Ebara Corporation (hereinafter referred to as "Ebara") has invested in the Series B round of funding for Oishii Farm Corporation (hereinafter referred to as "Oishii Farm"), headquartered in New Jersey, USA. Oishii Farm is a venture company that produces and sells strawberries and other agricultural products in innovative plant factories that utilize Japanese agricultural techniques and technology.
1. Background and Objectives
This is a key issue set out in Ebara's long-term vision, "E-Vision 2030," and we aim to support a world where people do not have to worry about water or food, and contribute to the realization of a sustainable society. To achieve this, we are working with external partners to create new businesses by adapting our existing technologies to new fields, and thereby working to resolve the risks of climate change, population growth, food shortages, and issues faced by agricultural workers that are predicted to occur around the world in the future.
2. Overview
In 2050, the world's population is expected to reach 10 billion people, raising concerns about the depletion of energy, feed, land, water, and food. In the midst of this, Oishii Farm has succeeded in the stable production of strawberries, which are said to be the technically most difficult crop to grow, in a completely closed, automated plant factory using natural pollination by bees, for the first time in the world. By appropriately controlling factors such as water, CO2, temperature, light, and nutrients according to the plants it cultivates, the company delivers seasonal agricultural products to consumers throughout the year while realizing optimal use of renewable energy, water conservation, and pesticide-free. By combining Oishii Farm's know-how in operating plant factories with Ebara's strengths in water, energy conservation, and heat management technologies and manufacturing capabilities, we will work to realize and expand the secondary industrialization of primary industries (indoor plant production factories that are less affected by the surrounding environment).
■ Oishii Farm's website Hereopens in a new tab
The EBARA Group will address key ESG issues based on its long-term vision and medium-term management plan in order to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and further increase its corporate value.