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

ITOCHU Food Sales and Marketing's Initiatives

Supporting Cocoa Farmers with New Seedlings

Cocoa can be harvested from the third year after planting the seeds, and it bears many fruits from about seventh year and reach their peak harvest period between 10 to 20 years. Cocoa flowers bloom directly on the trunk of the tree and the fruit (cocoa pods) develop there, with about 30 pods maturing at a time. After harvesting, new flowers are already waiting on the trunk to grow the next batch of fruit, making cocoa a fruit that can be harvested through-out the year.

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

Before that disaster happens, new seedlings need to be regularly replanted. However, in Ghana, even if farmers want new seedlings, they often cannot obtain them due to transportation issues and 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 the designated production areas specified by the Japanese manufacturers.

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

We aim to create a society where farmers, manufacturers, and consumers can all continued to be happy through cocoa.

taking out cocoa beans from the pods after harvest

Supporting the Extension of the "Nakaboshi Period" in Rice Fields

We support the extension of the "nakaboshi^*1 period" in rice paddies.

In Japan, where rice is normally eaten, 40% of the methane (one of greenhouse gas) emitted domestically comes from paddy field. Methane generated from rice paddies is produced by methanogenic bacteria, which are anaerobic bacteria that act on organic matter in the soil and organic matter given as fertilizer. To reduce methane emissions from rice paddies, it has been confirmed that extending the period of "mid-season drainage," which is typically practiced in rice cultivation, by seven days beyond the number of days implemented in the past two years can reduce emissions by 30% compared to the normal duration.

We at Itochu Food Sales and Marketing, as a company that supplies significant amount of rice, recognize our responsibility is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. We support the income of rice farmers who extends the nakaboshi period, by using the J-Credit system^*2 certified by the government. By doing so, 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. On the other hand, too strong a 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 a drop in soil temperature, leading to cold damage.

^*2 J-Credit System: This is a carbon credit system where activities that reduce or absorb greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, 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 achieving the goals of the Keidanren (Japan Business Federation) Carbon Neutral Action Plan and carbon offsetting.

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 status, and offering school meals.

We Support Activities of ITOCHU Foundation

We proudly and continuously support the noble endeavors of the Itochu Memorial Foundation, a public interest incorporated foundation dedicated to fostering the healthy development of youth. 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 future 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 their living conditions and welfare in all economic and sanitary aspects. Additionally, FIDR conducts emergency relief operations in response to domestic and international disasters.