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BB #:379645 is pleased to announce a strategic executive leadership transition
Woodland, CA – January 31, 2025 – Sakata Seed America, Inc. BB #:379645 is pleased to announce a strategic executive leadership transition
After more than fifteen years of dedicated service as President and Chief Executive Officer of Sakata Seed America
Dave Armstrong will step into the role of Executive Chairman
where he will continue to provide strategic oversight and guidance for the business
Eduardo (Ed) Flores will assume the position of President and Chief Executive Officer
taking over operational responsibility and leading Sakata Seed America into its next phase of growth
Ed joined Sakata Seed America in 2021 as Chief Operating Officer and has played a significant role in adapting the company’s supply chain capabilities to a growing crop portfolio
and through the recent relocation of Sakata’s regional headquarters to Woodland
Ed brings more than 20 years of experience in leading regional businesses
and strategy development for global breeding companies
He holds an MBA from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a B.S
in Engineering from the Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education
currently serving as Executive Vice President
will take on the role of Executive Advisor and support the business during this transition
John will continue to lend his expertise and leadership
developed over a thirty plus year career with Sakata
until his planned retirement in January 2026
Hiroyuki (Hiro) Hashimoto will step into the role of Vice President
further strengthening the company’s executive team
“It has been an incredible honor to lead Sakata Seed America for the past fifteen and a half years
and the impact we’ve made in the seed industry
As I step into the role of Executive Chairman
I look forward to supporting the company’s continued success under Ed’s leadership.”
Incoming President-CEO Ed Flores shared his enthusiasm for the future:
It’s an honor to be chosen to serve Sakata Seed America
a company I have long admired and respected given its strong legacy of innovation
and commitment to our customers and partners
I am grateful for the opportunity to lead this exceptional organization and continue driving our mission forward
This leadership transition reaffirms Sakata Seed America’s half century commitment to quality
and ensuring long-term growth by delivering high-quality seed and genetic solutions to growers and consumers across North and Central America and throughout Sakata’s global network
please contact Marissa Telfer at mtelfer@sakata.com
marketing and distribution company covering North and Central America
A leader in the development and production of high-quality vegetable and ornamental genetics
it is a major subsidiary of Sakata Seed Corporation
a global company with over a century of excellence
Sakata Seed America is dedicated to innovation
and partnerships that drive the agricultural industry forward
(530) 314-8341 Direct(559) 393-0800 Mobile
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It is with deep sorrow that Chestnut Hill Farms announces the passing of Bill Sheridan
G&R Farms launches its 2025 Growing America’s Farmers (GAF) program
featuring in-store Vidalia promotions and displays
is recalling 4 Count Vine Ripe Tomatoes packaged in clam shell containers
The Chilean/Peruvian offshore season will wrap up over the next four weeks
Expect pricing to increase as the offshore season winds down
The Foundation For Fresh Produce held its annual Consumer Connection Conference April 28-30
a leading grocery wholesaler announces the appointment of David Politz as its new President and CEO
Robert Sakata: Our family has a farm in Brighton
I was hired by the Department of Ag to be the first ever Ag Water Policy Advisor for the state of Colorado
Brody Wilson: That implies to me that maybe you've got some background in water
he just invested in good land with good water
that's what he knew was going to be the basis of our continuation was having that
My parents were both really involved civically
My dad served on the school board and my mom was on the bank board and they really encouraged me to do that as well
And I had the opportunity to serve on numerous boards and commissions in the state and it seemed like it was mostly focused on water
Sakata: There was a law passed it back way back in 1990 called the Agricultural Groundwater Protection Act
And so it was really a big step because so many people were pointing at agriculture going
saying that nutrient pollution is caused by agriculture
But we didn't have any data to really verify if that was true
And so a group of us farmers got together and we put a proposal into the state legislature saying
So we actually set up this bill that taxed farmers
Commercial fertilizer use and then also was a tax on any kind of registered pesticide in the state and then those funds would go to split between the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
the Colorado Department of Agriculture and CSU
So this trifecta would then manage this groundwater monitoring program
So we could actually start to take tests and to see the sources of contamination in the water and then try to verify where they're coming from
So that was my first dive into the water arena
Sakata: That was my last actual kind of appointment was on the Colorado Water Conservation Board
just the opportunity to serve the citizens and agriculture in the state of Colorado in this new role was just one that I couldn't pass up
you were the very first keynote speaker of this conference and you shared some really interesting information about agricultural land loss in Colorado
Can you talk about some of the data you shared
why that's something you're keeping track of
another really fantastic opportunity in my role is to be able to do that kind of research to figure out what data is out there
And one of the sources that I looked at was the U.S
the Department of Ag sends out a form to all farmers and ranchers
And we fill it out saying what crops we grow
And one of the questions is how many acres you're actually irrigating
And so the last twenty-five year reporting period was from 1997
So over that twenty-five year reporting period
there's been a really substantial decline in irrigated acres across the state
That means over a million acres less of irrigated land in Colorado
there's no confirmation that that land is permanently dried up
Some of that land could be irrigated pastures
Some years were blessed with plenty of snow and some years were not
a lot of times people that have pastures will just not irrigate them
I didn't irrigate those pastures so they can come back the next season
But a lot of that acreage is really acres that have been retired and taken out of production
that kind of statistic and understanding that
I was always on the defensive of any type of new legislation
what is this bill going to do to me?' I got to be on the defensive
But now it's just such a wonderful feeling and I'm really trying to have to adjust to have the opportunity to say
What kind of policies can I propose to benefit Colorado agriculture
One that I'm trying to get used to and it's
it's actually more challenging than I expected
we've had a lot of conversations at this table today with farmers and ranchers who are doing things a lot differently than standard practice
Wilson: We were talking with some ranchers who aren't just a cow-calf operation earlier
They are really almost entirely a closed loop
do everything all in the same a couple hundred acres
Or even doing things where they're not tilling the ground anymore
They're planting a mix of sixteen different species of plants that then the cows graze on all winter long
Wilson: I'm curious about what your job is advising on this level of policy
Is that just kind of a hippie thing we're seeing here on the Western Slope
we can be pretty stubborn and stuck in our ways
And sometimes it takes another next generation
Somebody is willing to risk it to try something new
And then also there's just that financial risk
they really don't feel comfortable taking on additional risk
the last thing I wanted to be was a farmer
Our family operation had grown quite a bit
probably 7,000 acres of vegetables irrigated
We had 450 employees seasonally to help our operation
We had seventy full-time employees year-round and I think when I look back
part of the reasons that I was intimidated in really staying on the farm operation was that I was going to be responsible for all these people's livelihood
I think another barrier hurdle for change is that
Wilson: That's a great segue to a question
We were talking with some people from land trust
We talked with people about this generational shift that is happening
Lots of people are aging out of the business and there's pressure on next generation to not keep the land in Ag
You could sell it and make a bundle of money or work yourself to the bone for not a lot of money and keep the land in Ag
We want to live in places where there are ag and we want quality ag to feed us
Are you starting to think about things like that from a policy perspective
What's your view on this kind of moment of transition when there's so many people aging out of the business
and really is threatening to really change what we think about agriculture and
I've told people that because they've often asked me
And I think part of it is really at first right now I've been traveling the state a lot and really looking at seeing what's going on out there like that operation that you described
the other water sharing agreements that are going on
Cause I think a big part of my role is really then to connect the dots to figure out where the need are is
where are possible solutions that are coming in
I'm not smart enough to come up with these answers on my own
I'm going to take people out there that are smarter and I'm going to be the connector for it
And I really think that's really crucial and critical
Sakata: So really to get back to your answer
one of the neat things that I've been seeing is that
and this is part of my role is really educating rural - urban development and say urban development
' You really need to be thinking about agriculture.' You know
'But now we really need to identify what is that good farmland
And then we have some tools like conservation easements to do that
But I really emphasize to them that really that's the easy step
Putting a conservation easement on the line is the easy part and I think some municipalities are finding this out now because they can't find the people to manage it then
We have to find the ways to make sure that people that are managing these properties can earn a decent living
provide a market to these growers that are managing this property
that's going to projects that are wildlife
So if they identify a piece of land that they feel like they want to keep in production
doesn't feel comfortable with a conservation easement because perpetuity is an awful long time
They don't know what the next generation is going to want to do
they're hesitant to go into conservation easements
They're coming up with this idea of actually paying this farmer or this landowner an eco services payment
an annual payment because they are managing that open space that everybody's enjoying
Wilson: This is one of the more fascinating things that is honestly
as a industry outsider I've learned about today
It started with the talk this morning about
being compensated for the carbon sequestration that she's documented is happening on her ranches
but about compensating people who are willing to work on a piece of land in a conservation easement to make it a viable business
I wonder if there are other avenues in ag where this might
such tight margins that people have such a hard time earning a living
we built our economy on a cheap food supply
we really endangered our farmers and ranchers and that's a problem
So we really have to turn that around and figure out
our food supply is becoming so centralized that it scares me
it's going to impact a huge number of people
it's now millions and millions of pounds of beef that have to be recalled instead of one ranch's worth
What do you think we can do to move in the opposite direction
Sakata: I think we need great radio stations to get the word out there
I'm joking but not joking because I think really reaching out to the general public so they understand this
I think you'll probably agree with this that most people want to support agriculture
and explain to them how important it is to support local
you may have to pay a little bit more for local because it is more expensive to grow stuff here locally.'
I can only grow one crop of broccoli a season in California
our overhead costs were extremely high compared to those
I couldn't hire a quote unquote food safety expert for a year round just for a couple months where they can because they're almost year round
figuring out ways that we can support local is so important and education plays a big role in that
we really appreciate your taking the time to meet with us today and to share your passions and insights with our audience
Is there anything else that you want to make sure that we share
But really supporting and looking out for local products is always important
This is a farming operation in the Los Angeles area
And what he's done now is he's taking bare ground in the middle of the city and he starts starting to grow vegetables there
Then he contracts with a food bank and the food bank not only has a contract to buy the food from that open piece of ground
So they get volunteers- To the food bank that come out and do the weeding and harvesting
Isn't that using that open space and then also
their help them helping them solve the labor issue
I think that's critical too as I travel around and talking to the urban planners that we're finding how important agriculture is in mitigating the heat island effect that we're feeling as well
you go into downtown Denver and all that concrete and pavement
agriculture plays a hugely important role in mitigating heat island effects
I'm just passionate about this topic and I could go on and on
Thank you so much for having me on your program
Wilson: Thanks for taking the time to talk with us
representatives proudly attended the grand opening of the newly renovated Howard C
Brown Horticultural Greenhouse Complex at California Polytechnic State University
following the company’s $50,000 pledge to help modernize the greenhouse complex
unveiled enhancements and restorations of the 18,000-square-foot ornamental horticulture facility
Updates to the complex include the installation of new shade and thermal curtains
The improved complex aims to provide hands-on learning to Cal Poly students
with an emphasis on landscape and horticulture installation and design
Senior Sales & Marketing Director of Sakata Seed America comments
“We are thrilled to have had the opportunity to contribute to this exciting and impactful project
This educational greenhouse complex serves as a valuable resource for students and educators and aligns with Sakata’s commitment to promoting horticultural stewardship and mentorship for future generations of leaders in the seed industry and beyond.”
Sakata Seed America’s contribution is realized by the dedication of Greenhouse 3/ Room 108.
For more information, please contact Alicia Suits, asuits@sakata.com
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a major subsidiary of Sakata Seed Corporation
is proud to announce the grand opening of its new headquarters
located on 219 acres of prime agricultural land in Yolo County
marks a significant milestone in the company’s commitment to advancing agricultural innovation and sustainability
The Woodland Innovation Center will serve as the central hub for SAH’s operations
consolidating the company’s key functions into one expansive campus
distribution and biotechnology —the embodiment of a “21st-century Farmstead” for Sakata
“The expansion of the Woodland Innovation Center is an exciting and necessary step for the future of Sakata
As we broaden our leadership position in an expanding portfolio of crops
it’s imperative that we support our growing business and deepen our roots in one of the world’s most dynamic agriculture regions—the ‘Silicon Valley of seed.’ Our headquarters relocation to Woodland reflects our commitment to California’s vital agriculture and seed sectors
and the investment enables us to consolidate R&D and multiple other functions on a single
The development of the Woodland Innovation Center has been strategically planned in four phases
The move to Woodland will also strengthen Sakata’s ties with the University of California at Davis
enhancing collaborative opportunities with the world-renowned agricultural science institution
Sakata’s legacy of excellence in the seed industry
beginning with broccoli and expanding into a wide assortment of vegetables and flowers
has been enhanced by significant additional investments in infrastructure and personnel across North and Central America
The new headquarters will support the integration of five research stations
labs and administration offices throughout North America and foster global collaboration among Sakata’s breeding teams
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After a preliminary announcement in December
Sakata Seed Ibérica has officially presented Aguilar
the variety perfectly meets the current needs of cluster tomato producers," stated José Carlos Roldán
"The calibers yielded by other varieties on the market start to decrease from January
Aguilar can maintain G calibers from fruit set to the end," he said
Aguilar offers intermediate resistance to the tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV)
It also stands out for its fruit-setting capacity even in high temperatures
August is the optimal period for transplants of this variety
and there's some normal cracking during their fattening stage because of the high temperatures
with a minimum cracking percentage and a good caliber from the start," José Carlos Roldán stated
the fruit does not suffer from a yellow calyx
a common alteration caused by excess light
Aguilar is a compact plant with short internodes
which allows for significant savings in labor costs
Aguilar is a very flexible variety: it can be used for short or long cycles
depending on the needs of each grower," Roldán stated
who will soon retire after more than 15 years of leading Sakata's tomato program at the EMEA level
Sakata is taking its first steps in the tomato segment based on local genetics
high-yielding varieties with high resistance to ToBRFV
complying with the needs of producers from Almería
For more information:Sakata Seed IbéricaEmail: [email protected]www.sakataiberica.com
FreshPublishers © 2005-2025 HortiDaily.com
in 2003 and began her career in wedding planning
later served as Deputy Manager of Human Resources
She was named Director of Weddings in 2020
Director of Kyoto Preparatory Office in 2024
She is a graduate of the Tokyo Woman's Christian University and holds a Master's degree from the Graduate School of Business Administration
She enjoys her daily meditative jog along the waterfront —wherever she is in the world
By Carl Collen2025-03-25T19:09:00+00:00
What is Sakata talking to the industry about right now
Matthieu Maxant: We have a couple of exciting projects we are talking about
We decided a couple of years ago to change our approach to our customers
We like to accompany our customer – the grower
or retailer at the end of the chain – to understand what they need so we can drive our breeding programmes towards innovation
If we are speaking about the retailer and consumer
This is a long Dutch cucumber variety with a good resistance package and strong yields
This is important because a lot of retailers are now asking for no plastic film to be wrapped around cucumbers
which then becomes an issue for consumers because they see that their cucumbers are no longer shiny
we decided to drive our breeding programme towards finding the shiniest cucumber
which means the product is still attractive for the consumer without being wrapped in plastic
This is one of the examples that we are showing people
we also have innovations that are more targeted to what growers need
and one of the developments in that category is the increasing presence of the disease Didymella
Nobody was able to introduce a variety that resisted this disease
we released a new variety – Orionit F1 – that had the same Brix but also offered Didymella resistance
an innovation that gives additional value to the grower
This is how Sakata wants to be seen – giving innovation to growers
with that in turn driving our breeding programmes
How difficult is it to balance all of these demands
To consider all of these needs and breed an array of traits in each product
MM: The most relevant example of balancing traits is ToBRFV in tomatoes
A couple of years ago when this virus first arrived
They had an elongated plum tomato that had the best taste
Breeders worked on ToBRFV resistance and brought some solutions
but the problem was these options had no taste
This is one of the major issues everybody now has
but soon we will be able to release a tomato with resistance but
we were not able to find the right balance between resistance and taste
and we did not want to push a variety out onto the market too quickly that didn’t have great taste
How do the many challenges across the global market – geo-political instability
climate change and others – impact a company like Sakata
because we are seeing more and more barriers go up across different countries
everyone was thinking about how open the world was
I would say that the company is not fully globalised
but rather is more focused on being localised
This creates fewer difficulties than being completely globalised
being closer to the customer means Sakata can move much more quickly and can be more reactive to challenges
It is not only political challenges we face
we are having to stand up to changes in climatic conditions
the easier it is to understand and find solutions
a couple of years ago in Egypt we released a tomato that could resist very high summer temperatures
This is a very important characteristic that was not previously present in the market
A lot of tomatoes were already tolerant to heat
but to be able to resist peak temperatures
The more that we as a seed company can deliver these things
we need to be localised and near to the customers
How are technological developments benefitting Sakata
We are obviously an innovation-driven sector
but today we are not sure that we are able to analyse all the data points that we can take from technology
AI will help us with the sheer volume of data we have
I am convinced that this will be the next step in technological advancements that benefits us
and it is increasingly difficult to find people to work
You need to have people to harvest broccoli
and the next generation does not want to work in these types of conditions
the varieties produced today are not ready to be harvested by a machine
the head must be elongated so that the harvester can pick it
you may go two or three times to the field to harvest
you need to do it in one go for greater efficiency and cost effectiveness
I am not sure that the seed industry is ready to fully embrace robotics
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The gripping trailer and stunning key art for Demon City have been unveiled
offering a glimpse into the intense live-action adaptation of Masamichi Kawabe’s acclaimed comic
"Oni Goroshi." Featuring a mesmerizing performance by Toma Ikuta
Toma Ikuta takes on the role of Shuhei Sakata
a legendary hitman on a quest for vengeance after the brutal murder of his wife and daughter by the Kimen-gumi — a shadowy organization of masked criminals
this electrifying revenge tragedy follows Sakata as he navigates a world of crime and retribution
The trailer teases the heart-pounding action and emotional depth of Sakata's journey
while the key art captures him as a vengeful “demon” wielding an axe
The film features an ensemble cast of Japan's finest actors
each delivering chilling performances as members of the Kimen-gumi
known for his award-winning film Melancholic
Demon City combines genre-defying storytelling with raw
Legendary guitarist Tomoyasu Hotei’s music composition amplifies the film's intensity
adding an emotional and daring edge to Sakata's relentless pursuit of vengeance
offers a taste of the immersive soundscape that awaits viewers
is pleased to announce a strategic executive leadership transition
After more than 15 years of service as president and chief executive officer of Sakata Seed America
Dave Armstrong will step into the role of executive chairman
Eduardo (Ed) Flores will assume the position of president and chief executive officer
taking over operational responsibility and leading the company into its next phase of growth
Flores joined Sakata Seed America in 2021 as chief operating officer and has played a significant role in adapting the company's supply chain capabilities to a growing crop portfolio
and through the recent relocation of the company's regional headquarters to Woodland
He brings more than 20 years of experience in leading regional businesses
currently serving as executive vice president
will take on the role of executive advisor and support the business during this transition
Nelson will continue to lend his expertise and leadership
developed over a 30+ year career with the company
Hiroyuki (Hiro) Hashimoto will step into the role of vice president
further strengthening the company's executive team
"It has been an incredible honor to lead the company for the past 15 and a half years," said Armstrong
and the impact we've made in the seed industry
As I step into the role of executive chairman
I look forward to supporting the company's continued success under Ed's leadership."
"It's an honor to be chosen to serve Sakata Seed America
and commitment to our customers and partners," said Flores
"I am grateful for the opportunity to lead this organization and continue driving our mission forward."
For more information:Marissa TelferSakata Seed America, Inc. Tel: +1 (530) 314-8341 [email protected]https://www.sakata.com/
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the Japanese multinational vegetable and flower seed company
recently opened a new subsidiary in Colombia (Sakata Colombia SAS)
has a team dedicated to serving producers in the region
to provide them with all the technical support and commercial guidance according to the local market's characteristics and demands
Official opening ceremony of the new subsidiary Sakata Colombia SAS
The opening of this subsidiary in Colombia is a strategic move by the company to strengthen its international seed trade
Colombia is a market with many opportunities for the sector
as it is considered the third market with the biggest potential sales of vegetable seeds in South America and the first in flower seed sales
Colombia is a strategic market thanks to its location
trade relations with the Andean Community (Ecuador
and the large number of free trade zones it has
"The goal of opening a subsidiary in Colombia is to increase our participation
to strengthen our relationship with current partners and to look for new ones
We'll start by making inroads with new distributors in areas where our current structure has low participation
We'll also concentrate on strategic markets where we have several competitive products
the company's new unit will be an important distribution center for all Andean countries," he stated
Main market segmentsThe most important vegetable crops in the Colombian market are the same as those that stand out in South America in general
there are also other important crops of great economic relevance in which the company focuses locally
and in which it has a large market share: squash
The company sees a great opportunity for growth in the country
as it has a very competitive product portfolio
"The company has been strengthening its local research area so it can develop hybrids specifically tailored for the conditions and needs of the Colombian market shortly," he stated
Sakata hopes the start of the new subsidiary's activities and constant adaptation to the needs of the Andean market will help it achieve leadership
reach new heights of success in the coming years
and expand its presence in the South American market
FreshPublishers © 2005-2025 FreshPlaza.com
we present our projects and business activities in each country and region to show how they contribute to local communities and the world as a whole
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She currently works with the Infrastructure Business Unit and Human Resources
General Affairs & Legal Group at the Media Relations Team of the Corporate Communications Department. Taken on the rooftop of the 50 meter-high boiler building
this profile picture shows the author in low spirits due to the excessive height (which she is not fond of) and the fact that the supplied hard hat was too small (which was later found to be size-adjustable)
Yamagata Prefecture was completed and commenced commercial operation in August 2018
this is the third large-scale biomass power plant constructed on behalf of Summit Energy Corporation
among the largest of its kind in the Tohoku region in terms of output capacity
is located at Sakata Rinkai Industrial Park facing Sakata North Port
I attended the plant tour held for members of the press in late August
we arrived at Sakata Rinkai Industrial Park after a 30-minute drive along the Sea of Japan coast
this industrial park is a rarity in the country in that it has three different types of renewable-energy power plants—wind
Sakata Biomass Power Plant was a short distance away from the entrance to the industrial park
and was far larger than it appeared from a distance
The grounds are roughly the same size as that of Tokyo Dome stadium
and include a building for receiving biomass fuel
Sakata Biomass Power Plant annually uses 160,000 tonnes of domestic wood chips and 100,000 tonnes of imported wood pellets as the main fuel
The plant receives large and numerous truckloads of domestic wood chips
which are tipped into receptacles and conveyed to a wood chip tank with a capacity of about 1,050 tonnes
Unloaded wood pellets are temporarily stored in a 12,500 m2 warehouse at the wharf
from where they are trucked daily to a 650 tonnes -capacity pellet tank
the president and CEO of Summit Sakata Power
the use of domestic wood chips is what makes Sakata Biomass Power Plant special
The 160,000 tonnes of domestic wood chips used at the plant is comprised of un-merchantable wood and other logging residue mainly from Yamagata Prefecture
Mr.Takase added that the plant is unrivalled in the country in the amount of domestic wood chips it uses
and that he hoped to contribute to the revitalization of local forestry and to the mitigation of global warming by actively using locally-produced wood chips
The plant tour offered participants the chance to see wood chips being unloaded
Deliveries of wood chips arrive at a pace of four trucks per hour (roughly 30 trucks a day on average)
Truck drivers accurately park their trucks on a “truck dumper” inside the building for receiving and storing wood chips
as the truck dumper is only slightly wider than the vehicle itself
staff were removing small amounts of wood chips from the truck containers
which they stored on shelves inside the machine operating room
I learned that these actions were for measuring the moisture content of the wood chips
Moisture control is very important for stable power generation because high moisture levels can compromise combustion efficiency
as the floor underneath the truck started to rise
the slanting truck discharged wood chips from the back of its open container into a hopper
I was amazed by the sight because I had been expecting the task to be completed by a huge scoop or shovel
The hydraulic truck dumper is capable of a tilt of up to 50 degrees
and seeing it up-close was very impressive
the wooden chips in the truck are thrown in without being left behind
Each type of fuel goes into a 45 m-high circulating fluidized bed boiler where high-temperature
biomass and silica sand(*1) are mixed with jets of combustion air introduced from the bottom of the boiler
and allowed to vigorously flow and circulate
This causes the silica sand to act as a heat medium
which keeps the temperature inside the boiler stable
Steam generated by the circulating fluidized bed boiler is converted into rotational energy by turning the turbine blades
and the generator connected to the turbine turns and generates power
I was surprised by the loud roar of the rotating turbine blades
After doing its job of turning the turbine
the steam is converted back into water in a condenser to be fed again into the boiler
Mr.Takase says his goal is for the power plant to remain in stable operation mode for 20 years
he thinks it is important for the power plant to be a pleasant
comfortable workplace where his staff members want to continue to come and work
the central control room had a café space for staff to refresh in
and elsewhere there were facilities such as stylishly-designed and pristine changing rooms and restrooms
Observing the motivated and happy-looking staff members
I could see that the power plant is a worker-friendly workplace
*1 biomass and silica sand: Quartz sand composed mainly of silicon dioxide (SiO2)
The catchy and cute-sounding “Oishii Shonai Airport” (Delicious Shonai Airport) is actually the official nickname of Shonai Airport
“Oishii” means favorable and excellent things that are not limited to food
and the “oishii” in the nickname refers to Shonai’s people and food
as well as natural and cultural attractions
Topping the list of unforgettable tastes from my trip to Sakata is kogashi soy sauce ramen
a dish recommended by Summit Sakata Power’s president
The pleasantly springy noodles are served in a broth that is not too heavy or salty
Though slightly different from the lighter soy-sauce-based ramen Sakata is perhaps better known for
I recommend anyone visiting this city to also try the kogashi soy sauce ramen
If you've been a motorcycle gear obsessive for at least a few minutes, one design you might recall is the Arai Signet-Q Bomb
Created as an homage to '90s-era two-time Japanese 125cc champion Kazuto Sakata
the design was (and is) absolutely eye-catching
even if you were unfamiliar with his racing career
he raced against some of the best in the world
including some racers that enthusiasts still talk about in 2024
Like a young up-and-comer named Valentino Rossi
Ever heard of him? Nah, I didn't think so. Charmingly, Sakata even acted as a translator for an almost unbelievably young Rossi for a go-kart program that was broadcast on Japanese TV
Sakata is now a racing commentator and instructor
helping to guide the next generation of racers in Japan
and Arai wants to make sure that no one forgets
which the famed high-end Japanese motorcycle helmet manufacturer will release in September in Japan
Arai sells its helmets in various markets around the world
Its helmets are homologated to different standards for different markets
and not every helmet is sold in every market
even if the same helmet makes it to a different market
it might be sold under a different model name
The Rapide Neo is also known as the Concept X in some markets
The US market currently gets neither of these helmets at the time of writing
a fact that I and many others decry regularly
the Rapide Neo takes Arai's belief in ultra-round helmet shapes and gives it very retro external styling
it's thoroughly modern in terms of features and protection
including things like offering Pinlock readiness in its visor
This makes it the ideal canvas for retro racing replica designs, like the Wes Cooley one that Arai did a while back
the Arai Rapide Neo Sakata will come complete with Snell and JIS homologation
at a suggested MSRP of ¥ 64,900 (about US $447 at the time of writing)
if you're in Japan and you're thinking about waiting to buy it
please be aware that the price will go up on October 1
Although the Arai Signet-Q Bomb graphic was released in multiple international markets
it's not clear at this time when or if Arai has any intention of releasing the Sakata Rapide Neo graphic in international markets outside Japan
it's worth noting that Arai Americas does not currently offer either the Rapide Neo or the Concept X in the American Market
The Rapide (not the Neo) is available in the UK and the Concept-XE in Europe as of the time of writing
Will this remain yet another case of a super cool design (and entire helmet
Given the enduring popularity of new retro modern motorcycles
helmet designs like this that bring the best of both worlds together (retro design and modern protection) seem like a no-brainer in terms of popularity with riders
I'll just be over here keeping my fingers crossed for the moment
Is This BMW Sportbike Copy What Happens When You Let AI Design Bikes
This Retro-Styled Electric Motorcycle Looks Like a Fun and Practical Daily Ride
This Yamaha Scooter's New Colors Are So Cute
Suzuki Really Wants You To Test Ride the New DR-Z4S
Take a Look At This Stunning Motorcycle Concept
Is This the Triumph Sportbike Fairing Kit Of Your Wildest Dreams
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The Brilliant Healer's New Life in the Shadows is scheduled to begin airing in April 2025
During the three days of the Brassicas Winter Days held in Murcia
had the opportunity to learn about Sakata's latest innovations in broccoli
Sakata introduced its first broccoli variety onto the market
Sakata has "varieties with different cycles
which are intended for different cultivation areas to meet producers' needs," stated Antonio Ibarra
Ibarra said the BRO03186 broccoli "is destined for the fresh market
both nationally and for export." Harvesting it is easy because it has a tall
It also has a great shelf life and a wide range of resistances
He also said the Ithaca variety was very flexible and had a harvesting window of around four months
It yields sizes ranging from 500 grams to one kilo
Sakata has always stood out because of its innovation
An example of this is its first purple broccoli varieties on the market
which provide high levels of anthocyanins and selenium
its first kale variety that stands out for its dark green color with a never-before-seen curling of leaves on the market
"Spain's cauliflower production is highly appreciated for its profitability
which has boosted its growth," Ibarra stated
Sakata adds the Marseille variety to its renewed cauliflower portfolio made up of Stockholm
is very vigorous and ideal for the fresh and processed market
Chinese cabbage and pak choi are increasingly popular in the consumer shopping basket and Sakata is giving them great prominence
Sakata's upcoming PKC00005 pak choi commercial variety "is going to revolutionize the market because it can be grown in the middle of winter." In addition
it has the ideal format for packaging and "gives producers an extra yield because it is 10% heavier than other varieties." Another great novelty is Genki
together with the Cape Roca beaked cabbage
This variety yields cabbages of more than two kilos with great vigor and health
Crunchy King stands out for its endurance in the field and internal quality
For further information:SakataEmail: [email protected] https://sakataiberica.com/
There are new lettuce varieties coming from Sakata Seed Southern Africa
With a strong presence in key vegetable segments such as squash
Sakata is now expanding its lettuce range to provide growers with top varieties tailored for success
Recognizing the growing demand for high-quality lettuce
Sakata offers an extensive selection that includes iceberg
Each variety has been carefully trialed and developed to thrive in the African climate
ensuring resilience against disease pressures and delivering outstanding yields
A versatile variety that performs across climates in the early to late summer plantings
Meridian forms well-filled uniform heads with good weight
resist bolting and has high resistance to Downy mildew and intermediate resistance to Fusarium race 1-3
A large-heading iceberg variety suited for spring
with flat bottoms that can be used for the pre-pack market
but large enough to suit the box market as well
The heads have a flat neat shape with a small core
Tipburn tolerance in this variety is excellent
The heads are medium to large in size and can be used for pre-packing as well as for the box market
The uniformity of SV 7735 makes it easier for growers in the field
especially when it comes to harvesting the product
Monterra's medium to large size provides a high leaf count
It is notably slow to bolt and maintains well in the field
Suitable for year-round production in mild climates
A triple red Batavia type lettuce that forms part of Sakata's lettuce range
The significant glossy burgundy-colored leaves make this variety quite unique
Carmim has a lovely texture and is a vigorous grower
The deep red color creates the perfect contrast needed in pre-pack lettuce end-products
Suitable for year-round production in mild climatic conditions
A tall romaine lettuce variety characterized by its dark green color
making it ideal for winter slot production in the prepack and processing markets
It has resistance to Downy mildew races 1 to 16
For more information: Sakatawww.sakata.com
Yogesh Kapur appointed managing director of Sakata Inks India
Sakata Inks
a supplier of cold-set offset inks to the newspaper
and packaging industry market segments and liquid inks to the flexible packaging industry
has announced the appointment of Yogesh Kapur as its new managing director
Kapur replaces VK Seth, who retired as managing director of Sakata Inks on 31 March 2025 after 26 years of service
“Seth’s unwavering commitment and strategic foresight have been instrumental in shaping Sakata Inks India into the success it is today,” the company announced on LinkedIn
Known for his expertise and leadership in the ink world
Seth graduated from Punjab University (India) in 1975 as a chemical engineer
He started his professional life at Synthetic and Chemical and also worked with Hindustan Insecticides
apart from expanding and setting up new Sakataink plants in India
Seth also set up the Sakata India ink plant in Bangladesh
Sakata Ink’s new managing director Yogesh Kapur previously headed the holographic division of multinational flexible packaging company Uflex
“We are pleased to announce that Yogesh Kapur has taken over as the new managing director
With his extensive industry experience and leadership acumen
we are confident he will continue to drive the company toward greater achievements.”
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Sakata has laid the first stone of the company's new headquarters in the Iberian Peninsula
The ceremony was presided by the President of Sakata Seed Corporation
together with His Excellency the Ambassador of Japan in Spain
and the Mayor of the municipality of Vícar
The president of the company highlighted the importance of these new headquarters for the future of the company
"The time has come for our company to take the next step and consolidate its position in the world's most dynamic seed sector thanks to the new headquarters
We are convinced that the building will become an innovation center and will facilitate collaboration between our teams
which will result in important advances and achievements in the future."
the Japanese Ambassador stressed that "Sakata will play an important role in facing the challenges of population growth and global warming
This project will be backed by the good relations between Spain and Japan
I'd like to express my most sincere gratitude to all those who are contributing to this initiative that is boosting the development of European agriculture
The building's construction is scheduled to be completed in 2026 and it will turn Almeria into a key location for Sakata's business strategy
as this Spanish province is currently one of the most important markets for the seed industry in Europe
The new facilities will play a key role in promoting technological advances in horticultural crops
said that "thanks to projects such as the construction of Sakata's headquarters
this area has become one of the most important locations for agricultural knowledge and research worldwide
I am very proud that Sakata has chosen Vícar to develop this project in Almería
highlighted the importance of keeping an eye on the future
"Sakata's adventure in Spain started 29 years ago
The decision for the research station to be set up in Almeria has been a key milestone; a project that today is starting to become a reality
And although the future is just an idea in our imagination
we want to pay tribute to it and put our hopes in this 'time capsule'."
the event's guests and the employees of Sakata Seed Ibérica had the opportunity to write a wish for the new project and place it in an urn
which was then sealed and placed inside the stone
This first stone containing everyone's wishes will become the soul of the Sakata Seed Ibérica headquarters
For more information: sakataiberica.com
Sakata Seed America announced the launch of Bimi®
a new consumer brand of baby broccoli now available in the U.S
Already a recognized name across global markets Bimi delivers a premium taste
and nutrition that today's consumers are looking for
The launch of Bimi marks a new chapter for the company's proprietary baby broccoli seed program
which was previously licensed exclusively to Mann Packing/Del Monte and sold as Broccolini
That agreement officially ended on February 1
and once existing seed inventories have been used
Mann Packing/Del Monte will no longer be using Sakata's genetics to grow Broccolini
"Bimi is already recognized by consumers," said Julie McElhaney
we are committed to working with trusted partners to deliver a consistent
ensuring it becomes a staple for retailers and consumers alike."
The company is building on consumer familiarity with its seed by introducing Bimi directly to the U.S
backed by a new network of licensed growers committed to delivering quality and consistency
The product will be offered in branded packaging
including 10 and 12-oz conventional and organic bags
The brand launch will be supported by a robust marketing campaign
including partnerships with the James Beard Foundation and the World Food Photography Awards
"We are grateful for our successful 20-year partnership with Mann Packing," said John Nelson
we're excited to take the next step—bringing Bimi Baby Broccoli directly to U.S
This marks a new chapter in our commitment to delivering quality and growing the legacy of this premium vegetable."
Those in the fresh industry interested in sourcing the brand for retail or foodservice
or in learning more about grower licensing opportunities
see Julie McElhaney's contact information below
For more information:Julie McElhaney Sakata Seed America, Inc.[email protected] www.sakata.com
Lenn Sakata was born and raised in Honolulu and still calls Hawaii home
you can sometimes find him at what he calls his "second house:" 82-year-old Excite Ballpark
one of the first players of Japanese descent to appear in the Major Leagues
played from 1977-87 and is best known for the six seasons he spent with the Baltimore Orioles
He was the team's starting shortstop when Cal Ripken began his consecutive games streak as well as a member of the 1983 World Championship team
After retiring as a player he transitioned to managing
and this line of work brought him to San Jose
Sakata is the winningest manager in the history of the California League
founded in 1942 and now a Single-A circuit
He notched the bulk of his 899 victories in the loop over five stints with the San Jose Giants (1999
winning three championships and nurturing a sizable contingent of future San Francisco Giants along the way -- players from Tim Lincecum to Patrick Bailey
known as Municipal Stadium for most of its existence
was built in 1942 and exudes baseball history via its idiosyncratic traditions and colorful murals
A painting of Sakata on an exterior wall of the stadium commemorates his San Jose achievements
and in 2019 his number 14 was retired by the team (making him the first person in franchise history to receive this honor)
Congratulations to Lenn Sakata, who now has the first retired number in #SJGiants history. pic.twitter.com/ZIIsu6ewsb
Oakland and the New York Yankees during his playing days
He said that he had “always wanted to be a Giant” because of the impression that the organization made on him from a young age
“Especially being Japanese American,” said Sakata
speaking from San Jose’s familiar home dugout prior to a game earlier this month
“The first Japanese player to play in the Major Leagues was [San Francisco Giant] Masanori Murakami
He did it in the ‘60s and to me it was like
‘It’s possible for a minority to make it that far.’ So that impressed me
this time as a player development special assistant.
“I just pop my head into Spring Training and then try to get out [to Minor League ballparks] a couple times a year,” said Sakata
“So it’s mostly come in and help the coaching staff and then try to evaluate the players and pitch in a little bit.”
Sakata has always preferred the lower levels of the Minor Leagues
where the players are unpolished and open to instruction
a lot of his work is with the coaches as well
it was mostly to coach the coaches,” he said
“Most of the coaches are half my age … I think it’s just a matter of repetition and being consistent with how you work out and how you practice and what you believe.”
That he often gets to do this work within Excite Ballpark
a place where he’s spent innumerable days and nights
and I’ve got great memories and really good players who have played on this field,” he said
“I really appreciate the whole cast of characters
Not just the guys who made it [to the Majors] but a lot of times it was the second-string-type guys who were a big influence on our success
… And then even some of our coaches today played for me in San Jose
[Hitting coach] Travis Ishikawa and the manager
Sakata ended his conversation with this writer on a poignant note
providing an unprompted observation as he gazed out onto San Jose’s playing field
“I don’t know if I could actually really say how I feel about this place
remembering what it was like and some of those people who came through here and ended up going to the big leagues and winning the World Series
Benjamin Hill is a reporter for MiLB.com and writes Ben's Biz Blog. Follow Ben on Twitter @bensbiz
By Eyal Hareuvei
The Asia Pacific region is expanding due to factors such population expansion
Growing Interest in Food with Health BenefitsThe market is being supported by the rising demand for foods with health benefits
According to a survey by the Organic Trade Association
organic vegetable industry was valued at approximately USD 3.5 billion in 2023
but it was projected to expand at an annual pace of 8%
Customers are becoming more cognizant of the value of a healthy diet in today's health-conscious world
Since vegetables are essential to a balanced diet
demand for particular kinds of vegetables such as those high in vitamins
farmers are using vegetable seeds that generate product with improved nutritional characteristics
and those with enhanced vitamin and mineral content
farmers are being encouraged to grow a variety of vegetables due to the growing demand for fresh
locally sourced veggies and the popularity of plant-based diets
The market is expanding as a result of the strong demand for vegetable seeds that satisfy these tastes.Increasing Product Usage in Ready-to-Eat (RTE) Foods and SnacksOne important factor propelling the market is the growing use of vegetable seeds in snacks and ready-to-eat (RTE) foods
Consumers' snacking habits have changed as they look for more wholesome and nutrient-dense options
and pre-cut vegetable trays are just a few of the snack and RTE food items that increasingly feature a lot of vegetables
food producers need a steady and varied supply of premium veggies
The need for certain vegetable seeds that yield harvests with desired qualities like consistency
and long shelf life is fueled by this demand.Additionally
the demand for RTE meals and snacks is growing as customers choose more convenient food options; according to industry research
the worldwide RTE food market is predicted to reach USD 425 billion by 2025
The growth of the market is greatly aided by vegetable seeds that produce vegetables that are appropriate for these items.Rapid Population GrowthOne of the main elements driving market expansion is the population's rapid growth
is rising along with the global population
there will be 9.7 billion people on the planet
Increased agricultural output is required to meet this demand
and the foundation of this effort is vegetable seeds
Farmers look for disease-resistant and high-yielding vegetable seeds that optimize crop productivity in order to feed more mouths
The expanding population also spurs agricultural innovation
resulting in the creation of genetically modified and hybrid vegetable seeds that can flourish in a range of environmental settings
guaranteeing a steady supply of food.Additionally
since agricultural land shrinks due to urbanization trends
it is imperative to produce more veggies in less areas
Specialized vegetable seeds designed for these conditions can help overcome this difficulty
Rapid population increase essentially serves as a catalyst
causing ongoing developments in vegetable seed technology and propelling market expansion to satisfy rising worldwide food demand.Challenges in the Vegetable Seeds Market
Pest and Disease ResistanceGiven that rising pest invasions and plant diseases endanger crop yields and quality
pest and disease resistance is a major issue in the market for vegetable seeds
Whole harvests can be destroyed by pests and diseases
which are more common due to climate change and altered farming methods
The creation of genetically resistant seed types is essential to reducing these dangers
By providing superior defense against particular pests and diseases
these cultivars can increase crop resilience and lessen the need for chemical pesticides
developing these resistant seeds takes a lot of time
it can cause worries about genetically modified organisms (GMOs)
which makes it a challenging but essential option.Changing Climatic Conditions to Obstruct Market GrowthThe global market for vegetable seeds has significant challenges due to changing climates
which alter typical farming cycles and have an impact on seed yields and quality
Farmers find it challenging to depend on traditional seed varieties due to unpredictable growing circumstances brought on by extreme weather events including droughts
Climate-resilient seed cultivars that can tolerate harsh climatic conditions are therefore in greater demand
But creating such seeds involves a lot of research and creativity
The market expansion for vegetable seeds is eventually hampered by the unpredictability brought on by shifting climates
and output.United States Vegetable Seeds MarketThe expanding demand for home gardening
and the rising appeal of organic products have all contributed to the United States' position as one of the world's major markets for vegetable seeds
and a thriving R&D industry dedicated to creating high-yield
and climate-resilient seed types all contribute to the market's success
The market is growing as a result of consumer desires for a wider variety of vegetables and better dietary options
Crop efficiency and productivity have also increased thanks to advancements in hybrid types
may be impacted by issues including shifting climatic conditions
restrictions on genetically modified seeds
the market for vegetable seeds in the US is anticipated to grow further due to continuous improvements in agriculture.United Kingdom Vegetable Seeds MarketThe market for vegetable seeds in the UK is expanding steadily due to rising consumer interest in sustainability
In line with broader trends toward healthier and more ecologically sensitive lifestyles
there is an increasing demand for organic and non-GMO seeds
the UK's emphasis on environmentally friendly farming methods
such as crop rotation and lowering pesticide use
has increased the use of seed varieties that are resistant to disease and climate change
and laws limiting the use of genetically modified seeds prevent the market from expanding
the UK is dealing with more complicated import and seed trade laws that have an impact on supply chains
the market is still expanding due to developments in seed technology and rising interest in urban farming.India Vegetable Seeds MarketThe India vegetable seeds market is seeing tremendous growth
and greater knowledge of health and nutrition
As farmers look to address issues like unpredictable weather patterns and water scarcity
there is an increasing demand for high-yield
The demand for non-GMO and chemical-free seeds is also being driven by the trend toward organic farming
Market expansion is further accelerated by government assistance for the agriculture industry through programs like research funding and subsidies
But there are still issues including fragmented supply chains
and restricted access to cutting-edge seed technology
developments in hybrid seeds and environmentally friendly agricultural methods are making India a major force in the world market for vegetable seeds.Since 80% of Indian farmers are small and marginal farmers
the country's growing population and shrinking arable land are driving up demand for high-yielding hybrids
with disease and insect resistance to lower input costs
GM brinjal is anticipated to be made available soon due to continuing research trials in genetically modified veggies
The Indian market for hybrid vegetable seeds is anticipated to expand as a result of government regulations pertaining to safe and productive cultivars.United Arab Emirates Vegetable Seeds MarketDue to the UAE's increased emphasis on sustainable agriculture
the market for vegetable seeds is expanding quickly
and disease-resistant seed varieties is growing as the UAE deals with issues including water scarcity and harsh weather
The government has encouraged the use of cutting-edge agriculture methods that call for specific seeds by supporting projects like hydroponics and vertical farming
the market for non-GMO vegetable seeds is expanding due to rising customer interest in locally sourced and organic produce
the market faces constraints associated to limited arable land
the UAE's vegetable seed business is growing thanks to government funding and developments in seed technology
How big is the Vegetable Seeds industry?The global Vegetable Seeds market size was valued at US$ 7.55 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach US$ 11.78 billion in 2030.2
What is the Vegetable Seeds growth rate?The global Vegetable Seeds market is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.56% from 2024 to 2030.3
Who are the key players in Vegetable Seeds industry?Some key players operating in the Vegetable Seeds market includes BASF A.G.
What are the factors driving the Vegetable Seeds industry?Increased demand for nutritious
improvements in seed technology (high-yield
and increased worries about food security are the main factors driving the vegetable seeds market.5
Which Region held the largest market share in the Vegetable Seeds industry?Asia Pacific is expected to hold the largest market share in the industry.6
What segments are covered in the Vegetable Seeds Market report?Type
and Countries segment are covered in this report
About ResearchAndMarkets.comResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data
We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets
Benjamin Hill is a reporter for MiLB.com and writes Ben's Biz Blog. Follow Ben on Twitter @bensbiz.
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Sakata Seed Corporation
Sakata & Company (Sakata Seed Corporation at present)
our subsidiary in Holland (European Sakata Holding S.A.S
Assumed position of Managing Director of Sakata Seed Europe B.V
Assumed position of President and Representative Director
Graduated with a Bachelor of Economics degree from Keio University
Chief Executive Officer of Sakata Seed Corporation
Vice Chairman of the Japan Home Garden Association
Our slogan PASSION in Seed has remained constant through the years since our foundation in 1913
It is encoded in Sakata’s DNA and has been inherited through the generations spanning the last 100 years
We devote our outstanding flower and vegetable varieties to people around the world
industrial and financial news about global economies
with a focus on understanding them from within
The Seed World Global Innovation Showdown Results are In!
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He says the industry needs to focus on the consumer and diversity in the industry
Japanese-founded Sakata is etching significant mark in U.S
David Armstrong is at the helm of its American operations
He is a visionary leader whose insights and strategies have propelled the company in areas of innovation and success
Armstrong said he’s proud that Sakata’s rich history of endurance and perseverance is helping the industry solve today’s challenges
“Sakata’s parent company in Japan was founded 110 years ago,” Armstrong says
Sakata made their first step outside of Japan
setting up a production company in California.”
He says the expansion was more than geographical; it represented a strategic shift toward global market engagement
“The idea was to produce mainly broccoli seed for Japan,” Armstrong recalls
“They had limited business outside of Japan at that time.”
Armstrong says Sakata’s growth in the U.S
is a tale of adaptation and foresight.
“We are focused in vegetables and flowers,” Armstrong explains
“Sakata was founded mainly as a flower breeding company
operations have largely veered towards vegetable breeding and production
which is a testament to the company’s ability to respond to market demands and trends.”
Armstrong’s statement about the company mentions the value of being in business for more than a century: “Sakata has survived world wars
economic crises and natural disasters to continuously create new standards in global vegetable and ornamental markets,” he stated on the site
“In a marketplace characterized by intensive consolidation
who have become partners … realizing value in their businesses from our innovation.”
That statement guides the way he interacts with his colleagues and partners across the seed industry
Armstrong says one of the biggest challenges for anyone in the flower and vegetable arena is labor
Horticultural work is seasonal and often very physical
The agricultural sector has experienced a significant labor shortage that has been compounded by stricter immigration policies and enforcement
These issues have reduced the influx of migrant workers
which traditionally make up a significant part of the agricultural workforce.
Armstrong speaks candidly about the challenges of agricultural labor
“A significant portion of workers are undocumented
which presents its own challenges in today’s charged political environment.”
He also highlighted the evolving landscape of agricultural work
with increasing automation playing a pivotal role
“Agriculture has been suffering from acute labor shortages
and I think that is really what’s been driving the automation,” Armstrong says
“Dramatic advances are going on in agricultural automation at the field level.”
they pull experienced workers away from agriculture.
“Agriculture is often considered the first rung on the labor ladder,” Armstrong says
I would love to be able to upgrade the image of agricultural work; it’s difficult work
When the economy is growing in other areas
workers leave ag as soon as they can get into something else.”
He says the labor shortage is a driving factor in agricultural automation
“They [laborers] can generate pretty good compensation when the alternative for growers is leaving crops in the field and not harvesting,” he says
“The growers are willing to pay a premium to get the labor
That’s leading to dramatic advances in agricultural automation at the field level
We can’t completely replace people with automation
But we can get a lot further along than we are now
There are various initiatives underway in different crop sectors; some tasks are easier to automate than others
Vegetables and horticulture crops will probably be the last mile
I think we’ll see a lot more automation in the next 10 years.”
New breeding technologies are playing and will continue to play a large role in flower and vegetable production
Armstrong points out the differences between field crop and vegetable research.
“It’s a question of scale,” he explains
highly technical breeding technologies at the agronomic crops in a way that’s difficult to do in vegetables or horticultural crops
he adds that technological advancements are closing this gap
with gene editing and AI offering significant potential
we’ve mapped the pepper genome and the spinach genome
allows a lot of marker breeding to be going on in these crops and enables other biotech advances as well
As these technologies are deployed in breeding vegetable and flower crops we’re all trying to figure out what that looks like over the coming years.”
Armstrong also speaks to the responsibility the industry holds in bringing innovations to the market
“The most important thing is to develop products that appeal to the consumer,” he emphasizes
This consumer-centric approach is crucial in an era where consumer preferences and perceptions significantly influence market success.”
Understanding what consumers want is increasingly key to Sakata’s strategy.
“We spend a fair amount of time with retailers,” he says
“They’re working more with our breeders and product development teams to try and shape what they are offering to the consumer
This collaboration with retailers represents a more integrated approach to meeting consumer demands.”
Reflecting on his leadership journey since becoming president-CEO of Sakata Seed America in 2009
Armstrong shares his insights about time and the role it plays in developing a leader.
“Probably the biggest lesson for me has been the power of time spent in a role to educate and shape me as a leader,” he says
I’ve been surprised to stay in my current role for this long
We’ve done some amazing things and the business has grown significantly.”
He said time in the role allows him to see the organization changing around him
help shape its culture and be shaped by that same culture himself
we have turnover like everyone else,” he says
“I have this image of companies being like a river with people flowing through them
but at the core there’s this group of people
and the core culture of the company is durable
It’s been enriching to look back and to have been part of that flow
I’m grateful I didn’t continue to change roles or companies every three-ish years.”
As the current chair of the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA)
Armstrong discussed his role in representing the diverse interests of the seed industry.
“ASTA is representing many commodities and different crops,” he says
emphasizing the importance of identifying common challenges and opportunities across the industry
He also highlighted the need for greater diversity within the industry
“We’re talking more about women in agriculture
people of color and generational diversity,” he says
“This is something we need to talk about more
I think it’s very important for ASTA — for agriculture overall — to represent society at large
Armstrong expresses his views on the industry’s needs in a new U.S
“We would like to see a focus on agricultural research specifically for the seed industry,” he says
“The free movement of seeds is very important
We want to especially alleviate non-economic trade barriers
The way the next Farm Bill focuses on the regulatory and legal framework is critical to things like gene editing; we need to make sure this technology is not blocked
There are big challenges and also big opportunities.”
vital seed conversations and making important industry decisions
Armstrong enjoys the arts and in literature
an accomplished documentary photographer.
“She’s done some quite remarkable work,” Armstrong boasts.
Together David and Federica are parents to two adult children
a successful college baseball coach and an aspiring psychologist
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Global law firm White & Case LLP has added funds partner Eriko Sakata in Tokyo
"There continues to be significant interest from global and regional asset management clients to establish funds in Japan and to invest there, particularly in the private equity, real estate and infrastructure sectors," said White & Case partner Anthony Wong
"Eriko is a highly experienced and respected funds partner and her addition will further deepen our private equity bench in Tokyo
where she will work closely with Naoya Shiota
and our strong existing funds practice in Asia."
Eriko is an investment funds partner with additional expertise in real estate
financial regulation and structured finance
She advises global asset managers and blue-chip corporations on the establishment and operation of large-cap investment platforms
structured finance and downstream in-bound acquisitions
Eriko brings more than 20 years of experience and joins White & Case from Linklaters
"With her vast experience and deep network in Japan and the international funds community, Eriko is an important bengoshi addition to our Tokyo office," said Jun Usami
White & Case Office Executive Partner in Tokyo
"Eriko will also strengthen our real estate and Japanese financial regulatory capabilities in Japan
which are essential areas of expertise for our clients doing business here."
White & Case partner and Vice Chair Oliver Brettle said: "The addition of Eriko in Tokyo continues our global effort to build-out our funds practice
a crucial area for the successful growth of our Global Private Equity Industry Group
Her arrival follows the recent addition of funds partners Emily Brown and Lavanya Raghavan in London
Phillip Sacks in Dubai and Omar Hemady in Boston
the real estate and infrastructure expertise Eriko brings complements that of New York and Hong Kong-based real estate M&A partner John Cahill
as we continue to respond to the demand from our clients for Asia-Pacific real estate and infrastructure capabilities."
Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome
the leader in beautifully crafted performance golf equipment
proudly announces that the Sakata Lab putter collection is now available
Engineered with precision by elite researchers and developers in Sakata
these new putters feature the same meticulous craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology that has been carried forward for six decades of Japanese tradition and innovation
deep earth materials to a high-polish finish
and NEO) sets the highest standard for elevating play and bringing Stunning Performance™ to discerning players worldwide
Experience the timeless elegance of the Classic Putter (SL-001)
meticulously crafted by our expert team in Sakata and manufactured in-house from start to finish
this classic putter is perfect for players seeking small impact loft and a slight arc putting stroke
The Classic model embodies superior craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology resulting from Honma’s unwavering commitment to performance and perfection
The Classic Putter is the only left-hand model available and can be custom-ordered with an ARMRQ shaft (3
The putter head can also be purchased with a gold IP finish
Please note that ARMRQ shafts or gold IP head are not available for right-hand models
The Mallet Putter (SL-002) is manufactured in-house to deliver exceptional control and forgiveness
With a wide sweet spot and resilience against miss-hits
this putter is ideal for players seeking middle-impact lofts and a slight arc putting stroke
The Mallet Putter features sophistication and performance
The Horn Putter (SL-003) is methodically designed in-house for players seeking a wide sweet spot and resilience against miss-hits
Perfect for middle loft impact and straight putts
Engineered with precision by an elite team of researchers and developers
the SL-003 putter combines sophisticated design with exceptional performance to elevate your game
Experience the ultimate in forgiveness and stability with the NEO Mallet Putter (SL-005 neo-mallet putter)
this putter ensures straight shots and resilience against miss-hits
The NEO Mallet putter combines sophisticated design with exceptional performance to take your game to new heights
The Sakata Lab putters have an MSRP of $250.00 and are now available at retail locations and online at https://us.honmagolf.com/collections/all/tworld
Honma Golf is a prestigious and iconic golf brand known for its premium
With a focus on innovative technologies and traditional Japanese craftsmanship
Honma Golf offers a wide range of equipment to suit the preferences and abilities of golfers worldwide
From the luxury BERES series to the Tour-validated T//World line
Honma Golf is committed to creating the highest-quality golf products on the market today
MEDIA CONTACTS:Kevin Frisch PRJoanne Miller (815) 603-5119 joanne@kevinfrischpr.comKevin Frisch (989) 614-0241 kevin@kevinfrischpr.com
HONMA GolfLorena Padilla, CMOmarketing@honmagolf.com
Mexico – Sakata Seed America has announced the next milestone in the company’s continued infrastructure expansion
The prominent seed leader recently finalized the purchase of 14 hectares..
Culiacan, Mexico – Sakata Seed America has announced the next milestone in the company’s continued infrastructure expansion
The prominent seed leader recently finalized the purchase of 14 hectares (35.6 acres) of land in Culiacan
The land and facilities have been leased by Sakata Seed for the past 3 years
Significant growth in the region led to the decision to secure a permanent location in Culiacan – home to many global seed breeding companies
This acquisition of land and newly expanded infrastructure will further enable Sakata to operate breeding
marketing and production efforts in the growing Mexico market
The site will officially be named the ‘Culiacan Innovation Center,’ mirroring Sakata’s naming convention for the company’s most recent expansions
including the Woodland Innovation Center in Woodland
Within Mexico the facility will be known as CIEN
or Centro de Innovación y Excelencia Nacional (National Center of Innovation and Excellence)
“The Culiacan Innovation Center is the logical next step in Sakata’s strategic expansion in Mexico”
President & CEO of Sakata Seed America
“Sakata Mexico has been conducting business for over 34 years and
as we adapt and increase our breeding efforts to support expanding crop production in Mexico
we are proud to invest in the Mexican economy and solidify our leading role in genetic innovation with established infrastructure in Mexico and Central America
The new facility will act as a central R&D hub for Sakata in Mexico and Central America and allow for further exciting collaboration with Sakata Seed America’s four other R&D stations spanning North America.”
“In order to continue to grow our leadership and market share in Mexico
we need the proper environment to accommodate our growth
The Culiacan Innovation Center will supply the necessary space and resources for Sakata to breed
innovate and support the Mexico market,” says Mauricio Pineda
seed production and marketing-distribution subsidiary of Sakata Seed Corporation
Sakata Seed America serves as the headquarters for the North American operations
Sakata’s objective is to quickly and efficiently meet industry expectations for quality seed
innovative genetics and excellent greenhouse and field performance
tangy refreshment of California-grown grapefruit and introducing a new way to enjoy it
Benjamin Hill is a reporter for MiLB.com and writes Ben's Biz Blog. Follow Ben on Twitter @bensbiz
Downy mildew (Peronospora effusa) is one of the most common fungal diseases affecting spinach
especially during the spring and autumn seasons
and new strains able to affect commercial varieties continue to appear worldwide
The International Working Group on Peronospora in spinach (IWGP)
has recently identified a new mildew strain
which adds to the previously known 19 strains (Pe: 1-19)
incorporates resistance to this new strain
Some of the most outstanding new varieties that have shown resistance to Pe: 20 are the Jaspe and Peridot
This confirms Sakata's commitment to the development of new spinach varieties that meet all the requirements demanded by producers and the market
Sakata's goal is to provide effective and sustainable solutions through plant improvement to ensure the quality and yield of crops
The resistance of these varieties to the new mildew strain not only ensures the stability of the crop but also peace of mind for the producers
who are facing challenges in an ever-changing environment due to the impact of pests and problems linked to climate change
Sakata Seed Corporation’s wholly owned South American subsidiary, Sakata Seed Sudamerica LTDA, announced an agreement to purchase all shares of Isla Sementes LTDA and Isla’s holding company, Administração E Participações Spalding LTDA for 63.5 million Brazilian real ($12.72M USD) as of December 2023, according to a release
The agreement expands Sakata’s flower and vegetable seed portfolio and reach in Brazil
Sakata sells flower and vegetable seeds via its Sakata Seed Sudamerica LTDA subsidiary to medium and large-scale commercial growers in Brazil
Isla also specializes in flower and vegetable seed sales in Brazil
home gardener and smallholder farmers.
Sakata values the domestic gardening and smallholder farmer market in Brazil at approximately $20M USD
Brazil’s population of over 214 million people
and the fact the country is poised for future economic growth
mean Sakata sees upside sales potential in this market
which have little overlap in sales network
aim to stimulate new customers and demand by leveraging their respective sales networks,” said the release.
Sakata expects that the mutual use of sales networks will create synergies and further increase sales for both companies.”Sakata expects to generate a combined sales increase of about $3M USD in five years from these synergies
and anticipates being able to make more effective use of the two companies’ individual supply chains
production facilities and research capacity.
Isla’s portfolio includes varieties tailored to home gardeners and smallholder farmers
they offer microgreen seeds and organic seeds
both specialities whose markets are expected to grow
Sakata may leverage its sales network to sell Isla’s products to a larger global audience
Sakata says it will keep the Isla brand after the acquisition
Hoping to grow by 200% in UV flexo segment by next year – Sanjay Kaul
Sakata Inx promoted its range of UV flexo inks for label applications at Labelexpo India 2024 in Greater Noida
“Sakata is a known name in the gravure and offset segments
we started about a year back at our state-of-the-art plant in Panoli with an annual capacity of about 1,200 metric tons,” Sanjay Kaul
head – marketing & sales (Liquid Inks) at Sakata Inx India
Sakata has two ink manufacturing plants in India – one in Bhiwadi in Rajasthan and the other in Panoli in Gujarat
The Bhiwadi plant started manufacturing inks in India in 1998
The UV inks are produced in the Panoli plant with technology from INX
the company has gained a good market share in the UV segment with a focus to target the topnotch players in the industry
The company participated in Labelexpo India 2024 to gain a foothold in the labels segment
adding the UV products have been tried and tested in the US
we are hoping to grow by 200% in the UV flexo segment
adding Sakata Inx is growing in India at 9% overall
The company had a lot of good interactions with existing and prospective customers during Labelexpo
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Another lasting initiative was the “art camps” that brought artists to various countries for extended periods to collaborate with local artists, culminating in an exhibition. The first was hosted by the Hong Kong-born artist Diana Shui-lu Wong on her property in the Santa Monica Mountains and others took place in Thailand, Japan and elsewhere. These self-organized residencies were first supported by members of his community and later by both government and private entities.
Sakata’s decades of making art and community were fueled by his unwavering belief that art can play a vital role in fostering peace. His friend and LELA artist Nancy Uyemura said, “Art was the bridge that would bring people together and Sakata did so much to facilitate that dream. We will miss his energy and passion for life, art and community. We remember his creativity, his strength and his endless search for ways to bring peace to the world.”
Entertainment & Arts
The estate of Kenzi Shiokava, who died in 2021, is being represented by Hollywood gallery Nonaka-Hill. A new retrospective on view now celebrates his monumental work.
In a video interview conducted during the last months of his life, Sakata said, “The time of my death is determined without my knowledge, so if I paint diligently until then, I can say ‘thank you’ when the time comes.”
In addition to his community, Sakata is survived by his wife, daughter and three sons. According to LELA, a memorial will take place in September in Los Angeles.
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