Preserving Aso's grassland environment by creating an "ethical* livestock industry" Contributing to reducing greenhouse gas emissions from livestock farming by providing functional feed

The Aso region, which has one of the world's largest calderas, is a treasure trove of abundant natural water. Water sources are maintained through the recharge power of the vast grasslands that spread across the river basin, and cattle grazing in the livestock industry plays a major role in preserving the grassland environment.

Grazing scenery of Kumamoto red cattle

(Photo provided by: Minamiaso Village Office)

This project is an industry-academia-government agreement signed in July 2022 by Minamiaso Village, Keio University Graduate School of Media Design, and the Kumamoto Prefecture Livestock and Agricultural Cooperative Federation. It was established based on the "Mutual Cooperation Agreement." This agreement aims to maintain the grassland environment (preserve water resources) through the grazing of Kumamoto Akaushi, a representative breed of cattle, by raising incomes, training, and creating employment for livestock workers. We will work to improve the sustainability of our industry. We aim to create a sustainable agricultural and livestock industry that responds to the growing need for "ethical consumption" in recent years by reducing methane gas emissions from cows, which is one of the environmental burdens caused by livestock farming.

Through our wholly owned affiliate SDS Biotech K.K. (Head office: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Toru Abe), we will support the demonstration of greenhouse gas emission reduction technology in Minamiaso Village's livestock industry by providing RUMINUP_, a functional feed that is expected to be effective in reducing methane gas emissions contained in cow burps, and by cooperating on feeding methods. In addition, we have made a donation to Minamiaso Village using the corporate version of the hometown tax payment system, and received a letter of appreciation from Minamiaso Village on January 16th.

Toward the realization of carbon neutrality society by 2050, we have set Vision for 2030 "Your Reliable Partner for a Brighter Future" and Vision for 2050 as "Shaping Change." In Medium-term Management Plan (covering fiscal years 2023 to 2025) announced in November last year, we will fulfill our "responsibility to support people's lives" and "Responsibility to protect the global environment now and in the future" through provide for society of the following "3 business domains."

3 Business Domains towards Evolution of the Business Portfolio

Our support for this project aims to reduce carbon emissions in the livestock industry and resolve local issues, and is positioned as an effort to develop and provide for society" Diverse resource conservation / circulation solutions" in 3 business domains mentioned above. Our group will continue to use the power of technology to provide carbon-neutral solutions for industrial activities and general consumers, and contribute to the realization of a carbon-neutral, recycling-oriented society, including Scope 3.