WAKU Partners with Minamisoma City for Sustainable Agriculture Initiatives

WAKU and Minamisoma City Collaboration

In a pivotal move towards advancing sustainable agricultural practices, WAKU Co., Ltd., headquartered in Okayama, and Minamisoma City in Fukushima Prefecture have formalized a cooperative agreement dubbed the "Collaboration for Sustainable Agriculture Connecting to the Future." The aim is to revitalize and sustainably develop Minamisoma’s agricultural sector while addressing the challenges of climate change.

This partnership is rooted in the principles of the Fukushima Innovation Coast Concept, aspiring to establish Minamisoma as a pivotal site for the practical implementation of next-generation agricultural models adept at responding to intensifying climate risks such as heat waves and droughts.

Background to the Collaboration

The Hamadori region of Fukushima, which includes Minamisoma, faces increasing agricultural challenges due to severe weather conditions, leading to crop development issues and reduced yields. While the installation of technology such as robot tractors and drones has alleviated labor shortages to some extent, environmental stress caused by abnormal weather patterns remains a pressing concern. WAKU has focused on a bio-stimulant technique using "glutathione" to manage oxidative stress in crops, conducting numerous experiments in collaboration with producers and research institutions nationwide.

Combining Minamisoma's vast farmland and advanced drone technology with WAKU’s cutting-edge biotechnology aims to create a new agricultural production system that achieves both labor-saving benefits and environmental resilience.

Key Elements of the Agreement

Under this agreement, WAKU and Minamisoma City will collaboratively engage in the following initiatives:

- Building Sustainable Agricultural Models Resilient to Climate Change: Utilizing cultivation techniques empowered by glutathione, the partnership seeks to develop agricultural models capable of withstanding environmental stressors such as heat and drought.
- Promotion of Next-generation Smart Agriculture Through Drones and Glutathione: The integration of technological innovations in drone use with WAKU’s biotechnological advancements will study the development of a new agricultural production system, achieving both productivity stability and labor efficiency.
- Training Agricultural Personnel through Mirai Agricultural School: Utilizing Mirai Agricultural School as a core facility, the joint effort will focus on cultivating the next generation of agricultural talent by providing practical learning experiences based on real-world applications of advanced technology.
- Utilization of Advanced Biotechnology for Horticultural Production and Regional Industrial Aggregation: Deployment of advanced biotech will enhance local horticultural production sites, strengthening the competitive edge of regional agriculture.
- Establishment of an Office and LABO: WAKU will set up an office and research hub within Minamisoma City, fostering collaboration with local agricultural businesses and accelerating experimental validation, while also generating local employment opportunities.
- Other Necessary Collaborative Matters: Additional considerations will be addressed as agreed upon by both parties.

Future Prospects

Looking ahead, the partnership aims to expand the successful agricultural model established in Minamisoma throughout the Hamadori region and into agricultural areas across Japan, positioning it as a viable agricultural model even in extreme conditions. Through this collaboration, WAKU and Minamisoma are determined to showcase the city as a pioneering region where cutting-edge biotechnology and smart agriculture converge, contributing to the realization of sustainable agriculture and regional revitalization.

Company Overview

- Company Name: WAKU Co., Ltd.
- Location: Room ORIC101, 5303 Haga, Kita-ku, Okayama, Japan
- CEO: Ryosuke Himeno
- Founded: July 2022
- Business Focus: Research, development, and sales of bio-stimulants and fertilizers using glutathione
- Website: WAKU Website