Announcements
EF Polymer has launched a support initiative for farmers in Ukraine affected by the ongoing war, in collaboration with approximately 50 companies based in Okinawa, Japan.
As part of this initiative, 5 tons of EF Polymer have been donated and delivered to Ukraine. The company will work together with local government-related organizations to provide technical guidance on how to utilize the material, while preparing for its application in agricultural fields.
In June last year, the Kakhovka Dam in Kherson Oblast in southern Ukraine collapsed, causing devastating damage to local communities.
In the agricultural sector, the destruction of the dam disrupted irrigation systems, raising serious concerns about the sustainability of crop production in the region. It is estimated that full restoration of irrigation infrastructure may take nearly seven years, and the economic losses caused by the dam collapse are projected to reach hundreds of billions of yen.
Ukraine is known as one of the world's major agricultural producers. A decline in its production could significantly impact global agricultural and feed markets, including those in Japan.
In response to this situation, EF Polymer and its partner companies participating in this project have donated EF Polymer to Ukrainian farmers. By promoting its use in drought affected areas, the initiative aims to help sustain crop production under challenging conditions.
EF Polymer is an agricultural material capable of absorbing up to 50 times its weight in water, contributing to significant water conservation and reduced fertilizer usage. Because it can support crop growth even in water scarce environments, it is expected to provide meaningful benefits for Ukrainian farmland that has lost access to irrigation infrastructure.
Last year, EF Polymer invited companies in Okinawa to participate in a donation campaign under the theme “A Circle of Agricultural Support Delivered to Ukraine.”
More than 50 companies joined the initiative, enabling the project to officially launch. Donations collected from participating companies are primarily used to cover international transportation costs of EF Polymer and expenses related to its utilization in Ukraine.
Kunihiro Shimoji, Chief Operation Officer (COO) of EF Polymer, commented:
“When we saw reports about the dam collapse in Ukraine and realized the severity of the situation, we immediately contacted the Embassy of Ukraine.
This initiative was organized with the hope that Okinawan people and companies who wish for peace could come together to support Ukrainian farmers who continue to sustain people’s lives through agriculture.
What would have been impossible for a single company became achievable thanks to the cooperation of many supporting companies. We are deeply grateful for their support.
Going forward, we will work closely with local organizations in Ukraine to ensure that our products can be effectively utilized in drought affected regions.”
The following organizations and individuals have participated in the initiative.
(Listed in Japanese alphabetical order)
ASAKA Co., Ltd.
Kyowa Construction Consultants Co., Ltd.
Ajabashi Denki Co., Ltd.
Kinjo Shoji Co., Ltd.
Umusan Lab Co., Ltd.
Kokken Co., Ltd.
FRT Co., Ltd.
Wagyu Teppanyaki SASUKE
OKICOM Co., Ltd.
Zanami Construction Co., Ltd.
Okisei Sangyo Co., Ltd.
JA Group Okinawa
Oki Setsubi Co., Ltd.
Zamami Cardboard Co., Ltd.
Okiden Kaihatsu Co., Ltd.
Sukoyaka Holdings Co., Ltd.
Okidenko Co., Ltd.
SECOM Ryukyu Co., Ltd.
Okinawa Enetech Co., Ltd.
Marine Port Partners Co., Ltd.
Shiraishi Okinawa Co., Ltd.
Toyo Setsubi Co., Ltd.
Okinawa Kaiho Bank, Ltd.
Japan Transocean Air
Okinawa Gas Co., Ltd.
Panasonic Consumer Marketing
Okiden Kigyo Co., Ltd.
Higa Kogyo Co., Ltd.
The Bank of Okinawa, Ltd.
HENZA Co., Ltd.
Okiden Global Systems Co., Ltd.
Hot Okinawa Research Institute Co., Ltd.
Okinawa Jitsugyo Limited Partnership
Ryucon Co., Ltd.
Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Okinawa
Reliance Energy Okinawa Co., Ltd.
Okinawa Shin-Ene Kaihatsu Co., Ltd.
The Bank of the Ryukyus, Ltd.
Okinawa Daiken Co., Ltd.
Ryukyu Tsuun Co., Ltd.
Okinawa Cellular Telephone Co., Ltd.
Ryuseki Co., Ltd.
Okinawa Denki Kogyo Co., Ltd.
Rexan Co., Ltd.
Okinawa Electric Power Company
Yugafu Holdings Co., Ltd.
Okinawa Plant Kogyo Co., Ltd.
Mr. Ryohei Omija
Okinawa Building Maintenance Co., Ltd.
Mr. Tatsunori Sasaki
Okinawa Pokka Corporation
Mr. Yoshikazu Shiohira
Kaiseikai Social Welfare Corporation
Mr. Kazuhito Fukuchi
Cultivate Co., Ltd.
Ms. Takako Maeda
