"Growing Solutions: U.S.-Japan Agri-Tech Innovations for a Carbon Neutral Future"

On Monday, March 10, the Consulate General of Japan in San Francisco held an event co-hosted by the Japan Society of Northern California at Digital Garage in cooperation with public and private sector partners to highlight innovations in U.S. and Japan Agri-Tech. Over 130 people turned out to hear about new technology helping to reduce environmental impacts and improve crop yields.

The event began with opening remarks from Consul General Yo Osumi, followed by a recorded address from California Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas on the importance of agriculture to the state. Keynote presentations included an overview of California Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) initiatives, from Ms. Maria Onorato, trends and research at the University of California Office of Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR), from Mr. Gabriel Youtsey, and a view of Silicon Valley agri-tech investments from Mr. John Hartnett at SVG Ventures.

Following the main presentation was a panel discussion between representatives from Deloitte Tohmatsu Ventures, Norinchukin Bank, Kagome, and Kubota about established Japanese companies working with local startups. Finally, four startup companies from the U.S. and Japan discussed their work on cutting-edge technology applications: methane capture at Windfall Bio, soil analysis at EarthOptics, plant drought resistance at Ac-Planta, and biochar at TOWING.

Guests then enjoyed a networking session with opportunities to make new connections prior to the opening of the World Agri-Tech Innovation Summit from March 11-12 in San Francisco.