History of Activities

NICHINO Group is deeply involved in the safe production and stable supply of food, with a primary focus on the agrochemical business. 
The businesses we operate are closely interrelated with the concepts of SDGs and sustainability, which aim to achieve both sustainable economic growth and environmental conservation through a wide range of technological innovations in crop protection. They can address food problems related to population explosion and climate change, promote environmentally friendly practices in crop production, and contribute to coexistence with the natural environment. 
In 2015, the United Nations adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the SDG Compass — a guide for companies to align their actions with the SDGs. Since then, companies have been expected to undertake initiatives that contribute to society in consideration of all stakeholders. 
In response to such changes in the social landscape, we identified how to systematically and effectively practice CSR management, adopting it as a management issue in our previous medium-term management plan, EGG2. In our new medium-term management plan, GGS, which began in FY2024, we will further develop our previous CSR management toward sustainability management, aiming to achieve sustainability for both society as a whole and the Group. 
 

Selection of Priority Issues (Materiality)

To select material issues, we first comprehensively identified CSR-related subjects and issues, and then created a comparison table based on the seven core subjects of the ISO26000 global CSR guidelines (Step 1). Next, we grouped like items and reanalyzed them in accordance with their importance to corporate management and stakeholders (Step 2). Based on the results, we selected seven material issues we refer to as “Seven Priority Issues.” Then, after gradual discussions by the CSR-WG and CSR Committee and approval by the Board of Directors, we finalized the Seven Priority Issues. In addition, we established the “Ideal business model for 2030” and the key tasks and targets (KGI/KPI) for the EGG2 medium-term management plan (2021-2023) at the same time (Step 3).

For the GGS, medium-term management plan, the specific measures and results of each of the head office business departments and domestic and overseas group companies in relation to the Seven Priority Issues were examined. Then, the “Ideal business model for 2030” was reviewed and new KGI/KPI for the GGS period were formulated. 
 

Employee Awareness-raising Activities

We selected material issues, established specific tasks, and set targets to visualize the CSR activities of NICHINO Group based on the management plan. They also enabled management and employees to promote sustainability together and to share information with stakeholders. The Sustainability Promotion Department distributes CSR questionnaires to employees to ascertain the status of initiatives and the current situation. It also works continuously to raise awareness on sustainability activities through e-learning courses and communicating SDGs initiatives to Group companies.

Results of Key Activities for FY2023

The following table indicates the level of achievement of the major initiatives of the Seven Priority Sustainability Issues in FY2023. Relevant working groups and other teams moved forward with systematic activities in cooperation with key departments in accordance with the activity policy of the former CSR Promotion Department. In our new medium-term management plan, which began in FY2024, we will set more advanced KGI/KPIs based on the progress of various projects and work toward achieving our targets.

Level of Achievement of Seven Priority Sustainability Issues and Key Initiatives (FY2023)

Level of Achievement of Seven Priority Sustainability Issues and Targets in the New Medium-Term Management Plan for FY2024-FY2026 and Key Initiatives in the Previous Medium-Term Management Plan (FY2023)