Farmdo Holdings’ pioneering agrivoltaics model is advancing agriculture, promoting renewable energy globally, and revitalizing Japan’s workforce and farming communities.
By Paul Mannion and Bernard Thompson
Founded in 1994, Farmdo Holdings Co., Ltd. has become a leader in merging renewable energy with innovative farming techniques. Recognized for its patented agrivoltaics systems, the company operates 255 renewable energy facilities and plans to expand to 1,000 more locations domestically.
Farmdo’s agrivoltaics technology integrates translucent solar panels with hydroponic systems, allowing vegetables to thrive under panels at the same time as electricity is generated. This system also provides stable income for landowners by turning underutilized fields into productive and profitable assets. “Many people believed vegetables couldn’t grow under solar panels, but our trials proved lettuce, tomatoes and strawberries all flourished,” explains Masayuki Iwai, Farmdo’s president. This dual-purpose approach is profitable, as selling electricity to the grid generates over five times the revenue of vegetable farming.
The company also emphasizes technological innovation. Plans are underway to establish smart greenhouses in Maebashi by 2027, featuring artificial intelligence-driven irrigation systems, drones and self-guided vehicles. Farmdo’s smart greenhouses will also include climate-control systems powered by solar energy, ensuring year-round cultivation of high-demand crops such as leafy greens, tomatoes and strawberries. “We aim to attract young people and provide training and job experiences,” notes Mr. Iwai, showcasing Farmdo’s commitment to revitalizing Japan’s aging agricultural workforce.
Solar Farm ®
In addition to its domestic success, Farmdo is expanding internationally. The company holds patents for its agrivoltaics systems in seven countries, and collaborates with the Japanese government through the Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM) to promote eco-friendly projects worldwide. Current projects include solar plants in Mongolia and Kenya, as well as collaborations in Chile. Future initiatives will focus on expanding into Africa and Southeast Asia, key regions for renewable energy projects.
Looking ahead, Farmdo aims to increase sales by 70 percent within five years and expand globally. “The sun is our treasure,” says Mr. Iwai. “Converting solar energy into everyday usable power is socially meaningful work. Solar energy, after all, comes at no cost.” Farmdo envisions a future where solar-powered agriculture contributes to global food and energy security.
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