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- What is the main business of Sumi Agro France?
- We import and sell agricultural chemicals in France. Similar to pharmaceuticals, the products handled by us are subject to many regulations, and we need to verify that the products do not adversely affect the human body or the environment and apply to the French government for registration before selling them in France. After the registration, we supply the products to the farmers through a distributors' network and provide a permanent technical follow up.
- What is a challenging part of your current job?
- The knowledge of agricultural chemicals is very technical and complex. Furthermore, due to the regulations difference from one country to another, products approved in one country are not necessarily approved for use in another country. Particularly in the case of agricultural chemicals for crop protection, which I am in charge of, there is a need to spend 2 to 4 years gathering a large volume of data to verify the efficacy and safety of new products before their import is permitted. We have to repeat tests until we are convinced that we have a high probability of obtaining that registration, so the time and labor required for this business is tremendous.
In the meantime, there is also a tendency that farmers are now required to consider farming in a more eco-friendly way. I think my job is challenging, but very exciting, because I can propose effective, sustainable, and environment-friendly products.
- What about the atmosphere of the workplace?
- The atmosphere is very good. The staff number 18, of which half are French and half are Japanese living in France. We work together in a small office. The desks are laid out in such a way that everyone can see each other, and we maintain lively communication.
- How do you spend your holidays?
- Because I'm traveling a lot, I do appreciate not moving too much for holiday, I usually have a relaxing time with my friends by playing golf, hiking, or doing some other things together. I'm also a wine amateur: I live in Chablis, a region famous for its white wine, so I sometimes hold a tasting party with my friends.
I took this picture with my whole family at the beginning of 2010
