingredients – allfrom Kiwi land for his bokashi and to date in conjunctionwith NZ Nature Farming Societies has sold over 10,000bokashi units in different sizes.The use of bokashi is so popular among the ecologicallyminded Kiwis that EM is also being promoted alongside –which are real co existence and co prosperity. Due to thedemand for training by users, Neville has developed manyposters to educate the public on the use of bokashi forcomposting and using this material for cropping.All interested .. Please go to the websitewww.bokashi.co.nz – You will be surprised to see theuseful information that you could find... It is indeededucative!!!!Thanks Neville for this work and we wish to greatersuccess and offer you support to strengthen your activitiesin the future.

VRM OF AUSTRALIA HOSTS NAGAMINE SANThe EM programin Australia ismoving ahead at avery rapid pace,thanks to thedynamism of KenBellamy, the bossof the company.Although therewere manychanges in VRMover the last year,the work has gone on, with many interesting developmentsand innovations. These have even been recognized by theGovernment of Australia and especially the State ofQueensland, where VRM is situated. The projects of carboncrediting with the use of EM and the adoption of NatureFarming are drawing significant interest. All these meanthat VRM wants more and more EM and advice on NatureFarming, as their workload and programs are expanding!Koki Nagamine thus traveled to Queensland in Februaryto help out and make EM – He told us that this was hisfirst experience in this island continent and he was lookingforward to a nice cool climate in the temperate regions ofAustralia!! On arrival in Townsville via Brisbane, he wasshocked – to feel the heat of the Australian summer!However, on the first day, he procured all materialsrequired for making EM with the help of VRM staff.. andthen proceeded to the place of stay in VRM!!Due to the high temperatures in the cool climates ofTownsville…..he used the air conditioner the whole night.. only to end up with fever the next morning!!This meant a well-earned rest for a day!! Our Koki is astrong man and thus had attended to his work the followingday – making the EM for VRM with the VRM boss KenBellamy at hand to give the required support!!

The host Ken Bellamy

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Koki san also took time to visit some EM sites – wherewastewater of sugar mills is being treated with EM. Thesuccess was clearly visible – Earlier the wastewater couldnot be reused .. but no after EM, it is being recycled andthus a very scarce resource in this part of the world isbeing put into good use – showing the world what EMcan do to minimize the wastage of water!!We are very glad that VRM is taking this initiative andpromoting EM and Nature Farming. This is our mandateand when our partners do this job well with minimalsupport from us and at no cost – this makes us at APNANhappy as well. We do offer our congratulations to VRMand Ken – for the great work and look forward to hearingof their successes in June this year.

KOKI VISITS CAMBODIA TO PROMOTE NATUREFARMINGThe visit of APNAN President and the Head of Extensionof INFRC, Mr. Akio Ito to Cambodia has spurred ourcounterparts the NKA and its lively head, Mrs. Sovanlyto promote Nature Farming on a more sustained andvigorous manner. Thus the requirement for EM is growingrapidly in Cambodia and due to the large quantities made,the quality has to be checked periodically and advice onits use given.Koki Nagamine visited the Royal Kingdom in late Aprilthis year to check the quality of EM and also travel tosome Nature Farms. He also visited the mango farm thathosted Mr. Ito in January. This farm, which uses EM, hasa harvest of some 33 tons per year! Earlier with chemicalfarming, he never obtained more that 20 Mt per annum!!This is over a 50% increase – and more importantly, thereis a lower incidence of pests and diseases. The successlies in that he uses sprays of EM, EMFPE and EM5 on aregular basis and applies bokashi to his trees. The bokashiis made using chicken and cattle manures, rice husk andbran and other waste materials. The bokashi, which ismade in 15 – 28 days, is added around the mango treesregularly. This program was started in 2006 when he heardof EM over the television and radio and transformed hisfarm to an organic system using EM. Today he is convincedthat Nature Farming and EM is the key to the success offarming in Cambodia and wishes to promote it further.We are happy of this development – that Nature Farmingand EM is fast developing in our neighboring nation ofCambodia. As stated earlier, this program would not havesucceeded of not for the work of the NKA, headed by thelively Ms. Sovanly – who while Koki san was there tooktime off to deliver their second baby as well. We wonderif Koki Nagamine will be the godfather of this child!!We at APNAN are very keen that the program in theRoyal Kingdom of Cambodia succeeds – and hence willoffer our maximum support to this program.

APNAN HOLDS ANOTHER SUCCESSFULINTERNATIONAL WORKSHOPThe international workshops of APNAN are in populardemand – and we are compelled to hold it twice a year atthe excellent Nature Farming Training Center at Sara Buri.

Thus a workshop was held in February this year where38 participants from nine nations attended. The range ofcountries varied from Japan in the east through ThePhilippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, India, Bhutan,to South Africa and Britain. It also included an EMROstaff member Mr. Nishibuchi, who was serving as a JOCVvolunteer in Vietnam.All participants gathered as usual in Bangkok and traveledto Sara Buri, where they were welcomed by the Head ofthe Center, Mr. Kanit Muangnil and his able assistant,Mr. Sakurai. The usual program of excellent training wasoffered by our staff Jun Matsumoto, Koki Nagamine andYujiro Sano and the highlights were the practical exposurethat the trainees obtained at the farm. As usual, theworkshop ended with the part hosted by the Sara Buricenter with its lively entertainment offered by Mr.Muangnil and his staff, and also the field trip.The rating given by the participants was as usual Excellent– This time it was special coming from an experiencedhand in EM technology - Nishibuchi san.!!! While we patour backs on the success.. we also hope to improve thestandards and hope that we will succeed in this venture.All interested in future programs – please contact us – thenext workshop is in July this year!!!

INFRC PROMOTES NATURE FARMING IN JAPANTHROUGH NOVEL PROGRAMS

The INFRC of Atami, Japan, which has the mandate toresearch and promote Nature Farming in Japan and theworld, has developed a novel program to extend itsactivities domestically. Its extension department, headedby Mr. Akio Ito, who has a vision for the INFRC, hasthus started a program to educate the Japanese public andtrain them in Nature Farming via the development oforganic or Nature Farming kitchen gardens, using householdwastes and EM. This program is fully supported by theJapanese Government, which is also promoting organicfarming among its citizens.The INFRC also offers three licentiates to educators ofNature Farming and certifies organic products. These rangefrom Garden Advisors, Model Farmers and AgriculturalInstructors – all of whom are trained in Nature Farming tobe able to become lecturers in the subject. The objective

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A successful NatureFarm in Japan


of this exercise is to develop a group of people capable ofpromoting Nature Farming among the people of Japanand also overseas. We are happy that the INFRC isundertaking this mission in Japan, and hope that thetraining material that is used be given to us to develop aprogram in English. The world is asking for informationon Nature Farming – the philosophy of this practice isknown as books of the teachings of Mokichi Okada areavailable in many languages – but the actual operations ofNature Farming are yet to be presented to the world ininternational languages. Thus as our mandate is also topromote Nature Farming – and EM technology, we tooneed information on how it can best be done.Thus Ito Bucho and all at the Extension Section, pleasehelp us too by providing information on the practicalaspects of Nature Farming and by undertaking research atthe experimental station in Nagano – to tell the world ofthe practice of Nature Farming. This will enable us do ourjob, and as expected, to develop this valid technology toproduce good and a clean environment for humankind.

APNAN PLANS A WORKSHOP IN JUNEOur little network is one, which is accessible to all – andwe like to keep in touch with all our contacts – especiallythose managing the Nature Farming projects and EMprograms in the respective countries of the mandate region.Thus in 2006, our ex boss, Mr. Imamura initiated a plan tohold a workshop for all our contacts in the mandate region.The objective was to regulate EM quality and promotethe technology along with Nature Farming. It was also aforum for people of the different nations to interact andexchange information.The outcome of this meeting was very successful – inthat, we achieved the major objective of regulating EMquality in the region. There was also some exchange ofideas and information. Thus, we at APNAN, under theguidance of our boss Jun Matsumoto are arranging a meetingin June to get all partners in the respective countries toBangkok to hold a two-day workshop. This meeting/workshop is much more valuable than the first attempt,as we will have the management of our sponsors bothINFRC and EMRO with us to give us guidelines on whatwe should be doing- especially as on some occasions theexpectations have clashed!The workshop is also strengthened by the fact that officersmanaging Europe and Africa will also be here to informour contacts and partners how they do their operations.This is especially important, as the technology hasprogressed beyond expectations in Europe.We at APNAN look forward to a very productive meetingand please dear readers – we will inform you of theoutcome in the next newsletter.

ISOFAR AND IFOAM TO BE PRESENTED WITHNATURE FARMING AND EM TECHNOLOGYThe international organic scientific community andpractitioners gather once in three years to discuss andpresent research and development activities at a largescientific and business forum. This is the IFOAM

conference – which now also hosts the scientific conferenceof the International Society for Organic AgricultureResearch (ISOFAR) based in Bonn, Germany. The firstISOFAR scientific congress was held in Australia threeyears ago, along with the IFOAM conference and generalassembly. In Australia, APNAN could only presentpapers and posters at the IFOAM meeting – as there wasskepticism about EM and Nature Farming.However, three years have passed and the next IFOAMcongress and ISOFAR Conference will be held in Modena,Italy in June this year, soon after the APNAN meeting inBangkok. This year, APNAN has progressed and therewill be one poster presented by APNAN staff on thebenefits of EM in composting and an oral presentation byDr. H L Xu of the INFRC on mulching and minimumtillage on the growth of vegetables – in line with NatureFarming. We also hear of a paper that would be presentedby an European author titled The Effectiveness ofEffective Microorganisms!! We wonder what this wouldbe and are prepared for this. This is an importantbreakthrough – that we are able to get papers on NatureFarming and EM into the ISOFAR forum, which isaccepted worldwide as a key link into organic farming.More importantly, for the first time, a paper on thescientific validation of Nature Farming as presented byMokichi Okada will be discussed at the Organic WorldCongress of IFOAM in Modena. This oral presentationhighlights that the principles and guidelines of NatureFarming presented by Mokichi Okada in the 1930 and1940 era can be validated scientifically – using researchdone all over the world. The importance of mimickingnature in agriculture, especially cropping is somethingthat all sustainable programs want to achieve. The possibletoxic effects of animal manures were discussed byMokichi Okada, and are validated by research today. Allthese are presented in this oral paper, which wassubmitted by our member in co authorship with Mr. AkioIto, head of the Extension section of INFRC.We are told that a three-member delegation from INFRCwill attend these meetings to present the papers andposters and we hope that they will uphold the flag ofNature Farming and EM at this very important meeting!!We wish them the best of luck and APNAN is happy thatit is associated with these developments and promotionsof Nature Farming and EM technology!!

BOKU STUDENTS EXPOSED TO NATUREFARMING AND EM TECHNOLOGYThe students of the University of Natural Resources andApplied Sciences (BOKU) of Vienna Austria have theoption of following a course on tropical organic farming,offered by the Institute of Organic Farming, headed byProfessor Dr. Ir Bernhard Freyer, who is a well-knownprofessor for organic farming in Europe. In this program,a block course is offered by one of our staff memberstitled tropical organic spice, fruit and vegetable productionfor 12 – 14 hours. During this course, many examples ofNature Farming and EM Technology are taken and theNature farm at Sara Buri, which produces tropical spices,

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vegetables and fruits organically. This motivates thestudents to read about Nature Farming and EM.This year too the course was conducted in Vienna in lateApril and to the amazement of our colleague who conductsthis course, there was much interest by the students onNature Farming and EM!! Most of them who followedthe course on organic farming knew what EM and NatureFarming was and wanted more details. This was done andthe highlight of the course as usual was the visit to theHamer’s farm, managed by the very experienced JohannesHamer. This farm of over 200 ha grows potatoes, wheat,maize and barley, and they also make their own organicEM beer!! The annual visit is arranged by Ms. UlrikeHader, the CEO of Multikraft, who handles the EMprogram in Austria and the neighboring nations. Thisdynamic lady arranges this visit every year and thestudents are shown the marvels of EM Technology andNature Farming – wherehorse manure fromVienna, wastes frommarkets and farm wastesare made into excellentcompost with EM in avery short time and usedvery successfully for thefarmlands, which arecertified organic. Thestudents were so happythat many requested thatthey be allowed to returnto the farm to discuss thefunctioning. As usual, the very helpful and friendlyJohannes Hamer agreed to this and even hosted thestudents to a real organic meal at the family run restaurant!!The final outcome was that 95% of the 18 students whoattended this course graded the program excellent – andwished that this block course be offered on an annualbasis. We hope this will continue and thank Multikraftand its CEO Mrs. Hader for facilitating the field visit andMr. Johannes Hamer for his cooperation and gracioushospitality.

DEMAND FOR EM GROWS IN MALAYSIAThe demand for EM is ever increasing in Malaysia –thanks to the dynamic activity of JAMOF and its bossMr. Sawada and his able colleague Mr. Abdullah of Johor.The latter is forever touring Malaysia promoting EMtechnology very efficiently! Due to their ever-increasingactivity, including wastewater treatment – Jun Matsumototraveled to Johor in January to make EM. As usual, it wasa very hectic schedule – and Jun did not even meet Mr.Abdullah – and was sad as the beautiful secretary ofJAMOF – Ms. Katty had resigned!! After making EMfor JAMOF, Jun san traveled to Kuala Lumpur to makeEM1 for users and visit several farms. An interesting farmwas visited by Jun san where Nature Farming and EM areintegrated and is managed by Mr. Rahman, who had beentrained by us at Sara Buri. The developments of integrationusing cows, goats, vegetables and orchard crops has turned

out to be something very interesting and the mostimportant aspect was that Mr. Rahman is training hisneighbors too! This was indeed a pleasant surprise thatan alumnus of Sara Buri using the technology taught byus.. ! Thanks Mr. Rahman for your active interest and welook forward to spreading Nature Farming and EM usingyou as a model in Malaysia in the future.

APNAN DOES THE USUAL TRIP TO MAPLE, INDIA

The little network in Thailand is eager to develop theprogram in India and thus travels once in 3 – 4 months tomake EM, check quality and help out with the programsof Maple Orgtech, based in Calcutta.It was Jun who made this trip in April – and he lovestraveling to India because of the sumptuous meals!!! InIndia, he met two new staff members of Maple as theyare expanding and streamlining their operations. One ofthem is a qualified microbiologist, who is responsible formaintaining EM quality. Jun san told us that these twostaff members were very keen to learn more about NatureFarming and EM that the questions were flowing nonstop – which reminded him of our good friend SanjayAggarwal!! Unfortunately, Sanjay was not at hand thistime – but his absence was not felt too much because ofthe presence of these two eager staff members coveringup!! Jun also tasted the great hospitality of the boss -Mr. Madam Mohanka and his family when he stayed attheir mansion in New Alipore!! We hear that the slim Junhad put on 4 Kg in weight in the 4 days he was there !!We are happy that Maple is doing a very good job –despite some setbacks that is normal in any growingorganization. The guidance of Mr. Mohanka is invaluableand hence we are thankful for this contact, which despiteobstacles is spreading Nature Farming and EM acrossthis great nation. We offer our fullest cooperation to theseventures at all times.

EMRO JAPAN LAUNCHES A NEW WEBSITEThe EM Research Organization, established by ourPresident, Prof. Dr. Teruo Higa in 1994 is now knowninternationally! This is due to the versatility of thetechnology and its usefulness in Nature Farming and

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Students on the EM Farm.

EM unit of Maple


environmental sanitation. This has been proven beyonddoubt through research and practical experience in allcontinents. Thus, there is a constant demand forinformation and replies to queries – and there was a greatvoid in terms of the lack of a website readable by theinternational community.Thus, setback was overcome earlier this year when EMROJapan launched its website in English!! The website wasdeveloped by the staff of EMRO USA – especially thebeautiful Yuri Ono – who is stationed in Tucson as itstotal manager and housekeeper! The websitewww.emrojapan.co provides information to all, and ahighlight is the message by Professor Higa, who updatesthe latest information on the technology.Thus readers and friends – please visit the website and ifyou have any queries – use the Q & A forum to get yourproblems solved! This is the latest development of EMROand we are sure that this will soon become one of the mostvisited websites on the whole internet system!!Readers – please visit the site http://www.emrojapan.co–You will gather the latest information on EM Technology!

THE FAMILY GOSSIP………

OLD FRIENDS MEET IN BANGKOKMarch this year wasa nostalgic occasionfor APNAN.. wheretwo of its foundermembers met inBangkok ! One, theonly lady of our firststeering committee,Prof. Dr. Cho ChoMyint of Myanmarwas in Bangkok afterattending an academicmeeting and the other, who was on the way to Europe toa University in Vienna, and still working with this littlenetwork, was also in town in transit – to the land ofMozart. This duos meeting was further strengthened bythe presence of our ex boss Takashi Kyan, who has a deepadmiration for the fair professor from Myanmar!!Over a hosted lunch at our usual watering hole in SenaPlace Hotel, many things were discussed and as usual, ourcolleagues at APNAN, Matsumoto san, Koki san andSano chan, who handles the EM program in Myanmarwere also at hand. The discussions also touched on theEM program in Myanmar, which is having some problemsdue to the inability of our technical officers to travel andcheck quality of EM. This was considered the mostimportant problem - to ensure that quality EM is availableto all who want it in the Union of Myanmar. Prof. Dr.Myint agreed to help out – and this we anticipate in thevery near future – so that we can get the project back ontrack!!However with all the discussions, the friendly atmospherethat existed among friends from the inception of this little

network still prevailed - and hence it is all happycomradeship that we have – to make our little networkefficient. We do hope that this meeting brought back happymemories to the two friends. It is a long time.. we havebeen in existence for nearly 20 years now.. it is a long timeand hence we at APNAN are happy to have theopportunity to host our old friends when in Bangkok –our home in the land of Smiles!!

ON THE WAY TO NIRVANAYoung Japanese are realadventurers – and this istrue of the EMRO staffas well!! They wish toexperience newadventures and todaywith all the stress ofmodern life.. they alsowish to try experiencesthat would possibly bringsome solace to their bodyand mind!!With this in mind, ourdear friend and futurecolleague, Mr. ToruKoshoji, who is a full timestaff member of theoverseas section of EMRO and also a JOCV volunteer inThailand, took the opportunity to experience a stress freeexperience – not for a long time – but just for 9 days inThailand!! He entered the monk hood for a week – whichis possible in Thailand – as all males are customarilyrequired to accept this as a part of their lifestyle. Duringthis time, Koshoji san underwent the full rituals ofbecoming a novice monk, begging for his food in themornings, while doing the usual rounds with the almsbowl dressed in yellow robes and with a shaven head andeyebrows! He tells us of his experience – which herecommends to all – the only complaint was that he hadto get up at 0430 every morning - and have a coldshower!!!This was the first time that one of our young membersventured out- although an oldie of this little network hasbeen planning to do this for many many years but nevergot the time due to the jetting around!!We do congratulate Koshoji san – and also hope that heachieved the peace of mind that he wanted during thistime – with the meditation that was required at specifiedtimes of the day. What is more interesting is that thispractice is becoming infectious as there is one more whofollowed suit – not to enter the monkhood but to go intoretreat for a few days in a temple to relieve the stress ofworking for this network!! Thank you Koshoji san…...for showing a pathway toour young colleagues – and also for the inspiration –however we are also told that the lady devotees at thetemple now are missing the young handsome Japanesenovice monk and posters are out - looking for him to comeback and guide their destinies!

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Rev. Koshoji

Old friends meet


CONGRATULATIONS NISHIBUCHI SAN!!Our colleague in EMRO, who is a JOCV volunteer inVietnam and veryexperienced in EM andNature Farming,Yasushi Nishibuchiwanted to learn EMtechnology in the wayAPNAN does it!! Thisis because we atAPNAN blend NatureFarming into ourtraining programs aswell. Thus in Februarythis year, Nishibuchisan attended ourworkshop and was anactive participant –keeping mum about possible mistakes that our trainersmade and supported the whole program. His presencehad been a strength to the trainers as well as they had tobe careful in doing an excellent job – which they alwaysdo anyway!!We are told that the presence of Nishibuchi san also wasa motivating factor to the other participants – as theywere encouraged by the fact that an experienced personsuch as him was attending the course –, which indicatedthat we are really up to date in our training!! Thus on thelast day, at the usual party, he had been a livewire.. andalso sang a Japanese song – which we hear was exceptional!All present had been enthralled by his beautiful voice andnow the talk is that even the birds of Sara Buri are tryingto imitate his voice!!Thank you Nishibuchi san for joining the workshop andhence the certificate that you obtained is really worth it!!

FUKUGAUCHI SAN JOINS THE ROYAL FAMILIESOF THE WORLD!Yoshitaka Fukugauchi of EMRO is a very adaptable man!!

From his early experiencewith our first boss MasakiShintani in South Africa, hequickly learnt thatadaptability to thediversified environments ofthis great continent has to bea feature if he ever wantedto work in thisenvironment!! Hisadaptability wastransformed quickly – andtoday he covers the activitiesof the whole continent andeven the middle east –making EM, guiding peopleon the technology andpromoting Nature Farming!His work in this region iswell accepted by our friends

in the different countries - and some even honor him!!Thus when he was in Cameroon, a tribe accepted him intotheir midst with open arms – for the excellent work he didin promoting sustainable farming and environmentalsanitation with EM, he was accepted as a ruler of theregion for bringing happiness and prosperity to the peoplesliving there! Thus, overnight he became His RoyalHighness Prince Fukugauchi!!!We’re told that the people now really respect HRHYoshitaka Fukugauchi – and thus the humble subjects ofHis Royal Highness are not allowed to shake hands withhim but salute his Royal Highness and bow in the Japanesefashion!! This is great that we have a Royal colleague –and wonder if his bosses at EMRO and even Higa senseiour President pays him the same respect! PrinceFukugauchi - Dai heika – Please inform us when yourRoyal Presence will be made at our humble network – wewill put out the red carpet and have a band in attendancewith a decorated tuk tuk to bring you in a right royalfashion to the royal apartments at our home in KularbApartment!!

APNAN BOSS SEEKS SOLACELife being the senior Technical Officer of this network inBangkok is a very demanding position!! Thus the boss isgenerally under stress 99% of the time – trying to managethe network, attend to the numerous requests, balancebudgets , make EM, coordinate staff and activities andeven take care of VIPs who travel to Bangkok!! As ourbosses at the network are generally young Japanese, theyare placed under pressure and stress can do damage!Over the years, our bosses at APNAN had different outletsto relieve their stress - ranging from real Thai massages,fast food, visiting beer bars and even eating and sleepingor playing computer games to researching EM! However,the present boss, after seeing his colleague enter the novicehood, took the chance to undergo a retreat in a temple -not in Thailand but in Laos!! We are told that he was seenwalking serenely behind monks in the morning, for thedaily alms in a true Buddhist monk style and also stayedin the temple.. dressed in white like a holy saint!! However,some onlookers stated that when people were offeringalms in the mornings, our boss used to admire the beautyof the devotees in a shy manner – and this has endearedhim to the more beautiful devotees of the fairer sex!!After this, he was back again - the whole body and mindrefreshed!! Thus, we are now thinking of asking all ourstaff undertakes this experience as it sure does wonders,judging by the smile that is on our boss’s face!!

SANO CHAN’S AND KOKI SANS TRAVELS INJAPAN!!Our dear Yujiro Sano is a very active man – in terms of adiversity of work and interests. Thus, while in Japanfrom March this year he, along with his APNAN andINFRC colleague Koki Nagamine undertook manyactivities. The first was to attend a training program onNature Farming at the INFRC Research Station in Nagano.They tell us that he was really impressed by the training

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A proud Nishibushi

HRH Fukugauchi


imparted and also by the lecture given by Dr. Hashiba, anEmeritus Professor of the Tohoku University. The traineesparticipating were all impressed and moreover, the bestpart had been the typical party with barbeques held in theevening.Koki san and Sano chan also attended a bowlingcompetition held by the Sekai Kyusei Kyo in Atami andhad been the livewire of the INFRC team, led by ItoBucho!! However, their performance at bowling did notmeet much success – which is not normal as both Kokisan Sano chan has much success bowling young ladies tobecoming friends! However, what was important was hisparticipation and this was appreciated!They had also attended a dinner hosted by NobuyukiTaniki, one of our ex bosses and dear friends, who is nowin the certification section of INFRC – and listened to histales as Taniki san is famous for talking at a rate fasterthan water flowing out of a faucet!!Koki san is now back with us – with his dear wife too -and we at APNAN are awaiting the return of Sano chansoon and we also hear that there is someone awaiting yourarrival at the Suvarnabhumi airport in Bangkok! We hopeto see you soon Sano chan!

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THE IMPORTANT EVENTS OF THE FUTURE

FORTHCOMING MEETINGS ETC……..

2008 Joint Meeting of the InternationalGrassland Congress and the InternationalRangeland Congress (2008 IGC/IRC)Theme: Multi-functional Grasslands/Rangelandsin a Changing World.29th June - 5th July 2008Location: Huhhot, ChinaSee: http://www.igc-irc2008.org/invitation.htm

Responding to the challenge of linkingsmallholder producers to dynamic markets9 - 12 July 2008Davao City, PhilippinesWebsite: http://2008davao.googlepages.comContact name: Luis Antonio Hualda

9th ISSS International Conference on SeedBiologyTheme: Recent advances in seed science andresearch6th-11th July 2008Venue: University of Warmia and Mazury inOlsztyn, PolandWe b s i t e : h t t p : / / w w w. s e e d b i o 2 0 0 8 . p l /index1.php?id=invitation Third Regional Symposium on Environmentand Natural Resources5 to 6 August 2008Kuala Lumpur, MalaysiaWebsite: http://www.ukm.my/rsenr3Contact name: Dr. Habibah Hj. Jamil

9th International Congress of Plant Pathology 24th-29th August 2008.Location: Torino, ItalyWebsite: http://www.icpp2008.org/index.php

Agronomy Society of America – Joint Annualmeeting – Celebrating the International Yearof Planet EARTH5 – 9 October 2008Houston, Texas, USAContact http://www.acsmeetings.org/

2nd International Conference On Science AndTechnology (Icstie’o8)12 - 13 December 2008PERMATANG PAUH, PENANG, MALAYSIAWebsite: http://www.icstie.com/Contact name: Ms Rafizah Kechil /Mr. MohdSaifulnizam Abu Bakar

APNAN T SHIRTS – OF VERY HIGH QUALITY AREAVAILABLE WITH US AT A MODEST PRICE OF 200THAI BAHT PER SHIRT!!The colors are – Red, Black and Blue with our specialLogo mark!Please send us your requirements – We will reservethem for you!!

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THE INTERNATIONAL NATURE FARMING RESEARCH CENTER, ATAMI, JAPAN

The International Nature Farming Research Center, located at Atami, Japan, was established in 1985 with theobjectives of enhancing economic stability of farmers and producing nutritious and good quality food for humankind.Thus, the INFRC undertakes research and extension programs on Nature Farming based on the principles of NatureFarming advocated by Mokichi Okada, who stated the importance of respecting nature and conforming to its laws.The importance of allowing soils to exhibit their inherent potential is also a key to the principles of Nature Farmingand is thus promoted by the INFRC.Today, the INFRC supports over 1900 Nature Farming units in Japan – both in crops and livestock operations. It alsohas a research farm at Nagano to where scientists are diligently working towards the validation of Nature Farming. TheINFRC also promotes the use of EM technology to stimulate the soil biota and enhance productivity.The international activities of INFRC range of being associated with the International Federation of Organic AgricultureMovements (IFOAM), supporting the Asia Pacific Natural Agriculture Network (APNAN) and also research anddevelopment in many nations such as China, Laos and Myanmar.In the recent past, the INFRC has been accredited to certify organic products and farms under the JAS OrganicCertification scheme of the Ministry of Agriculture of Japan, which is now promoting alternative system of farming.Thus, the INFRC is a very dynamic organization working diligently to provide a sustainable system of producingfood through Nature Farming, based on principles of Mokichi Okada.

The INFRC can be contacted at:

International Nature Farming Research Center,8F, Atami Daiichi Building. 9-1 Taharahoncho,Atami, Shizuoka 413-0011 Japan.

Phone: +81 557 85 2001 Fax : +81 557 85 3156 Email : [email protected] : www.infrc.or.jp/english

INFRC

17Volume 19 (1) January - April 2008


MM in deep thought

Prof Higa explains a pointThe mango farm in Cambodia

Mabel in her EM garden

The Bokashi expert Neville BurtInternational participant

EM Products for environmental management

Thai Officials with Prof. Higa

Documents

Asia Pacific Natural Agriculture Network · respects and offer gratitude to Rev. Tetsuo Watanabe, President of Sekai Kyusei Kyo and Rev. M. Kobayashi, Head of the EM Laboratory and