Seeding
Change

Cultivating Our
Future

At Sakata Seed America, we follow a simple principle: we are all responsible for caring for the world and its people.

Without Sowing
there can never
be growth

– JAPANESE PROVERB

Goals

Earth People Service With Integrity badge

Contributing to the
Betterment of the World

Sakata Group Global Goals

The Sakata Group has always done business in a way that respects the culture and characteristics particular to each region where we operate. We believe it is also proper to accommodate the realities particular to each region with regard to the SDGs. Based on this approach we have designated goals that directly relate to our main line of business in seeds as “Core Goals”: SDG 2- Zero Hunger, SDG 8- Decent Work and Economic Growth and SDG 13- Climate action. We are working toward these goals in a unified manner group-wide. At the same time, we set “Region Goals” according to circumstances and key issues in each region, and contribute toward achieving them through our combined efforts.

We selected these goals because they are highly compatible with our main line of business in seeds, because all of our group companies and affiliates are involved with them in some form or another, and because they are suitable for the Sakata Group in its quest to become the world’s leading company in the seeds business.

Sakata Seed America Goals
Sakata’s sustainability efforts are guided by the change we wish to see in the world. We are committed to aligning our business practices to our values of ‘Service with Integrity to Earth and People.’

As part of our overall sustainability program, we have adopted the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015, SDGs are a global call to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity by 2030. Sakata has selected seven goals that align with our core values as a framework for our sustainability actions: SDG 6- Clean Water and Sanitation, SDG 7- Affordable and Clean Energy, SDG 13- Climate action, SDG 2- Zero Hunger, SDG 4- Quality Education SDG 5- Gender Equality and SDG 8- Decent Work and Economic Growth. Learn more about these SDGS and Sakata Seed Americas sustainability action below.

Learn More about the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

SDG 6

Clean Water & Sanitation

VISION: Water is a finite and essential resource that Sakata is dedicated to protect and recycle, utilizing conservation methods across all of our business sites.

GOAL: By 2030, our goal is to reduce water usage by 30% across all sites and functions.

SDG 7

Affordable & Clean Energy

VISION: Sakata is committed to reducing carbon emissions by adopting renewable energy technologies across all of our business sites.

GOAL: By 2030, our goal is to double the share of renewable energy in the energy mix across all sites and functions.

SDG 13

Climate
Action

VISION: Climate Change is a reality based upon science. Sakata is working towards mitigation and adapting to the effects of Climate Change.

GOAL: By 2030, our goal is to improve education, awareness raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adoption, impact reduction and early warning.

SDG 2

Zero
Hunger

VISION: Sakata is committed to working towards Zero Hunger by creating vegetable seed varieties adapted to changing climate.

GOAL: By 2030, ensure sustainable food productions systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production of vegetable seed varieties that are adaptable to changing climates.

SDG 4

Quality
Education

VISION: Sakata is committed to substantially increasing the number of people who have relevant education and training.

GOAL: By 2030, substantially increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills including vocational skills for employment, decent jobs and entrepreneurship in the agricultural and horticultural sectors.

SDG 5

Gender
Equality

VISION: Sakata is committed to achieving parity, empowerment and the full and effective participation of women in all levels of decision making at Sakata and across the agricultural and horticultural sectors.

GOAL: By 2030, achieve 100% of full and effective participation of women in all levels of decision making.

SDG 8

Decent Work & Economic Growth

VISION: Sakata is committed to promoting decent work for all people.

GOAL: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment for all women and men, regardless of race, religion, gender, age or disability, and equal pay for work of equal value in the decent work for all people in the agricultural and horticultural sectors.

When You Are Thirsty
It Is Too Late
to Dig a Well

– JAPANESE PROVERB

Earth

The Earth Is
Our Very First Obligation

Sakata is dedicated to using innovation to bring about positive change in the world around us. The conservation of earth is achievable through mindfulness and determination. We define the scope of our ‘Service to Earth’ programs to include three SDGs that address water, energy and climate change; and the human impact of each. We are taking steps to reduce our footprint through conservation and sustainability.

Clean Water and Sanitation

Clean Water and Sanitation

We are engaged in water use reduction and conservation programs at our facilities with a goal of substantially increasing water-use efficiency across all sites.

SUSTAINABILITY ACTION AT SAKATA

Reduced Water Consumption

3.2
Million Gallons Saved

Waterless and automatic shut-off restroom facilities have been introduced at several sites, including our Morgan Hill and Burlington offices, Salinas and Woodland facilities, with implementation plans for additional facilities in progress.

Consumption across all Sakata facilities in the US

SUSTAINABILITY ACTION AT SAKATA

Water Retention

3
Million Gallons Reserved

At Woodland Innovation Center, indoor and outdoor water reduction programs are in place. A storm water retention pond has been built with a storage capacity of 388,177 cubic feet, nearly 3 million gallons, of water that can be harnessed. Runoff detention has also been installed at our Pacific Northwest site in Burlington, Washington.

Sakata's Pacific Northwest site in Burlington, Washington
SDG
6
6

Affordable and Clean Energy

Affordable and Clean Energy

Sakata is committed to responsible development and conservation of our planet’s rich energy resources by investing in alternative energy infrastructure, including solar, wind and thermal power and improving overall energy efficiency.

SUSTAINABILITY ACTION AT SAKATA

Solar Energy Production

7,877,154
Kilowatt Hours
of Renewable electricity produced

Over 4,600 Photovoltaic Solar panels have been installed, with installations in Morgan Hill since 2014 and at the Salinas Research Station since 2015. The most recent installation was at the Woodland Innovation Center in 2020. Solar installations are being evaluated at all Sakata Seed America locations.

Power Offset Equivilents

SUSTAINABILITY ACTION AT SAKATA

Clean Energy

23
Charging stations
installed

Electric Vehicle charge stations have been installed at our Morgan Hill Headquarters, Woodland Innovation Center, and the Burlington offices in Washington, with plans underway at Salinas Research Station and other
Sakata Seed America facilities.

electric vehicle charge station
SDG
7
7

Climate Action

Climate Action

The long-lasting changes to our climate system threatens the future of our planet . At Sakata, we believe supporting climate action will not only directly contribute to SDG 13 but also other SDGs.

SUSTAINABILITY ACTION AT SAKATA

Waste Reduction

18,571
Plastic Water Bottles avoided

We are reducing single-use plastic consumption with our water filter stations. Recycling stations have been installed at most locations. At our Woodland facility we also compost a substantial amount of food and organic waste. Other climate programs include upgrading to energy efficient LEDs, motion activated lighting and paperless office processes.

adding water to plastic water bottle

SUSTAINABILITY ACTION AT SAKATA

Emissions Reduction

12,279,000
Pounds Co2 Emissions offset by Solar

Our solar infrastructure is dramatically reducing carbon emissions. Dashboards are currently being developed to track, monitor and report on greenhouse gas emissions at all Sakata Seed America facilities.

solar panels
SDG
13
13

A Single Arrow
Is Easily Broken,
But Not So a
Bundle of Ten

– JAPANESE PROVERB

People

We All Rise
When We Lift Each Other

At its core, Sakata is about people. Our company is only as strong as the people behind it. From our corporate benefits and giving programs, to our diversity and equality guidelines, we are dedicated to making the Sakata community sustainable for its people.

Zero Hunger

Zero Hunger

Solving hunger is one of our core values at Sakata. In addition to our charitable work in this area, we also address hunger by developing crops with heat and disease tolerance for expanded growing ranges, improved yield and longer shelf life.

SUSTAINABILITY ACTION AT SAKATA

Charitable Food Donations

54,193
Pounds of Food Donated

Throughout 2020, Sakata Seed America donated more than 37,000 pounds of fresh produce through the Yolo County Food Bank program, totaling 54,193 pounds since 2015.

Employees at food bank

SUSTAINABILITY ACTION AT SAKATA

Research Funding

$100,000
DONATED FOR SEED DIVERSITY

Organizations such as the C. M. Rick Tomato Genetics Resource Center at UC Davis play an essential role in preserving genetic diversity that will be needed by plant breeders to respond to climate change, new pests and pathogens. Sakata donated $100,000 to support this collection.

colorful tomatoes
SDG
2
2

Quality Education

Quality Education

Education is an investment in our future and one of the most powerful tools for sustainable development. Sakata seeks to support equal access to affordable vocational training, eliminating gender, racial and wealth disparities.

SUSTAINABILITY ACTION AT SAKATA

Educational Funding

$50,000
Donated to Center for Growing Talent

The Center for Growing Talent is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide industry specific solutions to attract, develop and retain talent for the produce and floral industries. The Center’s work includes leadership and training programs.

Center for Growing Talent by PMA logo

SUSTAINABILITY ACTION AT SAKATA

Educational Support

Seed
School

Sakata Seed School is an initiative of Sakata management designed to train and guide participants on a path towards advancement. The program educates in all aspects of the seed business from research and development through the entire plant life cycle and gives valuable tools and support for continued success.

92% of participants agree
SDG
4
4

Gender Equality

Gender Equality

Encouraging and empowering women not only achieves greater gender equality, but is also proven to help economic growth and development. Sakata is dedicated to improving internal processes and evaluation so that all employees are empowered to learn and grow.

SUSTAINABILITY ACTION AT SAKATA

Empowerment Programs

50%
of Participants are women

Our Sakata internal MoveUP Program is showing increased gender equality year over year. Currently 50% of our candidates are women.

women icons

SUSTAINABILITY ACTION AT SAKATA

Empowerment Programs

Charge
Up

Another Sakata initiative is ChargeUP, a network of dynamic, professional women who are achieving their business goals through mutual support, inspiration and mentoring.

Group of Sakata women

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Empowerment Programs

Sakata
Connects

This initiative aims to foster teamwork by connecting employees for a quick chat or cup of coffee. By interacting with people in different departments, employees are able to build a support network, experience differing viewpoints, bridge gaps, and widen their network, building a foundation for professional success.

Two Sakata employees talking
SDG
5
5

Decent Work and Economic Growth

Decent Work and Economic Growth

We are dedicated to increasing prosperity for each of our employees. We are expanding support to encourange a healthy work-life balance by offering improved benefits and programs to prioritize mind, body, and soul.

SUSTAINABILITY ACTION AT SAKATA

Employee Enrichment

84%
Employee Engagement

Sakata offers many employee programs for the betterment of life and culture. We measure employee engagement on various levels to ensure we are providing them with the tools they need to be happy. For example, our Reach for Wellness benefit offers employees access to exercise and wellness amenities. Our TeamUP committee also organizes social activities that fit our company culture.

Sakata bicyclists

SUSTAINABILITY ACTION AT SAKATA

Employee Support

Employee
Benefits

Sakata Seed America offers many benefits to employees to encourage a healthy working environment with a generous healthcare package, bonuses and paid time off benefits. More recently, we have added an Ikigai Day to our holiday calendar and our paid family leave program has been extended. We are continually adding to our benefits roster with the goal of caring for the Sakata family during office hours and beyond.

Sakata employees
SDG
8
8

Integrity

Living and Acting
With Purpose

Sakata strives to have a positive, healthy and sustainable impact on the people, communities and food we touch. A cornerstone of Sakata Seed America’s corporate social responsibilities initiative is the Sakata Gives Program, where we work with our employees to give back to the community.

Sakata Gives Budget Allocation

Roadmap

Installation and infrastructure upgrades, program planning and implementation

2020

2025

Measure progress, update methodologies and planning and ensure we are on track for our goal

Achieve our SDG goals. Revisit and redefine new goals for the future

2030

Passion in Seed logo

A Journey of a
Thousand Miles
Starts With One Step

– JAPANESE PROVERB

One’s life work is defined not by the grand gesture, but instead by day-to-day action. Together we can contribute sustainably to the betterment of life and culture of people around the world. Sakata Seed America is dedicated to achieving this goal by serving the earth and our community with integrity and commitment.