Mizkan, Tokushima Prefecture, Mima City, and JA Group Sign Five-Party Cooperation Agreement for Yuzu Production Area Promotion

Mizkan Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Handa City, Aichi Prefecture; Representative Director and CEO: Ryoji Maki; hereinafter: Mizkan) has signed a "Cooperation Agreement for the Promotion of Yuzu Production Areas" with Tokushima Prefecture, Mima City, the National Federation of Agricultural Cooperative Associations Tokushima Prefectural Headquarters (hereinafter: JA Zen-Noh Tokushima), and Tokushima Prefectural Agricultural Cooperative (hereinafter: JA Tokushima Prefecture). This agreement aims to build a value chain from yuzu production to collection, processing, and sales, thereby promoting the development of regional agriculture and the revitalization of the regional economy.

**■Background of the Agreement** In recent years, challenges such as a shortage of agricultural workers and an increase in idle farmland have become apparent in the agricultural sector, necessitating the establishment of a sustainable production system. Mima City in Tokushima Prefecture, while possessing potential as a yuzu production area, also needs to address issues like labor shortages and farmland maintenance. Mizkan, as a company that provides value to society through food, believes that establishing a sustainable production base for agricultural raw materials is crucial. Through this initiative, we will collaborate with stakeholders to contribute to the promotion of yuzu production areas and the realization of sustainable agriculture.

**■Main Contents of Cooperation** This agreement outlines cooperation on the following matters: ・Establishing a stable production and supply system for yuzu ・Regenerating idle farmland and maintaining high-quality farmland ・Creating employment and developing human resources through yuzu production ・Enhancing the brand value and appeal of agricultural products from Tokushima Prefecture ・Utilizing unused facilities and improving the production environment ・Promoting labor-saving through the introduction of advanced technologies such as smart agriculture ・Other initiatives related to regional revitalization and sustainable agricultural promotion

Through this initiative, Mizkan aims for the sustainable development of yuzu production areas and, leveraging its strengths as a food manufacturer, will work to create new value in collaboration with the region through product development and market expansion.

**■Outline of the Agreement** Agreement Name: Agreement on the Promotion of Yuzu Production Areas Signing Date: March 30, 2026 (Monday) Signatories: Tokushima Prefecture Mima City Mizkan Co., Ltd. JA Zen-Noh Tokushima JA Tokushima Prefecture