Japanese university student and farmer Keisuke Ohno is using coffee grounds collected from local shops to grow vegetables [1].
This initiative addresses critical rural challenges in Japan, including an aging farming population and the prevalence of abandoned farmland. By converting urban waste into agricultural resources, the project aims to create a circular economy that establishes agriculture as a primary economic pillar for the community [1, 2].
Ohno collects the spent coffee grounds from cafes to use as a natural fertilizer. This process reduces the volume of municipal waste while simultaneously improving soil quality for vegetable production [1, 2]. The effort is part of a broader Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) project focused on regional revitalization.
Similar efforts in the Yamagata-Shonai region have gained recognition for their commitment to local sustainability [3]. Specifically, the Shonai Local SDGs project was recognized with an award in 2025 [4], with the corresponding ceremony taking place on March 16, 2026 [4].
Ohno's approach seeks to bridge the gap between urban consumption and rural production. By integrating waste management with food security, the model demonstrates how small-scale circular systems can mitigate the environmental impact of the service industry while supporting local food systems [1, 2].
"I want to make agriculture an existence that becomes the axis of the regional economy," Ohno said [2].
“"I want to make agriculture an existence that becomes the axis of the regional economy,"”
This project reflects a growing trend in Japan to combat rural depopulation by innovating the economic viability of farming. By leveraging urban waste streams, such as coffee grounds, these initiatives reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers and lower municipal waste costs, creating a sustainable loop that attracts younger generations back to agricultural work.
