Nomura : Starts Decarbonization Experiment at Nomura Farm Hokkaido Using Impact Startup Technology

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Nomura Starts Decarbonization Experiment at Nomura Farm Hokkaido Using Impact Startup Technology

June 20, 2024

Nomura Securities Co., Ltd.

Tokyo, June 20, 2024-Nomura Securities Co., Ltd. and Nomura Farm Hokkaido Co., Ltd. today announced that they have commenced an agricultural decarbonization experiment using technologies provided by TOWING Ltd. ("Towing") and Sagri Co., Ltd ("Sagri").

Nomura has operated a 20-hectare farm at Nomura Farm Hokkaido since September 2011. Through its farming operations, Nomura contributes to the local community and supports the food and agriculture industry.

To address climate change and contribute to decarbonization solutions in the agriculture sector, Nomura is conducting an experiment at its farm using leading edge technologies provided by impact startup companies. The experiment will verify the effect of soil improvement technology on reducing the environmental impacts of agriculture and improving crop yields and productivity.

Soratan, a new soil improvement material produced in the form of high-performance biochar by Towing, will be scattered on sections of Nomura Farm Hokkaido. This is expected to demonstrate how Soratan can be used to convert a large proportion of chemical fertilizers to organic fertilizers. Since biochar has the effect of storing carbon in the soil (carbon farming), Nomura will also collaborate with Towing to obtain carbon credit certification.

In addition, Nomura will conduct soil analysis using a solution provided by Sagri, an impact startup company that aims to resolve global agricultural issues using satellite data and AI technology. Nomura aims to generate social impact by leveraging its expertise in the food and agri industry together with the technologies provided by the two startups.

Under its Green Food System Strategy, Japan's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries has set targets for reducing environmental impact, such as achieving zero emissions in the agriculture, forestry, and fisheries industries by 2050 and reducing the use of chemical fertilizers by 30% by 2030.

Nomura will contribute to the global transition to a decarbonized society and the sustainable growth of the agricultural industry. Nomura will also support the development of impact investing, which has attracted attention as a new investment market seeking to tackle social problems.

Nomura's Group Purpose is "We aspire to create a better world by harnessing the power of financial markets". Nomura is committed to creating a more sustainable future by supporting clients' sustainability initiatives and driving innovation to resolve social issues.

Demonstration Overview

Location	Ebetsu-shi, Hokkaido
Area and crops	2,400 square meters (1,000 square meters of pumpkins, 1,400 square meters of sweet corn).
Start date	June 8 ,2024
Harvest schedule	Early September 2024 (sweet corn) Mid-September 2024 (pumpkins)

About TOWING

Towing is an impact startup established in 2020 as a Nagoya University spin-off. The company develops and sells a high-performance biochar called Soratan, which uses high-performance soil technology, a technology for managing artificial soil by adding microorganisms to biochar such as charcoal and mixing it with organic fertilizer. This makes it possible to improve crop quality and yields, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and promote circular agriculture. The company has received numerous awards, including the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology Award at the 2022 "STI for SDGs" Awards.

About Sagri

Sagri is an impact startup from Gifu University, established in Hyogo Prefecture in June 2018. Sagri leverages satellite data and AI technology to address social and environmental issues. With subsidiaries in Singapore and India, the company has expanded its operations to India, Vietnam, Thailand, Bangladesh, Kenya, Tanzania, Peru, and Brazil. Sagri has received numerous awards, including the Prime Minister's Award in the Sixth Space Exploitation Awards.

Nomura

Nomura is a global financial services group with an integrated network spanning approximately 30 countries and regions. By connecting markets East & West, Nomura services the needs of individuals, institutions, corporates and governments through its three business divisions: Wealth Management, Investment Management, and Wholesale (Global Markets and Investment Banking). Founded in 1925, the firm is built on a tradition of disciplined entrepreneurship, serving clients with creative solutions and considered thought leadership. For further information about Nomura, visit www.nomura.com.