Sakata America Holding Company, a subsidiary of Sakata Seed Corporation, is proud to announce the opening of its new headquarters, the Sakata Woodland Innovation Center. This facility, located on 219 acres of agricultural land in Yolo County, California, marks a significant milestone in the company's commitment to advancing agricultural innovation and sustainability.
The Woodland Innovation Center will serve as the central hub for SAH's operations, consolidating the company's functions into one expansive campus, including research and development, seed production, processing, testing, packaging, distribution and biotechnology —the embodiment of a "21st-century Farmstead" for Sakata.
Dave Armstrong, President and CEO of Sakata Seed America, states, "The expansion of the Woodland Innovation Center is an exciting and necessary step for the future of Sakata. As we broaden our leadership position in an expanding portfolio of crops, it's imperative that we support our growing business and deepen our roots in one of the world's most dynamic agriculture regions—the 'Silicon Valley of seed.' Our headquarters relocation to Woodland reflects our commitment to California's vital agriculture and seed sectors, and the investment enables us to consolidate R&D and multiple other functions on a single campus."
The development of the Woodland Innovation Center has been strategically planned in four phases. Phases 1 and 2, completed in November 2018, established a research head house, greenhouses for key Sakata crops, a farm shop, a washery building, and a LEED-certified office building. The recently completed Phases 3 and 4, which began in November 2022, include:
- A 9,000 square foot lab building.
- An 18,000-square-foot office building constructed in alignment with LEED sustainability standards.
- A solar energy plant covering all electricity needs for the entire site.
- A 32,000-square-foot warehouse facility featuring milling and processing equipment with a proprietary seed mill design.
- A horticulturally curated campus designed to promote the collaboration and well-being of employees.
The move to Woodland will also strengthen Sakata's ties with the University of California at Davis, enhancing collaborative opportunities with the agricultural science institution.
Mr. Sakata's speech
Sakata has expanded its operations across North and Central America, focusing on the seed industry. The company, which started with broccoli and later included a variety of vegetables and flowers, has increased its investments in infrastructure and personnel. A new headquarters has been established to integrate five research stations, several seed processing sites, laboratories, and administrative offices throughout North America. This development aims to enhance global collaboration among Sakata's breeding teams.
The opening celebration, held on September 12, 2024, brought together 200 guests, including Japan's Ambassador to the United States, Shigeo Yamada, Hiroshi Sakata, President of Sakata Seed Corporation, California State Assembly and Senate members, local dignitaries, business partners, SAH Executive Management, employees, and media. The event featured a local chef's catering using Sakata products, facility tours, a Japanese taiko drum performance, and a traditional Japanese Sake Ceremony.
Speech of Ambassador Yamada
Click below to see a video of the history of the Woodland Innovation Project.
For more information:
Alicia Suits
Senior Marketing Manager
Sakata Seed America, Inc.
Tel: 408-782-5391
[email protected]
www.sakata.com