Hokkaido

Hokkaido is characterized by large-scale dry field farming that utilizes its vast land, which accounts for about 22% of Japan's total land area, and its cool, low-humidity climate. The annual average temperature is 7-10°C, and the annual precipitation in Sapporo is about 1,100 mm, which is less than Honshu. Because the maximum temperature in summer is relatively low, there is an advantage of fewer pests and diseases, allowing for reduced pesticide use. The average managed cultivated land area per farm household is about 33 ha, which is more than 10 times the national average (about 3 ha). In the Tokachi Plain, large-scale crop rotation combining four items—wheat, sugar beets, Potato, and beans—is practiced. The Kitami region accounts for about 60% of Hokkaido's Onion production, and is responsible for the majority of national shipments. The Kamikawa and Sorachi regions have combined farming of rice, Onion, and Kabocha Squash. Yubari, Furano, and Biei have formed production centers for summer vegetables such as Melon, Sweet Corn, and Asparagus. The Konsen Plateau in eastern Hokkaido is centered on dairy farming, and its agricultural structure is fundamentally different from that of Honshu.

Source: MAFF Crop Statistics (Reiwa 5 / 2023), JMA historical weather data

Agriculture in Hokkaido is discussed on a scale where 'the single prefecture of Hokkaido accounts for about 20% of Japan's vegetable production'. It ranks 1st nationally in nine specific items: Potato, Onion, Sweet Corn, Kabocha Squash, Carrot, Asparagus, Broccoli, Edamame, and Japanese Yam. It ranks 2nd to 3rd nationally for daikon radish, tomatoes, Cherry (Niki Town, Hokkaido), and Melon (Yubari). Unlike the urban-fringe and greenhouse horticulture-type agriculture in Honshu, the foundation is large-scale open-field cultivation on vast agricultural land. The mechanization rate is high, and the management area of a single farm is over 10 times the national average. Because there is a time difference in the harvest season compared to Honshu, products from Hokkaido fill the gap season from summer to autumn, supporting the foundation of the national fresh produce distribution schedule.