Co-op Sanchoku, which is a Co-op business, is a specific type of community-supported agriculture philosophy originally developed by the Japanese Consumer Co-operatives in the early 1970s with the intension of promoting safe and secure food production from the viewpoint of the consumer while also addressing food and agricultural problems in Japan.

The main concept is based on such things as, making clear the place of production and producers, method of cultivation and the promotion of interaction between members and producers.

For over 40 years the business continues to evolve in response to changes in society and the lifestyles of consumers. For more details about “Co-op Sanchoku” refer: /eng/public/pdf/coop_sanchoku.pdf

To ensure sustainable production, JCCU has been holding "Annual Sanchoku Research Exchange Meeting" since February 1985. On February 24 & 25, 2017 the 33rd meeting was held in Tokyo with the theme “The future of Food & Agriculture by Co-op Sanchoku”.

It was participated by approximately 300 persons including producers, distributors and representatives from consumer co-ops nationwide involved in sanchoku business.

At the general meeting held on 24th, a keynote lecture entitled "Movement of Trans-Pacific Strategic Partnership (TPP) and New Agricultural Management" was given by Professor KANEKO Masaru of Keio University Faculty of Economics. He mentioned that based on the fact that the era is entering the turning point of the industrial  structure, there is a possibility that in the future the "regionally distributed network type" social  system and the connection between consumers and producers can become a big force.

Subsequently, there was a report entitled "To the Society of self-production and selfconsumption" by Mr. NISHITSUJI Kazuma, CEO My Farm Co., Ltd. emphasizing that if the number of people engaged in agriculture as a hobby increases (growing vegetables by themselves, harvesting and eating) it will lead to the increase of the number of people understanding domestic agriculture.

Taking turns, Mr. TAKAHASHI Hiroyuki the founding director of NPO "Tohoku Reclamation" gave a lecture entitled "Eating Communication" & "Pocket Marche" referring to a food information magazine “Eating Communication” that showcases varieties of food to consumers. He mentioned that the magazine is a means to connect producers to consumers.

At the end of the general meeting the "Sanchoku Business Committee Report" was given as a review of agricultural quality assurance system in 10 years.

There was also a report on future issues of the co-op sanchoku.

At the plenary section which was divided into 5 subcommittees the following topics were discussed.

1. The role of Co-op in regional revitalization
2. Who is the GAP for?
3. Connect production and eating
4. Training of leaders of Co-op sanchoku, and
5. Securing workers at the production site and possibility of supporting farmers, to deepen discussion based on practical report.