Ac-Planta Launches Tomato Field Trials with California Tomato Research Institute (CTRI)

Ac-Planta Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture; CEO: Jong-Myung Kim), which develops and sells the agricultural material 'Skypone' that enhances plant tolerance to heat and drought stress, has launched tomato field trials using Skypone this season in California, USA. By collaborating with the local research organization California Tomato Research Institute (CTRI), the company aims to obtain more accurate data and further promote Skypone in the U.S. market.

Initiation of Collaboration with Industry Group 'CTRI'

Starting this season, Ac-Planta will newly collaborate with the California Tomato Research Institute (CTRI), a research industry group formed by California tomato producers. Through CTRI, the company will work with local researchers to verify the effectiveness of Skypone under real-world conditions in the U.S. tomato industry.

Overview of the Trial

This season’s trials are being conducted in the Central Valley of California, a major agricultural region and leading producer of processing tomatoes, across farms operated by local agricultural corporations and farmers. California spans a long north-south distance with varying climates and cultivation environments across regions. Ac-Planta has determined that accumulating data from multiple locations will strengthen its ability to propose solutions to local producers.

Future Developments

By 2026, the company plans to deepen collaboration with local partners and prioritize the accumulation of compelling data to support full-scale market entry into the United States. Amid increasing uncertainty in agricultural production due to climate change, the U.S. is positioned as a key market. Ac-Planta will promote Skypone in collaboration with producers, researchers, and industry groups, aiming to contribute to sustainable agricultural production.

About Ac-Planta Co., Ltd.

Ac-Planta is an agri-biotech startup founded by CEO Jong-Myung Kim, who, while a researcher at RIKEN in 2017, developed 'Skypone,' an agricultural material utilizing the effect of acetic acid to enhance plant tolerance to heat and drought, based on research published in the academic journal 'Nature Plants.' In response to growing global demand for climate resilience and reduced pesticide and chemical fertilizer use, the company is conducting demonstration experiments in 14 countries, including the U.S. and Uganda.

In Japan, the product is distributed nationwide through JA and other cooperatives. The company also conducts demonstration trials with prefectural agricultural experiment stations and extension offices in Gunma, Aichi, Wakayama, Mie, and other regions, as well as with farmers, agricultural groups, and companies across the country. Ac-Planta has received numerous awards, including the Grand Prize at the 6th AgriTech Grand Prix, Excellence Award at the 1st JA Accelerator, the Business Concept Grand Prize at AgriFood SBIR Pitch 2023, and the Nikkei Award at the 'Ultra DX Summit Impact Pitch' hosted by The Nikkei, Inc.

About Skypone

Skypone is an agricultural material that leverages the effects of acetic acid—the main component of vinegar. By enhancing plant tolerance to drought and high temperatures, Skypone helps maintain crop yield and quality while reducing water usage.

Company Overview

Company Name: Ac-Planta Co., Ltd.

Representative: CEO Jong-Myung Kim

Headquarters: Room 503, Building 1, Leading Venture Plaza, 75-1 Ono-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture

Applied and Developmental Science Laboratory: Room 204, Building 1, Leading Venture Plaza, 75-1 Ono-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture

Basic Science Research Laboratory: Room 204, Research Building, Yokohama City University-Industry Joint Research Center, 1-1-40 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture

Business Activities: Research and development and sales of agricultural materials; research and development related to plant environmental stress tolerance

Contact for Inquiries:

Public Relations, Ac-Planta Co., Ltd.

E-mail: info@ac-planta.com