In the agricultural business, we aim to revitalize the region through agriculture by producing local produce, erosion and flood control by revitalizing woodland. For instance, we utilize regional fallow land for growing olives with the mild climate of the Seto Inland Sea, and rice farming in terraced rice fields that preserve the scenery and appearance of the hometown.
Particularly in the production of olive oil, the core of our business, we have been working on a project called “Aki no shima no mi” since 2008 when we started our agricultural business. This project aimed to create a recycling system that is almost unseen in Japan, where the government subsidizes the purchase of olive seedlings by citizens. We then purchase the fruits grown and harvested by these citizens and commercialize them. Since 2010, we have been producing olive oil from our own olive trees and olives from local farmers. Not only our company but local citizens, government, and companies work together to promote industrial development that can continue in the region.
In 2015, we began our operation of “Etajima Olive Factory,” a processing factory that produces olive oil. Then in 2016, we opened a restaurant and store along side of the factory. This created more job oppotunities and allowed economic revitalization in the region.
In 2021, we rebranded “Aki no shima no mi” in order to bring the spirit of the region to more people. Under the slogan ”Olives are Alive”, we aim to establish a brand that pursues authenticity and will continue to develop businesses that lead to regional revitalization.