What is EM-1?
Effective Microorganisms® - An Earth Saving Revolution
EM® is an acronym for Effective Microorganisms®. EM® is a brand name referring to a family of microbial-based products using a technology developed by Japanese scientist Dr. Teruo Higa.
The main product, EM-1®, is a liquid bacterial product comprising three groups of microbes: Yeast, Photosynthetic Bacteria, and Lactic Acid Bacteria. EM-1® works together with local and native beneficial microbes, creating a synergy among microorganisms and larger forms of life including insects and worms, pets and livestock, and people.
All products using EM Technology®contain EM·1® in some part of their manufacturing process: EM-1®, PRO EM-1®, Dr. Don's®, EM®Ceramics, Bokashi and Bokashi Food Recycling with Bokashi, EM-X Gold®, etc.
The product name has included several variations over the years including “EM®”, “EM-1®”, and “Kyusei EM™”, and it has been referred to as “EM1” or “EM4” in some research papers. The core product is now called EM-1®.
All the formulations and intellectual property are owned and managed by EM Research Organization in Okinawa, Japan (EMRO). There are EMRO offices around the world that use variations of the name, including EMRO USA, EMRO Europe, EMRO Costa Rica, EMRO South Africa, EMRO Kenya, and so on.
Under the guidance of EM Research Organization (EMRO), the use of EM-1® Microbial Inoculant has quickly spread to over 120 countries since its introduction in 1982.
The main products under the Effective Microorganisms® brand include:
- EM-1® Microbial Products (Microbial Inoculant and Waste Treatment Concentrates)
- EM® Ceramics - EM® Ceramics
- Pro EM·1® Probiotic (manufactured only in the USA)
- EM-X® Gold Health Drink
- There are several other licensed products that are allowed to use the EM Logo that are authentic EM® products.