#Japan #Funabashi #NextGenBreeding #TomatoCultivation #MetagriInstitute

Free Online Seminar on High-Yield Tomatoes Using Next-Generation Breeding Techniques

On August 16, 2026, Metagri Institute, managed by Noujoujin Co., Ltd. based in Funabashi, Chiba, is set to host a free online seminar focused on the use of genome editing technology to enhance the sugar content of high-yield tomatoes. The seminar, entitled "The Cutting Edge of High-Yield Tomatoes Enhanced with Breeding Acceleration Technology," aims to discuss how next-generation breeding can bridge the gap between agricultural practices and consumer dining experiences.

Significance of the Seminar

Recently, climate change has posed significant challenges to crop cultivation, particularly during periods of high temperature. For tomatoes and similar crops, maintaining stable sugar content and overall quality during these conditions has become increasingly difficult. This seminar seeks to address these challenges by showcasing innovative breeding acceleration techniques—specifically through genomic advancements—that promise to stabilize quality and adapt to rising temperatures.

Participants will learn about the tomato strain "GG-T1 developed by Grand Green Co., Ltd., which has received necessary approvals from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and the Consumer Affairs Agency. Through the insights of developers, attendees will discover how these advancements can impact agricultural practices and food supply.

A Closer Look at Current Agricultural Issues

As the agricultural community grapples with the pressing issues of climate change, the demand for robust breeding strategies has surged. Genome editing is regarded as a pivotal technology that can enable farmers to produce resilient crops capable of withstanding extreme weather while also enhancing important quality metrics such as taste and nutritional value.

However, the discussion around such technologies isn't purely technical. There are critical questions about regulatory compliance, safety assessments, and effective consumer communication. For instance, how do informed decisions on product safety differ between those that are in administration versus those already available on the market? This seminar aims to explore these dialogue points to ensure a comprehensive understanding within the industry.

Event Details

• - Title: The Cutting Edge of High-Yield Tomatoes Enhanced with Breeding Acceleration Technology
• - Date: August 16, 2026, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
• - Location: Online
• - Participation Fee: Free
• - Organizer: Metagri Institute (Noujoujin Co., Ltd.)
• - Registration: Sign up here
• - Target Audience:

- Individuals interested in agriculture, food production, seedlings, and agritech.
- Farmers and business owners focusing on tomato cultivation and quality assurance during high-temperature periods.
- Food industry stakeholders interested in the social implementation of new breeding technologies.
- Researchers and students keen on the societal applications of research outcomes and university-originated startups.
- Anyone curious about food innovations and new agricultural technologies.

Proposed Schedule

• - 10:00 - 10:05 Opening Remarks
• - 10:05 - 10:35 Presentation on Tomato GG-T1 and Next-Generation Breeding
• - 10:35 - 10:55 Discussion and Q&A Session
• - 10:55 - 11:00 Closing Remarks and Announcements

Featured Speakers

Kento Kobayashi
Kento Kobayashi, who obtained a Ph.D. in Agriculture, is the Chief Technology Officer at Grand Green Co., Ltd. Since joining as a researcher in 2019 and rising to his current role in 2023, he leads projects that integrate genome editing, analysis, and accelerated breeding technologies towards developing the next generation of crop varieties.

Yuichiro Kai
Yuichiro Kai serves as the head of Metagri Institute and the CEO of Noujoujin Co., Ltd. Since founding the company in August 2021 and later establishing the Metagri Institute in March 2022, he has been involved in various experimental business models that combine agriculture with emerging technologies, such as AI and the metaverse.

About Grand Green Co., Ltd.

Founded in April 2017, Grand Green Co., Ltd. is an agribio startup rooted in research and development, emerging from Nagoya University. The company’s slogan, "Envision Future Plants," reflects its mission to create new values in crop seedling sectors through advanced breeding technologies, including genome editing. More details can be found on their official website: Grand Green.

About Metagri Institute

Metagri Institute is a community dedicated to sustainable agricultural practices through the lens of new technologies. Launched in March 2022, it now boasts over 1,300 members eager to engage in agricultural experiments that reject fear of failure. Individuals passionate about applying generative AI and web3 to agriculture are welcomed into the community. For more information, visit: Metagri Institute.