Oita Prefecture Regional JA Created
A total of 16 of the 23 Japan Agricultural Cooperative Associations (JA) in Oita Prefecture merged to create JA Oita on the 1st. This regional association will cover most of the prefecture. It is the second regional JA in Kyushu, after one in Saga, and the fifth nationwide. The objectives of the merger are to strengthen their operating base, ensure a large volume of agricultural production, and establish a regional brand for agricultural products to boost sales.