Ms. Kumiko Matsuhashi
Vice-President, National Women’s Association of Agricultural Cooperatives (JA Zenkoku Joseikyo), Japan
Ms. Kumiko Matsuhashi is a rice producer and Wagyu (Japanese premium beef) cattle breeder managing her family farm in Aomori, northern Japan. She is an active member of her local agricultural cooperative and serves as Vice President of the National Women’s Association of Agricultural Cooperatives, under JA Zenchu (Central Union of Agricultural Cooperatives).
The National Women’s Association of Agricultural Cooperatives (JA Zenkoku Joseikyo) represents 367,421 members across 548 local and prefectural associations. It supports women’s initiatives in food processing and sales, elderly care, traditional crafts, and community-based environmental activities.