Human Rights Initiatives

Position and Scope of Application for the Policy

Sakata Seed Corporation and its affiliates (hereinafter referred to as “SAKATA Group”) established the following Policy regarding respect for basic human rights.
The Policy applies to all employees and officers of SAKATA Group (hereinafter referred to as “employees/officers”). We will also encourage SAKATA Group’s business partners, suppliers, and other related parties to understand and support the Policy and strive to respect human rights.

Respect for Human Rights

SAKATA Group supports and respects international human rights norms including the International Bill of Human Rights (comprising the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the two International Covenants on Human Rights: the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights), the ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, and the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. We fulfill our responsibility to respect human rights by implementing the following internationally recognized initiatives.
• Respect for fundamental human rights
• Prohibition of all forms of discrimination, harassment, and violence based on race, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, nationality, or beliefs
• Prohibition of child labor
• Prohibition of forced labor, including labor exploitation and human trafficking
• Prohibition of unreasonable restrictions on movement
• Respect for freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining
• Payment of wages above the statutory minimum to employees
• Prevention of excessive working hours and provision of appropriate days off
• Ensuring occupational health and safety
• Prevention of workplace accidents
• Protection of privacy
By adhering to these principles, we strive to fulfill our responsibility to respect human rights. The group complies with the laws and regulations of each country and region in which we operate. However, in cases where there is a conflict internationally recognized human rights and the laws or regulations, we will seek ways to respect international human rights norms to the greatest possible.

Human Rights Due Diligence*

To ensure the effectiveness of the Policy, SAKATA Group will identify any negative impact on human rights that may be caused by the group’s business activities and strive to prevent or mitigate that impact. In order to continuously implement these processes, we will work to construct a framework for human rights due diligence.
If it becomes clear that the group’s business activities have caused or contributed to a negative impact on human rights, or if there is a negative impact on human rights directly related to the group’s business, products, or services, we will work to correct and remedy the situation through appropriate procedures.
In the process of implementing human rights due diligence, we will secure opportunities for dialogue and discussion with our stakeholders.
 

Training and Education

SAKATA Group will provide appropriate training and education for employees/officers, so that the Policy is effectively implemented and instilled into all business activities of the group.

Governance

The Policy was established by incorporating the opinions of external experts and has been approved by the Board of Directors of Sakata Seed Corporation. The President of Sakata Seed Corporation is responsible for the operation of the Policy, whereas the Board of Directors of Sakata Seed Corporation supervises compliance with the Policy and related efforts.
SAKATA Group will revise the Policy as necessary.
 

Disclosure of Progress

SAKATA Group will periodically disclose the progress of measures related to respect for basic human rights, and will continuously improve the Policy and related efforts.

*The term “human rights due diligence” refers to a company’s appropriate and ongoing efforts for human rights. Specifically, it refers to the process of identifying negative impact and risks for human rights related to a company’s corporate activities, analyzing and evaluating those risks, and formulating and implementing appropriate countermeasures.