MY FARM and Shizen Energy form capital and business alliance ～collaboration in agrisolar business～
MY FARM Inc. (MY FARM) and Shizen Energy Inc. (Shizen Energy) have entered into a capital and business alliance agreement as of May 17, 2023.
■Background of the Capital and Business Alliance
MY FARM has been engaged in a wide range of businesses related to agricultural education, agricultural technology R&D, and community revitalization based on the philosophy of “a society that can produce and consume its own food”, and has the knowledge and agricultural human resource networks to support these activities. Shizen Energy, in addition to its renewable energy power generation business, is also involved in community revitalization projects and a farm-based solar business that combines agriculture and energy (agrisolar business), as part of its efforts to create a sustainable society.
Therefore, the two companies decided to form a capital and business alliance, believing that by utilizing their respective knowledge and promoting business collaboration, synergistic effects can be achieved by taking advantage of their respective areas of expertise. Both companies will work to solve social issues facing agriculture by applying their respective strengths, information, and networks.
■Details of the partnership
My Farm and Shizen Energy will form a business alliance in the following two areas.
- Recommending and arranging for those who have been trained at Agri Innovation College (AIC)*, an agricultural school operated by MY FARM, to work as farmers in the agrisolar business operated by Shizen Energy.
- My Farm will mediate and introduce locations and sites, to be used for agrisolar projects, to Shizen Energy.
■Future goals
Through the collaboration, the two companies are already preparing a project to test a new farming model that utilizes vertical agrisolar facilities. The companies will continue to work toward establishing new farming models utilizing new technologies to promote “improved profitability in farming operations” and “sustainable agriculture” throughout Japan.
* Agri Innovation College (AIC)
With the theme of “the school that will determine your agricultural life,” this is an agricultural school for adults where students learn agricultural technology and management, and acquire comprehensive skills to lead their own agricultural lives. A total of more than 2,000 students with diverse backgrounds have graduated from the school, and they are active nationwide.( https://agri-innovation.jp/ )
【About MY FARM Inc.】
Established in September 2007. Under the philosophy of “self-production for self-consumption,” the company is engaged in hands-on farming, agricultural school business, production, distribution, and sales of agricultural products, as well as consulting for local governments and corporations. By approaching agriculture from the aspects of “people, things, and products” and developing multiple businesses, the company aims to promote changes in various lifestyle behaviors and create a society in which people can produce and consume their own food.
MY FARM INc. ( https://myfarm.co.jp/ )
Headquarters: Tatsumi Bldg. 1F, 607 Higashishiokoji-cho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Representative: Kazuma Nishitsuji
Established: Sep. 26, 2007
Capital: 100,000,000 JPY
Business: Restoration and commercialization of abandoned farmland / Farming experience business (rental farms, publication of magazines) / Agricultural education business (farmer school for adults, agricultural management school) / Agricultural production business and business entry support, distribution and sales business (intermediary distribution and direct sales of agricultural products) / Agrisolar business etc.
【About Shizen Energy Inc.】
Founded in June, 2011. With the company purpose of “We take action for the blue planet,” the company’s business includes development, financing, and asset management of renewable energy power plants using solar power, wind power, small-scale hydroelectric power, and biomass. Since 2016, the company has also been focusing on its international operations, expanding its development and power generation projects in areas such as Southeast Asia and Brazil. In 2019, the company also entered the energy tech business, offering micro-grid and VPP construction, smart charging and discharging services for EVs, and other services through its self-developed EMS (energy management system). Shizen Energy Group has been involved in more than 1 GW of renewable energy generation internationally.
Shizen Energy Inc.（https://www.shizenenergy.net/en/）
Headquarters: Fukuoka Ohori Bldg. 1-1-6 Arato, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka
Representative Directors: Ken Isono, Kenji Kawado, Masaya Hasegawa
Established: June 2011
Capital: 2,591,400,983 JPY (as of April 2023）
Business: Power generation business (IPP) for renewable energy power plants such as solar, wind, and small-scale hydroelectric power plants, business development, financing, asset management, digital business, etc.
