Sakata Seed Corporation, Japan's leading wholesaler and retailer of seeds, seedlings and gardening materials, has launched a line of agricultural and gardening products called the "Eco-Product Series" which it hopes will contribute to sustainable agriculture and gardening. The move reflects growing consumer concern about the safety of agricultural products and the changing awareness of farmers, many of whom are now more interested in organic farming and types of agriculture that have less impact on the environment.

The new line includes 19 items in three categories fit for organic farming including fertilizer, seedbed pots made from natural materials, green manure seeds and seedlings in "Kami-da-Torei" (Paper Tray) and "Kami-da-Potto" (Paper Pot) made from used paper. Among them, organic fertilizers marketed as "Kin no yuuki" (Golden Organic) and "Gin no yuuki" (Silver Organic), compost called "Yuuki no tsuchi" (Organic Soil), and soil-cultivation material called "Bio-Ace-Soft" will be put on the market for the first time.

Using its know-how as a nursery company, Sakata Seed plans to market this product line by preparing application manuals for each crop. Total sales of the line are expected to be 400 million yen (about U.S.$3.36 million) in the first year, and 650 million yen (about U.S.$5.46 million) in 2005.

http://www.sakataseed.co.jp/corporate/english/info/message/

Posted: 2003/02/07 01:23:00 PM
Japanese version

TAG Eco-product/Business , Ecosystem , Manufacturing industry