Principles of Natural Agriculture

The principles and practices of Natural Agriculture were developed in Japan in the early decades of the 20th century by Mokichi Okada to foster a renewed understanding of the harmony that exists among the natural elements of the earth.

Mokichi Okada conducted extensive research on the development of agricultural practices that would yield the most productive and beneficial results for nourishing the body, working in conjunction with Nature. His premise was to support, not control, Nature.

From this research he developed a technique of food cultivation called Natural Agriculture, which uses no chemicals, fertilizers or pesticides. It encourages the consumption of locally produced food, recognizing the degree to which nutrients are lost in the transportation process. Natural Agriculture stresses the relationship among all elements in the growing process – the seed, water, light and surrounding vegetation – and is based on an “overriding respect and concern for Nature.”

Over the past few decades, Shumei has developed a network of Natural Agriculture farms in Japan, today numbering over 1,500. It has employed a community supported agriculture (CSA) model in which farmers and consumers work together to distribute and market the food products.