The Next Green Revolution: A Sustainable Agriculture Initiative
In 2021, BG Inc., a pioneering agricultural venture based in Meguro, Tokyo, initiated the "Next Green Revolution." This movement aims to transform Japanese agriculture amid serious environmental and economic challenges by putting soil at the forefront of sustainable food production. With an ambitious goal of establishing a resilient food system by 2030, this initiative is centered on discovering and sharing unseen values within agriculture.
A Solution Rooted in Soil
Historically, the "Green Revolution" significantly increased crop yields through scientific advancements, alleviating food scarcity in many regions. However, present-day issues such as soil degradation, climate change, and increasing agricultural input costs have jeopardized these gains, resulting in declining crop quality and yield. Moreover, environmental burdens such as warming, water pollution, and biodiversity loss continue to escalate.
To address these pressing challenges, farmers who practice sustainable farming—without sacrificing productivity, taste, or environmental considerations—are turning back to the soil. This is where the journey to sustainable agriculture begins. Many successful farmers have realized that nurturing soil to mimic natural ecosystems leads to healthier vegetables, enhanced flavors, and stable harvests. In doing so, they’ve also reduced their environmental impacts.
Bridging the Divide between Producers and Consumers
One of the critical issues underlying the agricultural crisis is the disconnect between food producers and consumers. While producing tasty and healthy vegetables begins with good soil, the current food system fails to adequately inform consumers about the efforts and values of growers. Consumers often have limited choices, leading to an inability to recognize the hard work and value that goes into cultivating high-quality soil.
To tackle these structural challenges, BG Inc. has brought together expert practitioners, researchers from national institutions, and academic experts to develop two foundational solutions: the "Next Green Vegetables" brand, which reveals the reasons behind delicious produce, and the "Next Green Method," a one-stop solution for creating fertile soil. This innovative approach aims to empower farmers to transition towards sustainable practices.
Discovering Delicious Vegetables with the Next Green Vegetables Brand
The "Next Green Vegetables" brand represents the first of its kind in Japan, showcasing vegetables grown in rich, healthy soils that reflect the diversity of natural ecosystems. It emphasizes the idea that different soils produce different tastes, connecting various soil qualities to the flavor and health of the vegetables. The brand aims to redefine consumer perceptions by establishing the fact that selecting vegetables is about choosing the right soil. Products will be available at retail stores, company cafeterias, and more, with a formal launch planned for autumn 2025.
Agri LCA+: A New Benchmark for Soil Quality
At the heart of the "Next Green Vegetables" brand is an innovative evaluation system called "Agri LCA+." This framework assesses overall agricultural practices, taking into account soil ecosystems, microbial habitats, and environmental impacts. The goal is to define and visualize the value of soil and its contribution to vegetable quality and ecological health.
Advancing Sustainable Agriculture with the Next Green Method
The "Next Green Method" encompasses three comprehensive solutions: "Soil Solution" to create nutrient-rich soil, "Agri LCA+" to visualize soil value, and "Next Green Credit" to provide financial incentives for sustainable farming. The vision is to develop a resilient, high-yield, and environmentally friendly agricultural system alongside food producers in just three years.
The initial rollout will commence in Hokkaido, where the method will be further expanded to other regions like Kanto and Kyushu. The vegetables grown using this method will be marketed as the "Next Green Vegetables," with adherence to best practices and standards.
Uniting Farmers Across Japan to Foster a Sustainable Future
The "Next Green Revolution" aspires to connect farmers nationwide, transforming industry practices through innovative solutions. BG Inc. aims to construct a novel food system addressing climate change and soil degradation, ensuring a sustainable future for both humanity and the planet. By promoting sustainable farming that values both produce quality and environmental responsibility, BG is committed to cultivating a world where eating delicious food directly supports sustainable practices and holistic community development.
As BG Inc. continues its journey towards achieving the Next Green Revolution, it sets a path not only for the agricultural landscape of Japan but also outlines a broader narrative for environmental stewardship within the global food economy. The message is clear: nurturing soil today ensures nourishing food for future generations.