When hearing the words “microorganisms” or “bacteria”, one may imagine harmful germs. However, there are many useful microorganisms which have been used by humans. Microorganisms used in EM•1® production (Lactic Acid Bacteria, Yeast, Phototrophic Bacteria, etc.) exclude any pathogenic and genetically modified microorganisms that are harmful to humans, animals and plants. EM•1® consists only of safe microorganisms that have been used, either intentionally or unintentionally, since ancient times.

Lactic Acid Bacteria

Lactic Acid Bacteria is, a generic term for a category of bacteria that convert sugars into lactic acid through lactic acid fermentation. One characteristic of lactic acid bacteria is that it can relatively easily co-exist with other bacteria. Lactic acid bacteria are widely used in the production of fermented foods such as cheese and yogurt that can be naturally preserved for a long period of time.

Ever since Louis Pasteur discovered lactic acid bacteria in 1875, it has been noted for its beneficial effects on health and longevity. Recent research indicates that besides regulating the intestines, lactic acid bacteria are also known for being involved in immunostimulatory activity, for having antioncotic properties, for their antimutagenicity, for lowering cholesterol and for having a hypotensive effect.

Lactic acid bacteria in EM・1® suppress harmful micro-organisms while producing lactic acid which lowers the pH in EM・1® and encourages rapid breakdown of organic substances. Lactic acid bacteria can also suppress the reproduction of a harmful fungus, Fusarium.

Yeast

Known as a fermentation starter, yeast is a microorganism necessary for the brewing of alcohol and the making of bread. Yeast was discovered by the Dutch merchant Antony Van Leeuwenhoek (1632-1723), who first discovered the world of microorganisms. Taxonomically, yeast is a eukaryote. It differs from other fungi in that it generally is unicellular throughout its life. Within the microbial world it is a small group of microorganisms, yet it is essential for human life.

Yeast live in sugar-rich environments such as nectar and the surface of fruits. Yeast produces many biologically active agents such as amino acids and polysaccharides which will become the feed for other microorganisms in EM•1®

Phototrophic Bacteria

Phototrophic bacteria (also known as photosynthetic bacteria) are an ancient type of bacteria which have existed since a time before the Earth had its present concentration of oxygen. As its name indicates, these bacteria utilize solar energy to metabolize organic and inorganic substances.

Phototrophic bacteria exist in rice fields, lakes and everywhere on Earth. In practical terms, the potential of phototrophic bacteria is particularly seen in the environmental fields. Because it decomposes organic materials well, among these applications is its use in wastewater treatment. Research has also reported on its effectiveness in applied use in agriculture, aquaculture and animal husbandry. Research is also underway in its use in hydrogen production and its ability to decompose persistent substances.

Photosynthetic bacteria are an essential element of EM・1®. The efficacy of EM・1® is determined by the populations of photosynthetic bacteria found in EM・1® solutions. Phototrophic bacteria are involved in various metabolic systems, and play a major role in nitrogen cycling and carbon cycling. They contribute to better conversion of sunlight or, in other words, better photosynthesis.

Organic Gardens & Agriculture

Professor Higa’s Philosophy

Reference link: http://www.emrojapan.com/about-em/dr-higas-philosophy.html

Prof. Higa estimates that enough food production for 10 billion people is possible with the use of EM Technology™ on world-wide basis.  Actually, there are numerous reported examples of abundant harvests and unprecedented multiple crops for a wide range of products with the use of EM Technology™.
He insisted  from the start that even greening deserts was possible with the application of EM Technology™.  His theory is now validated by successful cases of desert-greening in Egypt and Saudi Arabia.

“The world is currently facing a time of great change and upheaval”, says Prof. Higa. “I believe this condition has arisen mainly because of our present civilization becoming increasingly structured along the lines of competitive principles. An excessive reliance on competition certainly does not excite feelings of generosity and sharing.“(Teruo Higa, 1996). One of the most fundamental beliefs in his philosophy is ‘creating a society based on co-existence and co-prosperity’.

Prof. Higa insists that we change the present social structure based on a competitive principle to one based on co-existence and co-prosperity to solve the said problems. In order to do this, we must first solve the common problems faced by human beings – food, security, the environment, health care, and energy supply. He is hoping that EM Technology™ will be one of the most potent tools to respond to these problems.

Application of EM Technology™ in agriculture can protect the environmental and save energy because, unlike modern agriculture, it does not use excessive energy and chemicals, and does not pollute water. It can also produce safe and high-quality foods at low cost which will help improve our overall health. When used on livestock, it will suppress foul smells in livestock barns, improve the quality of meats and eggs, etc. Solving environmental pollution problems using EM Technology™ will also inhibit waste of resources. Some of the examples are waste water treatment via EM Technology™ and the creating of fertilizer by using EM Technology™ to treat raw kitchen garbage.

EM Technology™ is developing day by day and now used in various fields. Prof. Higa believes that EM Technology™ will help farm sustainably, protect environment and maintain people’s health.

REFERENCE
Teruo Higa (1996) An Earth Saving Revolution, 37-38

Professor Higa’s Biography

Prof. Teruo Higa is a professor at Meio University and a professor emeritus at University of the Ryukyus in Okinawa. He is also the director at International EM Technology Center.

Prof. Higa was born in Okinawa, Japan in 1941 and was raised with 9 brothers and sisters. Since he was a child, he has been involved in farming and has loved growing things. He entered University of the Ryukyus to learn more about agriculture. Development of fruit cultivation appeared a promising to advance Okinawan agriculture. Therefore, following his graduation, he earned his doctorate in Horticulture at Kyusyu University Graduate School. He was researching mandarin oranges which, at the time, relied heavily on agricultural chemicals. At this time he was interested in microorganisms but advocated of the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides because with his farming experience, he knew that farming was very labor intensive, especially making good compost. While he was involved in growing oranges, he noticed a decline in his health and started to break out in rashes. These symptoms got progressively worse. After that, he made microorganisms the main focus of his research. However, in those days it was common to work with one type at a time and there were many different types of microorganisms to test. There were no results of any significance even after five years. Then, one day, a lucky accident occurred and he realized that the key was the combination. After many trials and errors, Prof. Higa discovered a perfect mix that promotes healthy plant growth and coined the name “EM™” for that group.

His development of EM Technology™ has brought him international recognition, and now he gives guidance and assistance in the application and research of EM Technology™ around the world. EM Technology™ developed by Prof. Higa, has spread in various fields such as governmental projects and the activities in private sectors, and it is disseminated in more than 130 countries.

Major Publications (Japanese)

★ Use of Microorganisms in Agriculture & Their Positive Effects on Environmental Safety (Nobunkyo, 1991)
★ EM Environmental Revolution (Chief Editor; Sogo Unicom, 1994)
★ EM Industrial Revolution (Chief Editor; Sogo Unicom, 1997)
★ An Earth Saving Revolution (Sunmark Publishing, Inc., 1993)
★ An Earth Saving Revolution-II (Sunmark Publishing, Inc., 1994)
★ An Earth Saving Revolution-III (Sunmark Publishing, Inc., 1997)
★ The Genuine Century (Co-author; PHP Kenkyusho, 1995)
★ Microorganisms Rescue the Civilization (Co-author; Crest Co., Ltd., 1995)
★ EM: A New Life for Kitchen Garbage (Sunmark Publishing, Inc., 1995)
★ All About Teruo Higa (Sunmark Publishing, Inc., 1998)
★ Our Future Reborn (Sunmark Publishing, Inc., 2000)
★ EM Medical Revolution (Chief Editor; Sogo Unicom, 2000)
★ Wonder of Sosei Sea Salt (Co-author; Sogo Unicom, 2001)
★ -New Century- EM Environmental Revolution (Chief Editor; Sogo Unicom, 2003)
★ The Law of Syntropy (Revitalization) (United Networks for Earth Environment (U-net) NPO, 2011)
★ A New Earth Saving Revolution (Sunmark Publishing, Inc., 2012)

Major Publications (English)

★ An Earth Saving Revolution (Sunmark Publishing, Inc., 1996)
★ An Earth Saving Revolution-II (Sunmark Publishing, Inc., 1998)
★ Our Future Reborn(Sunmark Publishing, Inc., 2007)