Nakayama Orchard

I am a beekeeper of 8 years experience and also a new citrus farmer with a small citrus farm based in Nakayama, Okinawa. I'm interested in sustainable agriculture based on my passion for biodiversity on the farm with being a beekeeper and seeing the pressure between balancing the needs of the farmers, beekeepers and the natural environment. I have recently taken over the tenancy of the citrus farm and I'm interested in looking at novel solutions to some of the challenges faced by small holders, as we look to move to a more sustainable farming practice, while also the financial implications of arable farming and animal husbandry being the main source of income for a farming family. I would be interested in collaborating with researchers and technology/digital developers by offering to work alongside them by providing access to our farm. I'm Okinawan, so my main language is Japanese, however my wife is British and I do have a good level of English conversation. She will be able to help with some of the conversations if needed. My wife also has a background in business consultancy in the UK, including being both the Business Development Executive / Outreach Co-Ordinator and a start-up high growth consultant for tech companies for DigitalCity Business based in Teesside, UK - this is the public sector extension of the support work conducted through Teesside University's DigitalCity.