Jizoku Inc. Announces Suspension of Agricultural Carbon Credit Generation in FY2025

Jizoku Inc. Announces Suspension of Agricultural Carbon Credit Generation in Regions Unable to Conduct Mid-Season Drainage Due to Severe Drought in FY2025

Jizoku Inc. (Head Office: Kunitachi City, Tokyo; Representative Director: Keiichiro Kataoka, hereinafter “Jizoku”) hereby announces its decision not to generate agricultural carbon credits in regions where mid-season drainage cannot be implemented due to the severe drought conditions expected in fiscal year 2025.

This decision prioritizes the stable production of food, the conservation of local environments, and the continuation of farmers’ livelihoods, and is based on Jizoku’s guiding principle of achieving both the creation of high-quality carbon credits and the realization of sustainable agriculture.

Background

In recent years, initiatives toward a decarbonized society have gained momentum, and in the agricultural sector, greenhouse gas reduction through paddy field management has received increasing attention. Jizoku has been engaged in generating agricultural carbon credits by reducing methane emissions through appropriate management of mid-season drainage—building on projects originally launched under the former general incorporated association, Co.

However, in FY2025, record-low rainfall has made it difficult to secure sufficient irrigation water for rice cultivation in some regions. Under such circumstances, implementing mid-season drainage would likely cause a significant decline in yields, jeopardizing regional food supply and farmers’ livelihoods. Moreover, in cases where fields are already dry before mid-season drainage, additional measures cannot be carried out, and no additionality can be established for credit generation.

Therefore, in FY2025, Jizoku will suspend the creation of agricultural carbon credits in drought-affected regions where mid-season drainage cannot be conducted. Instead, we will support cultivation management that prioritizes yield stability in those paddies.

Future Policy

Jizoku will continue to operate its business with flexibility, taking into account regional climate conditions and water resources, based on the following three principles:

1. Prioritizing stable food production and the continuation of farmers’ livelihoods

2. Ensuring harmony with surrounding environments and regional water resources

3. Maintaining a long-term system for stable generation of high-quality carbon credits

Furthermore, based on the experience of this year, Jizoku aims to promote the recognition of carbon credits not only in terms of quantity but also quality. In drought-affected regions, the foremost priority is to protect farming and local food security. Correctly valuing the multifunctionality of agriculture in this way, we believe, will ultimately contribute to building a sustainable society.

Jizoku will continue to drive forward innovative initiatives to realize a sustainable future.

Reference: Biodiversity Impact Assessment of Extended Midseason Drainage
Link: https://jizoku-inc.com/news_20251107/