Usually, a carrot is sold at the same price to everyone. Our society has accepted this as normal.
Indeed, selling the same product at the same price to everyone is equality. However, 100 yen means different things to someone who is financially comfortable and to someone who is not.
In a capitalist society, inequality inevitably arises. It is unfair that only those with enough money can afford high-quality food that is good for both the environment and people’s health, or that others have to cut back on other necessary expenses just to afford such food.
When we first started the farm, we experienced poverty ourselves. No matter how much we tightened our budget, low income had its limits. Constantly worrying about how much money everything cost made the world look gray, and there were times we couldn’t even smile properly.
Because we deeply understand how painful it is to “not have enough money,” we have a strong awareness of the problems caused by extreme inequality.
◎ Could we redistribute within the SHO Farm community?
If someone says, “I’m comfortable now, so I don’t mind paying 120 yen for a 100-yen carrot,” then someone else who feels “life is tough right now” can get the same quality carrot for 80 yen.
We have long nurtured the idea of redistribution among willing members of the SHO Farm community, and this year we are starting it under the name “Pay it Forward.”
◎ We are recruiting participants
In Pay it Forward, among customers who regularly purchase SHO Farm vegetable boxes:
＊ Those who want to pay 500 yen less than the usual price each time — called the “Wheat Course.” ＊ Those who want to contribute 500 yen (or more) monthly as a fund to support the difference — called the “Bean Course.”
Of course, customers can continue to pay the regular price as before. You can change the amount for the Wheat or Bean Courses at any time.
You don’t need a special reason to choose the “Wheat Course,” nor will we ask why. If you feel that any of these situations apply to you, please consider joining the Wheat Course.
- You have cut back on other living expenses in order to buy organic vegetables.
- You have considered choosing industrially produced vegetables to save on food expenses.
- You are raising multiple children.
- You have had to give up on your children’s extracurricular activities for financial reasons.
- You have family members who require care, assistance, or special support.
- You or your family members are undergoing treatment for illness.
- Your income is limited because you are engaged in activism for social or environmental causes.
Example: “Wheat Course” ▶︎ For those purchasing a 3,000 yen vegetable box twice a month, the price will be 2,500 yen each time. Example: “Bean Course” ▶︎ For those purchasing a 3,000 yen vegetable box twice a month and donating 500 yen monthly, half of the donation amount will be added to each delivery, making it 3,250 yen per delivery.
*This system depends on mutual trust between SHO Farm and customers, so personal information is strictly protected, and an annual financial report on this project will be provided to vegetable box customers.
*If you wish to continue with the regular vegetable box price, no action is required.
*The number of accepted participants for the Wheat Course will be adjusted based on the projected amount of donations.
*If there are many applicants for the Wheat Course, selection will be made by lottery (those not selected will be placed on a waiting list).
This is a completely new social experiment for SHO Farm with many unknowns.
We believe that if initiatives like this start in many places, society will surely improve. We see this as a project that can make a meaningful impact on society.
