Japanese investors explore opportunities in Wales’ agri-food and agri-tech sectors

Daniel Bevan - Editor

Subscribe to the Businessin Wales daily newsletter for FREE here.

Wales is seeking to attract further Japanese investment in its food, farming and agri-tech sectors following a visit by a delegation of investors.

The delegation met First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth at the Royal Welsh Showground to discuss opportunities in areas including controlled environment agriculture, food production infrastructure and agricultural technology.

First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth said: “Wales has a long and successful relationship with Japan, home to more than 70 Japanese-owned businesses employing thousands of people across the country.

“It was a pleasure to welcome the Japanese delegation to the Royal Welsh Showground and showcase the quality food and drink Wales is proud to share with the world.

“We want Wales to be at the forefront of innovation in food production, sustainability and agricultural technology, and this delegation highlights the opportunities for international businesses to invest here, bringing new technologies, creating skilled jobs and strengthening our food supply chains.

“The growing collaboration between Japanese organisations, Aberystwyth University and the Agile Cymru programme demonstrates how Wales can bring together world-class research, industry expertise and government support to drive innovation.”

The delegation included representatives from Japanese organisations working in vertical farming, agri-tech and food infrastructure development, alongside the Japan Plant Factory Association.

Japan is Wales’ second-largest source of inward investment after the United States. Since 2012-13, Wales has secured 61 investments from Japan, while more than 70 Japanese-owned companies operate in the country, employing around 7,400 people.

The relationship between Wales and Japan stretches back more than 50 years, with companies including Sony and Panasonic among the early investors. Welsh Government continues to work with Japanese businesses and organisations on investment and partnerships across sectors including food and drink, clean energy, semiconductors, life sciences and the creative industries.

Wales exported more than £282 million worth of goods to Japan in 2025.

During the visit, delegates met Welsh Government, industry and academic representatives to explore Wales’ research strengths and opportunities in controlled environment agriculture. Discussions focused on how investment and innovation could support resilient food systems and productivity across the food and drink sector.

The visit also highlighted collaboration between Japanese organisations and Aberystwyth University through Agile Cymru, which supports knowledge exchange and research in controlled environment agriculture.

Professor John Doonan, Director of the National Plant Phenomics Centre at Aberystwyth University, said: “Aberystwyth University has a long-standing reputation for agricultural and environmental research, and we are delighted to be working with partners from Japan to explore new opportunities in controlled environment agriculture and sustainable food production.

“This collaboration provides an exciting platform for knowledge exchange, bringing together expertise from Wales and Japan to address some of the key challenges facing global food systems.

“Through our involvement in Agile Cymru, we are helping to create the conditions for innovation, investment and commercial opportunities that can deliver benefits for both nations.”

The visit follows the Year of Wales and Japan 2025, which was centred around Wales’ participation at Expo 2025 Osaka and aimed to strengthen economic, educational, cultural and sporting ties between the two countries.