Privacy Policy

Introduction and Scope

HarvestGrid operates a web platform designed for home and allotment gardeners in Japan. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your personal information when you use our services, including our website, mobile applications, soil testing services, marketplace, and subscription offerings.

By accessing or using HarvestGrid, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with our practices, please do not use our services.

Information We Collect

We collect several types of information to provide and improve our services:

Account Information: When you create an account, we collect your name, email address, phone number, postal address, and payment information. This information is necessary to provide our services and communicate with you.

Garden and Soil Data: Information about your garden beds, crop selections, soil test results, harvest logs, and feeding schedules. This data helps us provide personalized recommendations and planning tools.

Usage Information: We automatically collect information about how you interact with our platform, including pages visited, features used, search queries, and time spent on different sections.

Device Information: Technical information about the devices you use to access HarvestGrid, including IP address, browser type, operating system, and device identifiers.

How We Use Your Information

We use collected information for the following purposes:

Service Delivery: To provide harvest planning, soil testing analysis, fertilizer recommendations, marketplace transactions, and subscription services. Your garden data is used to generate personalized feeding schedules and harvest forecasts.

Communication: To send you service updates, order confirmations, soil test results, subscription renewal notices, and respond to your inquiries. We may also send you optional newsletters and promotional materials if you have opted in.

Improvement and Analytics: To understand how users interact with our platform, identify technical issues, and improve our features, recommendations, and user experience.

Marketplace Operations: To facilitate transactions between gardeners, process payments, manage retailer partnerships, and handle surplus produce exchanges.

Data Sharing and Disclosure

We share your information only in the following circumstances:

Service Providers: We work with third-party companies that help us operate our business, including payment processors, soil testing laboratories, shipping carriers, email service providers, and cloud hosting services. These providers are contractually obligated to protect your information and use it only for the services they provide to us.

Retailer Partners: When you purchase products through our marketplace, we share necessary information with the relevant retailer to fulfill your order. This may include your name, shipping address, and order details.

Community Features: If you participate in our surplus exchange marketplace or community garden tools, certain information such as your general location and available produce may be visible to other users. You control what information is shared through your privacy settings.

Legal Requirements: We may disclose your information if required by law, court order, or governmental regulation, or if we believe disclosure is necessary to protect our rights, your safety, or the safety of others.

Data Retention and Storage

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to provide our services and fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy. Account information is retained while your account is active and for a reasonable period thereafter. Garden and soil data is retained to provide historical analysis and planning continuity.

We store your information on secure servers located in Japan and other jurisdictions where our service providers operate. We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your data against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction.

Your Rights and Choices

You have the following rights regarding your personal information:

Access and Correction: You can access and update your account information at any time through your account settings. You may also request a copy of all personal information we hold about you.

Data Portability: You can request a copy of your garden data, soil test results, and harvest logs in a structured, machine-readable format.

Deletion: You can request deletion of your account and associated data at any time. Some information may be retained for legal or legitimate business purposes, such as transaction records and soil test results for quality control.

Marketing Preferences: You can opt out of promotional emails by clicking the unsubscribe link in any marketing message or adjusting your communication preferences in your account settings.

Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies, web beacons, and similar technologies to enhance your experience, analyze usage patterns, and deliver personalized content. Essential cookies are necessary for the platform to function properly. Analytics cookies help us understand how users interact with our services. You can control cookie preferences through your browser settings, though disabling certain cookies may limit functionality.

For more information about our use of cookies, please review our Cookie Policy.

Children's Privacy

Our services are not directed to individuals under the age of 16. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe we have collected information from a child, please contact us immediately, and we will take steps to delete such information.

Data Security Measures

We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your information, including encryption of data in transit and at rest, regular security audits, access controls, and employee training. However, no method of transmission or storage is completely secure. While we strive to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

International Data Transfers

While we primarily operate in Japan, some of our service providers may be located in other countries. When we transfer your information internationally, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your data in accordance with applicable laws.

Third-Party Services and Links

Our platform may contain links to third-party websites, services, or retailers. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party services you access through our platform.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices, legal requirements, or service offerings. We will notify you of material changes by email or through a prominent notice on our platform. Your continued use of HarvestGrid after such changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

California Privacy Rights

If you are a California resident, you may have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), including the right to know what personal information we collect, the right to request deletion, and the right to opt out of the sale of personal information. We do not sell personal information to third parties.

European Data Protection Rights

If you are located in the European Economic Area, you have rights under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), including the right to access, rectification, erasure, restriction of processing, data portability, and the right to object to processing. You also have the right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority.

Contact Information for Privacy Inquiries

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:

Email: privacy@arvethorn.com
Phone: +81 3-3753-4150
Postal Address: 2 Chome-6-15 Nishikamata, Ota City, Tokyo 144-0051, Japan

We will respond to your inquiry within a reasonable timeframe as required by applicable law.