Sustainable Activities | Sustainability | ITOCHU Food Sales and Marketing Co., Ltd.

ITOCHU Food Sales and Marketing's Initiatives

Supporting Cocoa Farmers Through New Seedlings

Cocoa can be harvested beginning the third year after the seeds were planted. The plants bear a lot of fruit beginning in about their seventh year, reaching their peak harvest period about 10 to 20 years after they are planted. Cocoa flowers bloom directly on the trunk of the tree and the fruit (cocoa pods) develops there, with about 30 pods maturing at one time. After harvesting, new flowers are already waiting on the trunk to grow into the next batch of fruit, making cocoa a fruit that can be harvested throughout the year.

After cocoa trees pass their peak harvest period, their yield gradually decreases. If new seeds are planted after the yield drops, it will take at least seven years to achieve a stable harvest again. During this period, farmers’ incomes decrease.

New seedlings must be regularly planted before that disaster happens. However, in Ghana, even when farmers want new seedlings, they often cannot obtain them due to transportation issues or other reasons. As a result, many farmers are unable to replant as needed.

We, together with Japanese manufacturers, provide robust and high-quality seedlings to farmers who wish to receive them in designated production areas specified by Japanese manufacturers.

Through these activities, we support the stable income of cocoa farmers, prevent them from leaving farming, and consistently provide high-quality cocoa beans to Japanese manufacturers.

We aim to create a society where cocoa will sustainably enable farmers, manufacturers, and consumers to all be happy.

taking out cocoa beans from the pods after harvest

Supporting the Extension of Rice Fields’ Nakaboshi Periods

In Japan, which is an area that normally eats a lot of rice, 40% of the methane (a greenhouse gas) emitted domestically comes from paddy fields. The methane from rice paddies is generated by methanogenic bacteria, which are anaerobic bacteria that act on organic matter that is in the soil and provided as fertilizer. To reduce the methane emissions of rice paddies, it has been confirmed that extending the nakaboshi^*1 or mid-season drainage period typically practiced in rice cultivation by seven days more than the average over the past two years can reduce emissions 30% compared to the normal mid-season drainage period.

Itochu Food Sales and Marketing is a company that supplies a significant amount of rice, and we recognize our responsibility to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. We support the incomes of rice farmers who extend the nakaboshi period using the J-Credit system^*2 certified by the government. By doing this, we contribute to a happy future for the global environment, producers, and consumers.

^*1 Nakaboshi: During the rice cultivation period, before the rice plants flower, the water in the paddy field is drained once to dry the field surface. This process prevents excessive tillering (branching from the base) and controls growth. Excessive tillering can lead to insufficient nutrients reaching the ears of rice, resulting in reduced yield and quality. However, a too dramatic nakaboshi can damage the roots and hinder growth after the young ear formation stage, leading to decreased yield. Additionally, in cold regions, it can cause the soil temperature to drop, leading to cold damage.

^*2 J-Credit System: This is a carbon credit system where activities that reduce or absorb emitted greenhouse gases (GHGs) such as CO₂ are quantified and certified by the government as credits. The credits created through this system can be used for various purposes, such as the achievement of the goals of the Keidanren (Japan Business Federation) Carbon Neutral Action Plan and as carbon offsets.

Japanese rice paddy during “Nakaboshi period”

Engaging in Social Contribution Activities

We Support Activities of the World Food Programme

We support the activities of the Association for the World Food Programme (WFP), the only UN food aid agency dedicated to eliminating hunger and poverty. Their mission includes providing emergency assistance during disasters and conflicts, improving nutritional conditions, and providing school meals.

We Support ITOCHU Foundation Activities

We proudly and continuously support the noble endeavors of the Itochu Memorial Foundation, a public interest incorporated foundation dedicated to facilitating the healthy development of young people. Through our ongoing donations, we champion initiatives like the Children's Library Assistance Project and the Electronic Book Promotion Project, contributing to the bright and promising futures of our children.

Foundation for International Development/Relief (FIDR)

We support the activities of FIDR, which is dedicated to creating a society where children in developing countries can grow up healthy. FIDR works to improve all aspects of their living conditions and welfare, including economics and sanitation. Additionally, FIDR conducts emergency relief operations in response to domestic and international disasters.