The 50th TARF Public Lecture entitled “Agricultural Research that Balances Productivity Improvement and Environmental Protection: How Research Contributes to the Sustainable Development of Agriculture on Ishigaki Island” in the context of current issues such as rising fertilizer and feed costs, environmental protection, and productivity improvement, was held on June 30, 2023 from 7:00 to 8:30 PM at the Ishigaki City Health and Welfare Center. 

Project Leader Dr. ANZAI Toshihiko of TARF served as the lecturer and provided information on the current situation and challenges related to agriculture on Ishigaki Island. He also gave an overview of the “Sustainable Food Systems Strategy MIDORI” currently being promoted by the government, and discussed the SDGs and strengthening environmental responsiveness that are being addressed as issues in the strategy, as well as the research being conducted by JIRCAS to achieve both productivity improvement and environmental conservation. The research project is conducting research in the Philippines and other island countries with environments similar to Ishigaki Island. Based on the research results obtained, the importance of cooperation among various sectors and citizens in spreading the technology to Ishigaki Island was conveyed to the audience. After the lecture, several participants asked questions and made comments, and a valuable exchange of opinions took place.