#Sustainable Farming #Strawberry #Oishii Farm

Oishii Farm Launches Strawberry Production in Japan

Oishii Farm, a deep-tech startup founded in the United States in 2017, has made a significant announcement: it will commence the production and sale of strawberries in Japan. With a mission focused on achieving sustainable agriculture and delivering unparalleled taste, the company has leveraged years of expertise in controlled environment agriculture. The initiative aims to provide strawberries cultivated with superior quality, regardless of external climatic challenges.

Background of Strawberry Production in Japan

Japanese strawberries are particularly susceptible to climate变化. Recent trends indicate a rise in temperatures due to climate change, impacting the growth and quality of agricultural products, including strawberries. Challenges such as delayed flowering and harvest periods have led to a worsening issue of stable supply. Data from the Tokyo wholesale market showcases that the distribution of domestic strawberries predominantly occurs from November to May, resulting in around a 200-fold variation in distribution volumes and more than double the fluctuation in average transaction prices over the year.

To address these challenges, Oishii Farm aims to utilize the mass production techniques and proven year-round supply capabilities developed in the U.S. The company's commitment to ensuring the steady availability of high-quality strawberries is a game changer for the Japanese market.

Special Features of Oishii Farm's Strawberries

1. Year-Round Supply: By maintaining optimal growing conditions irrespective of seasonal changes, Oishii Farm can supply strawberries throughout the year, ensuring a consistent product for consumers.

2. Guaranteed Quality and Exceptional Flavor: The farm cultivates strawberries under precisely controlled conditions of temperature, humidity, light, CO2 concentration, and wind speed, enabling them to replicate the ideal growing environment for each strawberry variety. This meticulous attention to detail ensures excellent taste and quality at all times.

3. No Chemical Pesticides: By creating a fully closed growing environment, Oishii Farm significantly reduces the risk of pest and pathogen infiltration, thereby cultivating strawberries without the use of chemical pesticides.

Oishii Farm’s Operations in the United States

In the U.S., Oishii Farm has focused on producing and selling strawberries through vertical farming systems, committing to deliver an extraordinary customer experience. Their products are already featured in about 20% of Michelin-starred restaurants in New York, demonstrating the high standards they've set and achieved. In 2024, the company plans to launch one of the largest strawberry farms in New Jersey, striving for sustainability and high productivity.

Currently, Oishii Farm's products are available in various supermarkets, including the organic chain Whole Foods Market, with price ranges between $7 and $50, primarily focused on the Eastern U.S. and Canada.

Future Prospects: Contributions to Japan’s Food Landscape and Agriculture

The global agricultural sector faces various challenges, such as climate-induced extreme weather, natural disasters, and a decline in farmland and water resources. Japan anticipates a drastic decrease in its agricultural workforce, with projections suggesting a reduction from approximately 1.07 million in 2020 to about 180,000 by 2050.

Oishii Farm's