$200M forestry fund targets high-integrity carbon credits and sustainable timber in climate-resilient U.S. regions.
Joint venture brings together EFM’s forestry expertise and Sojitz’s global capital networks, focusing on nature-based climate solutions.
Fund positions investors to access premium carbon credits with biodiversity, community, and rural economic co-benefits.
EFM, a U.S.-based forest investment and management firm, has partnered with Sojitz Corporation of America—a wholly owned subsidiary of Japan’s Sojitz Corporation—to launch a $200 million forestry investment fund focused on climate-smart forest stewardship and high-integrity carbon credit generation.
The fund, to be managed by the newly formed EFM Sojitz Management, LLC (ESM), will initially be backed by Sojitz, Fuyo General Lease Co., Ltd., and other international investors. It will acquire and manage forestland across climate-resilient U.S. regions, creating returns through sustainable timber production and the issuance of forest-based carbon credits.
“Partnering with Sojitz allows us to expand our climate-smart forestry model, mobilize capital at scale – including in key growth markets like Japan – and provide investors with access to high-quality carbon credits that also support biodiversity, water resources, and rural jobs,” said Bettina von Hagen, CEO of EFM.
EFM currently manages more than 200,000 acres of forestland and has established a proven track record of delivering climate, community, and biodiversity outcomes. Its climate-smart approach integrates revenue from carbon credits, conservation easements, and sustainable timber, while also supporting salmon habitat restoration, tribal cultural uses, recreational access, and non-timber forest product harvesting.
“EFM’s mission is to create financial value from investments in forests alongside positive environmental and social impact,” von Hagen added.
The fund will leverage EFM’s expertise in Improved Forest Management (IFM), implementing the latest methodologies that generate high-integrity, co-benefit-rich carbon credits recognized across the voluntary carbon market.
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Sojitz’s involvement aligns with its broader decarbonization strategy, including the 2024 launch of its Energy Transformation Division, focused on expanding renewable energy and offset solutions.
“We are excited to work with EFM, whose deep industry knowledge and impact-driven approach align closely with our vision for a sustainable, low-carbon future,” said Koji Aonuma, General Manager of the Energy Transformation Department at Sojitz. “By combining EFM’s extensive knowledge and experience with Sojitz’s domestic and international business networks… we aim to form a large-scale fund and create value in collaboration with a diverse range of investors, primarily Japanese companies.”
EFM and Sojitz plan to engage a global investor base, particularly in Japan and other international markets, to unlock capital flows into natural climate solutions, accelerate innovation in sustainable forestry, and contribute meaningfully to global carbon reduction and biodiversity goals.
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