Collaboration to Promote Carbon Credit Generation in the Agricultural Sector

Jizoku Inc. is pleased to announce the launch of a collaborative initiative with Karasawa Agricultural Machinery Service Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Tōmi City, Nagano Prefecture; Representative Director: Takeyuki Karasawa; hereinafter “Karasawa Agricultural Machinery Service”) to promote the generation of carbon credits in the agricultural sector across the Kanto-Koshinetsu region.

Background and Objectives

In recent years, addressing climate change and realizing sustainable agricultural practices have become increasingly urgent global priorities. Reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions has emerged as a critical international issue in the agricultural sector.

Jizoku supports the visualization of GHG reduction efforts in agriculture by converting them into carbon credits, creating economic value from environmental initiatives that have traditionally gone unrecognized. By introducing advanced technologies such as satellite data monitoring, environmental indicators, and biodiversity assessment, Jizoku is committed to driving sustainable agriculture forward.

Karasawa Agricultural Machinery Service has developed a multifaceted structure that supports regional agricultural management through various services, including the sale and repair of agricultural machinery, rice milling stations, web services, and food and beverage operations, primarily across Nagano and Gunma prefectures.

Through this new collaboration, the two companies will combine their expertise and networks to actively promote the creation and utilization of carbon credits, focusing primarily on rice cultivation. The initiative aims to bring new value to agriculture by harmonizing environmental conservation with economic activity.

Details of the Partnership

As the first phase of this initiative, the companies will implement a program to reduce methane emissions through the extension of the mid-season drainage period in rice paddies. The goal is to generate carbon credits under Japan’s J-Credit Scheme.

The “extension of the mid-season drainage period” refers to increasing the length of time paddies are drained, typically around June, by one week beyond the average of the past two years. This practice reduces anaerobic conditions in the soil and is expected to cut methane emissions by approximately 30%.

Future Outlook

Jizoku and Karasawa Agricultural Machinery Service will collaborate to promote this initiative among a wide network of local farmers, further encouraging the use and spread of carbon credits. The generated credits may also be utilized by regional companies, with the aim of building a locally produced, locally used carbon credit model. Through such circular systems, the partnership seeks to contribute to the coexistence of regional economic development and environmental sustainability.

About Jizoku Inc.
Jizoku Inc. is dedicated to building systems that harness the diverse value of agriculture under the mission: “Creating a world where everyone can continue to enjoy delicious rice.”

The company focuses on maximizing agriculture’s potential to contribute to decarbonization, biodiversity conservation, disaster resilience, culture, and education. By visualizing and monetizing environmental value, Jizoku aims to create mechanisms for sustainable agriculture.

With a strong emphasis on satellite data and environmental indicators, Jizoku also promotes farmland monitoring as a core strategy for realizing a more sustainable society.

Company Name: Jizoku Inc.

Representative Director: Keiichiro Kataoka

Head Office: 448 Building 3F, 1-15-11 Higashi, Kunitachi City, Tokyo 186-0002

Business Description: Supporting carbon credit generation in the primary industry

Official Website: https://jizoku-inc.com/

About Karasawa Agricultural Machinery Service Co., Ltd.

Karasawa Agricultural Machinery Service is pioneering new distribution systems in the agricultural machinery industry to promote e-commerce in Japan’s ¥380 billion agricultural machinery market. With a mission to “Deliver excitement beyond imagination,” the company is working to build a world where anyone can purchase and access agricultural machinery and services online.

Founded in 1992 as a business specializing in agricultural machinery repair, the company has since expanded into a wide range of businesses, including agricultural machinery sales, repair, and refurbishment, as well as internet services such as web development, marketing, and consulting.

It operates the “Noukinavi” marketplace, a platform with over 300 member retailers and a total transaction volume exceeding ¥1.8 billion. In 2021, the company raised ¥190 million through a third-party allotment of shares and financing from multiple institutions, including Hachijuni Bank, Hachijuni Capital, and Gunma Bank.

In 2023, the company launched a food and beverage business by acquiring “Monjayaki Chikurin” in Komoro City, Nagano. Later that year, it established Karasawa Nōki Venture Partners, a corporate venture capital arm, to further accelerate growth.

Company Name: Karasawa Agricultural Machinery Service Co., Ltd.

President & CEO: Takeyuki Karasawa

Head Office: 1642 Hon-Uno, Tōmi City, Nagano 389-0518

Business Description: