PORTLAND, Ore. — EFM, a forest investment and management firm, has announced a new joint venture with Sojitz Corporation (Sojitz), through its 100% subsidiary Sojitz Corporation of America, which will establish a forestry investment fund to generate high-integrity carbon credits and promote climate-smart forest stewardship across the United States. The new entity, EFM Sojitz Management, LLC (ESM), will manage the fund and aims to raise approximately $200 million, with initial participation expected from Sojitz, Fuyo General Lease Co., Ltd. and other global investors.

Building on EFM’s proven expertise in managing more than 200,000 acres of forestland and delivering measurable climate, community, and biodiversity outcomes, this collaboration represents a significant step forward in scaling nature-based solutions to address climate change. The fund will focus on acquiring and managing forestland in climate resilient forested regions of the United States, generating returns for investors through sustainable timber production and the development of forest-based carbon credits.

“EFM’s mission is to create financial value from investments in forests alongside positive environmental and social impact,” said Bettina von Hagen, CEO of EFM. “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.”

EFM’s climate-smart approach diversifies the revenue streams from forests to include carbon credits and conservation easements alongside revenue from traditional forest products. This model supports forest management practices that restore timber stocks, increase the production of high-value wood products, generate enduring climate, community, and ecological benefits—such as salmon habitat restoration, recreational access, non-timber forest products, tribal cultural use, and improved carbon sequestration.

EFM will engage a diverse group of investors, particularly from Japan and other international markets, in collaboration with Sojitz. Through this effort, the partners aim to unlock new capital flows into climate-smart forestry, drive innovation in natural climate solutions, and contribute meaningfully to global sustainability objectives.

To learn more, visit efmi.com.