Corporate Social Responsibility
Sakata’s effort to contribute positively to local communities, sustainability and the environment.
At Sakata, we are committed to our planet and society, striving to set the highest environmental standards and promote social development in the regions where we operate.
Through innovative research, we develop vegetable varieties that support sustainable farming by:
- Requiring less water and agricultural inputs.
- Adapting to climate changes for resilient cultivation.
- Ensuring higher yields to help feed the growing global population.
Beyond our sustainable business practices, we actively contribute to achieving the United Nations’ collective plan for a better, more sustainable future by 2030.
Our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives align with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), focusing on goal 2, 4 and 13.
Zero Hunger
- We support farmers in achieving high yields and superior-quality produce through our specialised seeds. By empowering farmers to achieve successful harvests, we contribute to increased food availability within communities.
- Beyond providing exceptional seed, Sakata actively supports local and disadvantaged populations through seed and produce donations.
- We contribute to smallholder farmers in achieving greater yields through education and expert advice.
Supporting the Ga-Rankuwa Community
Since 2022, we’ve partnered with Universal Paper and Plastics and the Northern Hope Foundation to support the community of Ga-Rankuwa, South Africa. By donating vegetable seeds, we contributed to establishing the Northern Hope Gardens, a community garden which provides fresh produce to underprivileged Ga-Rankuwa residents.
Garden of Life Partnership
Through regular seed donations, Sakata supports the Garden of Life NPO, which empowers impoverished communities by teaching vegetable-growing techniques and promoting self-sustainability.
Fair Planet NGO Collaboration
Sakata supports Fair Planet NGO by donating high-quality seeds, which enables Fair Planet to identify high-yield hybrid varieties, train farmers and improve food security for smallholder farmers in developing countries such as Tanzania, Ethiopia and soon Rwanda.
Produce Donations
At our South Africa research facility, surplus produce from trials is donated to various organisations such as RADA, old age homes, children’s homes and other NPOs in need of fresh produce.
Smallholder Farmers Education
We invest in smallholder farmers and Information Days to showcase and educate farmers on hybrid seeds, high-quality seed benefits and better farming practices, providing expertise to improve their yields. By empowering farmers with knowledge and resources, we contribute to increased food production and sustainability, supporting the global goal of Zero Hunger. Additionally, a YouTube video series on vegetable production is also available to educate smallholder farmers.
Quality education
At Sakata, we value quality education and recognise its role in building a more sustainable future. By investing in learning opportunities, mentorship and community support, we empower individuals with the skills and knowledge they need to grow and succeed. Below, you’ll find the initiatives we support and how we integrate this commitment to education within our business.
Investing in Education & Career Development
We are committed to empowering future agricultural leaders through internships, graduate placements, bursaries and career exposure programmes. Each year, we host interns and graduates in various fields, providing hands-on training, with opportunities for permanent employment where possible. Our bursary programmes support both full-time students and employees, ensuring access to quality education. We also collaborate with institutions like the University of Pretoria and FABI to provide mentorship opportunities, bursaries and research support.
Supporting Girls’ Education with RADA
We proudly support the RADA MiPad initiative, which provides reusable sanitary pads to schoolgirls, ensuring they can attend school with confidence throughout the year. Research shows that many girls miss up to 60 days of school annually due to a lack of access to sanitary products, affecting their education and future opportunities. By supplying long-lasting, eco-friendly pads, RADA helps reduce school absenteeism, alleviate financial strain on households and minimise environmental waste.
Climate change
Through responsible farming practices, renewable energy solutions and biodiversity conservation, we actively reduce our ecological footprint while supporting a more sustainable future. Below are some of the key initiatives we have implemented to minimise our impact and promote environmental sustainability.
Climate action in internal farming practices
Across all Sakata sites in the EMEA zone, we implement environmentally conscious farming practices. These include drip irrigation, rainwater recovery, plant water reuse, waste treatment networks, organic manure usage, composting seed production waste and low-temperature heating systems for greenhouses, all aimed at minimising our environmental impact.
Powering Sustainability with Solar
The Owl Project: Enhancing Ecosystems Through Natural Balance
Launched in 2019, our Owl Project promotes ecological balance by using natural rodent control and rehabilitating owls through the installation of owl boxes, participation in release programmes and nurturing young owls until they can thrive independently, contributing to biodiversity and climate resilience.