Japan-Based Agricultural Field Researchers Needed

Freelance Agricultural Field Researcher – Farmer Interviews | Japan Project Overview We are conducting a primary market research study in Japan to understand weed management practices in fruit orchards, with a specific focus on apple and citrus farmers. We are looking for freelance field researchers / interviewers based in Japan who can identify and interview relevant farmers across selected fruit-growing regions. Target Regions Interviews will be conducted across the following five prefectures: - Aomori – Apple - Nagano – Apple - Wakayama – Citrus - Ehime – Citrus - Shizuoka – Citrus Candidates may apply for one or multiple regions, depending on their location and farmer network. Key Responsibilities The selected freelancer will be responsible for: 1. Identifying and recruiting eligible farmers - Identify farmers growing apples and/or citrus in the assigned region. - Prioritize commercial/professional orchard farmers. - Screen farmers according to the eligibility criteria provided by the research team. 2. Conducting farmer interviews - Conduct structured interviews with farmers using a questionnaire provided by the project team. - Interviews may cover: - Orchard characteristics and farm profile - Weed prevalence and major weed species - Seasonal weed-growth patterns - Weed-control practices - Herbicide usage and application practices - Non-chemical weed-control methods - Factors influencing herbicide selection - Weed-control challenges - Impact of rainfall, temperature, humidity and other weather conditions - Farmer preferences and unmet needs - Awareness and usage of different weed-control products 3. Accurate data collection - Record responses accurately using the prescribed questionnaire/data-collection format. - Capture relevant qualitative comments and farmer observations. - Ensure all interviews meet the agreed screening criteria. 4. Interview quality control - Follow the questionnaire and interview guidelines strictly. - Avoid leading respondents toward particular answers. - Clarify responses where required without influencing the farmer. - Flag unusual, incomplete or inconsistent responses to the project team. 5. Reporting - Submit completed questionnaires/interview records within agreed timelines. - Provide brief field notes highlighting important observations, regional differences or recurring farmer concerns. - Participate in short debrief calls with the research team if required. Ideal Candidate Profile We are looking for candidates with one or more of the following backgrounds: - Experience conducting farmer interviews, agricultural surveys or rural market research - Experience working with fruit growers / orchard farmers - Knowledge of Japanese agriculture and local farming practices - Experience in primary market research, CATI, CAPI, face-to-face interviews or IDIs - Existing relationships/networks with farmers, agricultural cooperatives, JA organizations, agricultural associations or local farming communities - Background in agriculture, agribusiness, agricultural sciences, market research or rural development is preferred - Strong communication and interpersonal skills - Ability to conduct interviews professionally and neutrally - Good attention to detail and ability to accurately document responses Language Requirements - Japanese: Fluent/native-level Japanese required - English: Basic to intermediate English preferred for communication with the project team - Ability to understand an English questionnaire/instruction document or work with a Japanese-translated version is preferred. Farmer Recruitment Requirements Candidates should ideally have access to farmers in their assigned region. Priority will be given to candidates who can demonstrate access to: - Commercial apple growers in Aomori and/or Nagano - Commercial citrus growers in Wakayama, Ehime and/or Shizuoka The ability to independently recruit relevant farmers will be an important selection criterion. Expected Deliverables For each completed interview, the freelancer will provide: - Completed questionnaire - Farmer screening information - Interview date and location/method - Basic farmer/farm profile - Relevant qualitative observations - Any additional field notes requested by the research team All respondent information will be handled confidentially and used strictly for research purposes. Engagement Position: Freelance / Project-based Location: Japan – primarily the five target prefectures Work arrangement: Field-based / Face-to-face interviews preferred; remote interviews may be considered where appropriate Project duration: Short-term project engagement Workload: To be finalized based on the number of interviews assigned Compensation: Negotiable based on experience, region, number of completed interviews and travel requirements How to Apply Please share: 1. CV / profile 2. Current location in Japan 3. Prefecture(s) you can cover 4. Relevant experience in farmer/agricultural interviews 5. Approximate number of farmers you can potentially access 6. Languages spoken 7. Availability during the project period 8. Expected fee per completed interview and/or daily rate 9. Any existing relationships with agricultural cooperatives, farmer groups or local agricultural organizations Subject: Freelance Farmer Interviewer – Japan Agricultural Research

Project ID: 40637384