The Changes in Management Characteristics of Community-Based Farming Corporations: The Case of Hiroshima Prefecture

This study clarifies the changes in management characteristics of Community-Based Farming Corporations (CBFCs) due to population decline and village aging. To establish a food supply base when rural population declines, the government has promoted the accumulation of farmland to “bearers” such as CBFCs. Since 2010, the Hiroshima Prefecture has prioritized the establishment of CBFCs. More than ten years have passed since the program started, and problems have arisen in the sustainable management of CBFCs owing to the declining and aging population in the villages. This study conducts interviews with CBFCs in Hiroshima Prefecture. This study has two main findings. First, CBFCs began hiring employees for sustainable operations and changed their management structures. Second, decision-making was shared between managers and employees.