Solve Farming Challenges via Chat! AgriweB Launches 'Management Assist Chat' to Seamlessly Connect Farmers and Experts

Custmedia Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture; Representative Director: Koji Miyazaki; hereinafter 'the Company') announces a groundbreaking advancement in agriculture: the farming management information platform 'AgriweB (Agriweb),' which serves around 30,000 members, has evolved further with the launch of a new member-exclusive feature, 'Management Assist Chat.' For this large-scale service release, the Company utilized its matching site development service, 'Custmedia Platform Service,' to build the system. This report details the full scope of the project, which successfully combines seamless migration for 30,000 members from the existing system with the robust security required for large-scale services.

Background of Development

Even before the Company’s involvement, 'AgriweB' had already established itself as a valuable platform for many farming entrepreneurs through features like membership registration and article content. As the platform grew to over 30,000 members, the next step in its evolution was envisioned: offering higher-value 'member-exclusive services.' At the core of this vision was a two-way communication function connecting farming entrepreneurs with experts.

However, realizing this vision presented numerous challenges, including ensuring smooth system integration for existing members and meeting the high security standards expected of a financial institution’s subsidiary.

In response to these challenges, the Company was consulted and, based on its proven track record in projects with local governments and major corporations—particularly in security standards, seamless integration, and development speed—was selected to implement the solution using the 'Custmedia Platform Service.'

What is 'AgriweB'?

AgriweB is a portal site that connects the needs of agriculture with societal needs. Under the concept of a 'business co-creation type multisided platform that expands the value of agriculture and realizes a better future for society,' it continues to deliver value to a wide range of agricultural stakeholders.

AgriweB was launched in 2015 as an 'initiative to enhance management consultation services' to address the diverse management challenges facing Japanese agriculture. After hosting seminars nationwide and establishing consultation desks, in 2016 it launched 'Agriweb,' an information dissemination site for farming management. By collaborating with JA Zen-Noh's farming information support site and leveraging the strengths of the JA Group, it has steadily grown. In January 2025, 'AgriweB Inc.' was established, creating a more agile structure to deliver user-centric services.

Official AgriweB Website: https://www.agriweb.jp/

[INTERVIEW] 'Expanding the Potential of Agriculture to Solve Societal Challenges'

· Mr. Takeya of AgriweB Inc. speaks about the mission of the new agricultural platform 'Agriweb'

Solving 'Information Mismatch' and Pioneering the Future of Agriculture

For this interview, we spoke with Mr. Takeya of AgriweB Inc. In the video, he passionately discusses the serious issue of 'information fragmentation' in Japanese agriculture and how digital platforms can solve it. Mr. Takeya repeatedly emphasizes a firm vision: 'We want to expand the potential of agriculture to solve societal challenges.' Traditional farm management has often led to 'lonely management,' where success know-how is siloed and individuals struggle alone. In the interview, he touches on the core of the project: how Agriweb transcends being just an information media by transforming farm management into a 'team effort' through expert chat functions and business-matching bulletin boards. Discover the 'journey of challenge' behind Agriweb in the videos below! Behind the Scenes of the Agricultural Business Co-Creation Platform 'AgriweB' [Custmedia Platform Development Case Study]: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FnuzSnn2b7g

A Startup from a Major Corporation Takes on the Challenge! The Launch Story of 'AgriweB,' Connecting Farmers and Experts Nationwide [Entrepreneur Diary]: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQj5kA-O43I

Features of 'AgriweB'

① Management Assist Chat: Direct Access to Professional Expertise

The Company was responsible for developing the 'Management Assist Chat.' This feature allows farming entrepreneurs and certified experts—such as SME consultants and agricultural management consultants approved by the administrative office—to register. Users can search for the most suitable professional based on their management challenges and consult directly via chat. As a result, farming entrepreneurs can now directly chat with the best expert for their specific challenges.

Farmers can search by expert field and service area, view profiles, and read articles written by experts. Based on this information, they can select an expert and consult easily via chat.

Additionally, to ensure smooth integration between the new feature and existing services, the following technical support was also implemented:

② Cultivation Assist AI: A Full-Featured AI from a University of Tokyo Startup, Used by Agricultural Advisors

A full-featured AI used even by agricultural advisors. It provides advice tailored to crop type and region and includes image diagnosis for pests and weeds. With a FAQ section and selectable response levels, it supports cultivation.

Service Introduction via YouTube Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cdtJQ5oFXCY&t=1s

③ 'Event & Project Bulletin Board': Turning Business Ideas into Reality

A matchmaking space where farmers and companies, or farmers among themselves, connect to pursue new business opportunities.

Beyond mere information browsing, it supports initiatives mentioned in the interview, such as 'seeking partners for demonstration experiments' or 'requesting monitors for new technologies,' helping to create 'new systems that make agriculture an aspirational career for the next generation.' Symbolizing the site’s 'connect' function, it accelerates 'co-creation' across regions and industries—something only possible through a digital platform.

Future Outlook

Further functional improvements are expected, evolving AgriweB into an even more valuable platform for farming entrepreneurs. This project reveals not just stable system operation, but also AgriweB Inc.'s strong determination to 'expand the potential of agriculture to solve societal challenges.' Their journey to pass on world-class Japanese agriculture to the future will continue. Custmedia will remain a strong 'accompanying partner,' supporting AgriweB Inc. with technology and expertise as they aim even higher.

Web Consultation Service 'Management Assist Chat' for Aspiring and Active Farmers: Get the Perfect Prescription for Your Challenges from Experts! URL: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000001.000160530.html

The Service That Solved This Challenge: 'Full-Platform Service'

'Custmedia' offers, as a new business, a matching