[Report] The third session of the FY2025 Glocal Human Resources Development Course, a project commissioned by Mie Prefecture, was held.

　ICETT conducted three (3) sessions of "Glocal Human Resources Development Course" commissioned by Mie Prefecture. The purpose of this course was to provide young people associated with Mie Prefecture with opportunities to enhance their international awareness and sensibility and to open their eyes to the world, thereby broadening the international perspectives of the young people who will be responsible for Mie's future and developing glocal human resources.

　We are pleased to report that the third lecture was held successfully:"Contributing to the Future of the Earth! Agriculture is so amazing - Evolving agriculture supported by global human resources and technology-".と題して開催しましたので、その様子をご報告します。

　　Date: Friday, December 26, 2025, 13:30-16:30

　　Location: Asai Nursery Inc. Head Office
　　(4951 Takanoo-cho, Tsu City, Mie Prefecture), Headquarters Research Building and Takanoo Garden Land

　　Lecturer: Mr. Yotaro Kubota, Corporate Planning Unit Manager, Asai Nursery Inc.

　　Participants: 23 high school and university students from Mie Prefecture, as well as students from Mie Prefecture attending universities outside the prefecture.

　In the third course, we visited Asai Nursery Inc., which is engaged in advanced R&D-oriented agriculture.

　The first half of the course consisted of a visit to a site where research and development of agriculture suited to the local environment based on global technology is being conducted.
　First, at the headquarters research building, the participants observed environmentally controlled tomato growing based on cutting-edge overseas technology, and also learned about resource recycling and labor-saving innovations. Next, at the Takanoo garden site, they were briefed on the kiwifruit growing system being promoted in collaboration with New Zealand and the challenge of long-term farmland management to be undertaken on a 30-year basis, and were able to learn about efforts to support local agriculture with international knowledge.

　In the second half of the lecture, titled "Potential for Regional Innovation through the Utilization of 'Advanced Technology' and 'Local Resources,'" participants learned about the direction of sustainable agriculture in light of the declining farming population and climate change. While touching on the history of Mie's agriculture and its logistics characteristics that provide easy access to the Tokai and Kansai regions, the lecturer introduced the efforts being made in collaboration with local companies; research on smart farming technologies such as growing environment control technology, and automatic tomato harvesting and transport robots; large-scale kiwi orchards realized by utilizing abandoned farmland; and the use of overseas human resources.
　The lecturer also introduced actual examples based on his overseas experience and spoke passionately about his concept of "glocal human resources.

　During group discussions, participants actively exchanged opinions from diverse perspectives, including "maintaining agriculture in a society with a declining population," "the use of AI and robot technology," "the importance of cooperation with local communities and businesses," and "how to deal with abandoned farmland.

　In the post-course questionnaire, participants commented that they were able to experience actual agricultural sites through the field trip; that they learned more about smart agriculture and advanced technology; and that they were able to understand the challenges of agriculture and management perspectives. Many participants also commented that their perspectives were broadened by the lecturers' overseas experience and their ideas on glocal human resources; and that they rediscovered the attractiveness of Mie Prefecture and the utilization of local resources, making it a time full of learning.

　Through the multifaceted learning gained from the on-site experience and lectures, participants were able to gain hints for their future career development, such as the importance of a glocal perspective and an attitude of facing local issues.