A delegation recently convened with First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth to explore potential investment avenues in sectors such as controlled environment agriculture, food production infrastructure, and agricultural technology.
First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth remarked, “Wales has a long and successful relationship with Japan, home to more than 70 Japanese-owned businesses employing thousands of people across the country.”
He added, “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.”
He emphasized, “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 comprised representatives from various Japanese entities engaged in vertical farming, agri-tech, and food infrastructure, alongside members of the Japan Plant Factory Association. They expressed interest in understanding Wales’s capabilities in food production, innovation, and sustainability.
Welsh exports to Japan worth £282 million in 2025
Since the period of 2012-2013, Wales has attracted 61 investments from Japan, with over 70 Japanese enterprises currently operational across the region, employing around 7,400 individuals. According to Food & Drink Wales, Japan ranks as the second-largest source of inward investment, following the United States.
In 2025, Wales exported goods valued at more than £282 million to Japan, reflecting the Government’s commitment to collaborating with Japanese firms and organizations to facilitate investment within the food industry.
Throughout the visit, delegates engaged with representatives from the Welsh Government, industry leaders, and academia to delve into Wales’s research competencies and opportunities regarding controlled environment agriculture. Their discussions explored how investment and innovation can enhance food system resilience and spur productivity growth in the food and beverage sector.
The mission also underscored the burgeoning partnership between Japanese organizations and Aberystwyth University through Agile Cymru, with an emphasis on fostering knowledge exchange and research related to controlled environment agriculture.
Professor John Doonan, director of the National Plant Phenomics Centre—a facility funded by BBSRC and located at Aberystwyth University—stated, “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.”
He continued, “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.”