Japan and Australia to try out year-round fruit production

Project will take advantage of seasonal difference to grow high-end products for export

Melons are harvested in Yubari, Hokkaido, in May 2018. If the new Japan-Australia project succeeds, it will allow farmers to market a continuous stream of produce throughout the year. © Kyodo

SAKI HAYASHI, Nikkei staff writer

January 9, 2019 12:01 JST

TOKYO -- Japan and Australia will start as early as April a joint project to harvest high-end fruit all year round, taking advantage of two countries' seasonal differences.

The two countries will contribute farmland, personnel and technology for the project, which is also aimed at encouraging businesses to participate in the unique farming structure.