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NEWS
Toyota Prado underpins Queensland rice farming trial
Burdekin to grow crops in lieu of earthquake-devastated Fukushima provinceThe earthquake that ravaged northern Japan in 2011 – made worse by the tsunami that followed – has left Japan facing long-term challenges.
Both the earthquake and the tsunami have dealt a serious blow to the rice farms in the country's Fukushima province. When the earthquake hit it took out the local nuclear power plant, irradiating the area. That, combined with an influx of salt-contaminated water from the tsunami has left up to 20,000 farms in the region unsuitable for growing crops for up to 40 years.
In a parallel to the automotive industry's response to the natural disaster – moving production resources off-shore – a new project has been established to feed Japan from the Queensland municipality of Burdekin. Named the Iwaki World Tambo Project, the collective has been engaged in a trial of land to determine whether it fits the bill for rice growing.
Toyota Australia has donated a diesel Prado for the next 12 months to transport goods and volunteer farmers recruited for the project.
"At Toyota we place a strong emphasis on supporting communities during times of crisis. The 2011 natural disaster had a devastating effect on many communities in Japan, of which many have still not recovered," said Max Yasuda, Toyota Australia President and CEO.
"We believe that this project will not only assist with replenishment of rice supplies in Japan, it will also benefit the Burdekin region. Our donation will ensure volunteer farmers can easily access the land to undertake the project, which we understand will strengthen the agricultural industry in Burdekin and has the potential to create new export opportunities for North Queensland."
Earlier this week, the Toyota Australia CEO travelled to Burdekin for the handover of the Prado to Chief Director of the project, Takemi Shirado.
"Toyota has been engaged in a variety of earthquake recovery efforts in Japan and continues to assist in the recovery. We want to ensure that we provide support both when the initial event occurs as well as some time after, when long term support is needed," Yasuda said.
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