Hello. I'm Kiyoshi Sasaki from the Agricultural and Livestock Department.

This year, we've had more work and facility management tasks inside greenhouses than usual, and we're battling the heat every day. The temperature inside the greenhouses can get even hotter than the outside temperature, sometimes reaching nearly 40°C in the middle of summer.

Even in such challenging conditions, we work diligently every day to deliver safe, secure, and delicious vegetables to everyone.

Currently, we cultivate a variety of vegetables, including triangular cabbage and zucchini. Every step of the process, from watering and tying the plants to harvesting, requires meticulous care. The vegetables respond to the care we give them, and watching them grow is a great source of motivation for us.

Ark Kanemori's vegetable farming is characterized by its circular agriculture approach, which relies on organic fertilizers manufactured by its group company, Wakaba, rather than pesticides. By linking livestock farming and agriculture, and utilizing resources efficiently while improving the soil, they bring out the inherent strength of the vegetables. It takes time and effort, but they are proud to be able to deliver flavorful vegetables that make the most of nature's bounty.

On the other hand, summers have been getting hotter year after year in recent years, making heatstroke prevention essential. In the agricultural and livestock department, we are prioritizing safety by ensuring frequent hydration and salt intake, as well as securing breaks and adjusting work hours.

This year, we've also been actively using air-conditioned work clothes. By circulating air inside the garment, we've been able to suppress the rise in body temperature, allowing us to work comfortably even in the scorching sun or inside greenhouses. Compared to before, it has reduced the strain on our bodies and led to improved work efficiency.

Working with nature can be challenging, but the greatest reward is seeing our customers enjoy the vegetables grown in the rich natural environment of Tategamori and say "delicious" at their tables. We hope to continue sharing the value of vegetables grown through pesticide-free cultivation and sustainable agriculture with many more people.

As we head into an even hotter season, I want to make sure I take good care of my health and work together with my teammates to get through this summer.

Please take sufficient precautions against heatstroke and enjoy a healthy summer.

Agriculture and Livestock Department, Kiyoshi Sasaki