#Philippines #GHG emissions #IRRI #Los Baños #Creattura Philippines

Creattura Philippines and IRRI Collaborate for Sustainable Rice Farming

In a significant advancement towards sustainable agriculture, Creattura Philippines Inc. and the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) have entered into a groundbreaking memorandum of cooperation. This partnership is aimed at quantifying and reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions within Philippine rice paddies. Formally established under the AGRI (Accelerating Development and Scaling of Agricultural Innovations for Reducing GHG Emissions in ASEAN Countries) project, this initiative marks the first official collaboration of its kind.

Located in Los Baños, Laguna, the partnership leverages IRRI’s extensive expertise in rice science and GHG measurement alongside Creattura Philippines’ practical implementation experience. This combination seeks to contribute significantly to promoting low-GHG-emission rice farming within ASEAN regions.

During the signing, Hattori Tomoyasu, the president of Creattura Philippines, emphasized the dual potential of rice farming, stating, "Rice farming can achieve high productivity while being eco-friendly. Our collaboration with IRRI will integrate scientific knowledge, field practices, and digital technologies to advance the decarbonization of rice production. Reliable carbon projects require solid scientific foundations and transparent data. IRRI's expertise will play a crucial role in accurately assessing our emission reduction efforts."

Partnership Details

As part of this alliance, both organizations will jointly promote research and development focused on GHG measurement in rice farming. Specific efforts include technical collaboration, gas sample analysis, and the establishment of a robust data-sharing system to quantify and validate emission reduction effects. This collaboration aims to enhance project monitoring and improve the accuracy and reliability of emission data, supporting the implementation of transparent climate change measures based on scientific evidence, thereby promoting sustainable agriculture in the rice sector.

The significance of connecting research findings to practical applications in the field cannot be understated. This partnership symbolizes the mutual commitment of both organizations to harness the knowledge of research institutions and the implementation capabilities of private enterprises to effectively utilize their research outcomes.

IRRI Director Dr. Yvonne Pinto reflected on the partnership, stating, "This is more than just a formalization of collaboration; it demonstrates what is possible when scientific insights meet the right partners. The bridge between laboratories and farmers' fields is where innovation emerges. I am proud to build that bridge with Creattura."

A Milestone for the AGRI Project

As the inaugural formal partnership within the AGRI project, this agreement acts as an early milestone for future initiatives in the ASEAN region. Speaking to the importance of coupling scientific research with practical application, Sato Nozawa, Director of the Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries Research Council Secretariat at Japan's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries, commented, "Scientific research creates more value when its results are tied to practical implementation. Collaboration between research institutions and the private sector is essential for transforming scientific knowledge into sustainable agricultural solutions."

About Creattura Philippines

Creattura Philippines Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Creattura Inc., a Tokyo-based climate tech company. It focuses on developing and implementing carbon credit projects and provides digital MRV (Measurement, Reporting, and Verification) solutions. The company serves as the local implementer of carbon credit projects in the agriculture sector, particularly in initiatives aimed at reducing methane emissions in rice farming.

About IRRI

The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) is an international research center dedicated to alleviating poverty and hunger among communities dependent on rice-based agricultural systems. Through extensive research activities and diverse partnerships, IRRI aims to improve the livelihoods and well-being of rice farmers and consumers, promote sustainability in the face of climate change, and support the active participation of women and youth in the rice sector. Moreover, IRRI is a member of CGIAR (Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research), one of the world's foremost agricultural research organizations committed to ensuring food security and a sustainable future.