[Bangkok, Thailand] – East-West Seed is proud to announce its inclusion in Fortune magazine’s 2024 Change the World list, highlighting global companies that are ‘doing well by doing good.’ First listed in 2020, this marks the second time East-West Seed has made it into the ranking in five years. East-West Seed is honored to be recognised for its positive impact on the livelihoods of vegetable farmers living in tropical regions. 

“Being named on Fortune’s Change the World 2024 list is a great honor that reinforces our mission as a company to continue providing quality seeds and transferring knowledge to farmers through our Foundation, serving the lives of those who are the backbone of our food systems.”  – JC Filippi, CEO of East-West Seed.

Since the company was established 1982, driven by its mission to enhance farmers’ livelihoods, East-West Seed has established a business model focused on the needs of farmers; developing and offering high quality tropical vegetable seeds, whilst training farmers on sustainable and profitable farming techniques for better income, and helping them recognize the benefits of improved seed varieties. As such, East-West Seed has consistently ranked in the top #3 of the Access to Seeds Index in Asia and Africa. In 2019, Simon Groot, founder of East-West Seed, was honored with the World Food Prize.

Watch our corporate video:

 

Who We Are
East-West Seed, a Dutch family-owned company based in the Netherlands and its headquarters inThailand, specializes in breeding, producing, and distributing top-quality tropical vegetable seeds. Its mission is to provide locally adapted seeds and innovative farming practices to help farmers improve crops, yields, and income. With over 2,800 employees, 22 R&D centers in 9 countries, exports to 80+ countries, and knowledge programs in 11 countries, the company has supported millions of farmers globally.

Our Impact
In 2015, East-West Seed Knowledge Transfer Foundation (EWS-KT) was established  to improve the production and business skills of smallholder farmers, with the aim of enhancing their livelihoods. Today, the Foundation reaches over 150,000 farmers annually in Africa and Asia and is on track to train more than 1 million farmers by 2025, with 50% of farmers being women and 40% youth. To date, a total of 840,000 farmers have benefited from Knowledge Transfer’s training programs. 

In addition, the GrowHow digital platform, developed by EWS-KT, is part of an ongoing strategy to provide accessible learning resources for farmers, trainers, and agro-input dealers. This digital engagement aligns with the Foundation’s broader mission to utilize technology for effective farmer training, having reached over 41,000 people through GrowHow, more than 3 million via local radio programs, and more than 21 million through informative Facebook posts in the last year alone.

Through EWS-KT Foundation, East-West Seed company is more committed than ever to reaching more farmers globally and giving them access to good quality seeds of improved vegetable varieties, hand-in-hand with capacity training that can increase their productivity and income while improving the availability of nutritious food for a growing population.

About the Change the World List
The Change the World list recognizes companies that have had a positive social impact through activities integral to their core business strategy. Selection criteria include:

Measurable social impact: Assessing the reach, nature, and durability of the company’s impact on specific societal problems.

Business results: Evaluating the benefits the socially impactful work brings to the company, including profitability and shareholder value.

Degree of innovation: Considering how innovative the company’s efforts are relative to others in the industry and whether it has influenced peers.

About Fortune
Fortune upholds a legacy of award-winning writing and trusted reporting for executives aiming to make business better. With a global perspective and digital agility, Fortune tells the stories of a new generation of innovators and risk-takers. Through rigorous benchmarks like the Fortune 500 and initiatives such as the CEO Initiative and Most Powerful Women, Fortune holds companies accountable and creates communities by convening thought leaders who shape industry, commerce, and society. For more information, visit www.fortune.com.

Media contact:

Maya Muller,

Corporate Communications Manager, maya.muller@eastwestseed.com +31 612037881

 

 

[Nonthaburi, May 8, 2024] – East-West Seed, a leading vegetable seed company, is pleased to announce the appointment of Thibaut P. Terlon as its new Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Thibaut brings over 20 years of international experience in finance and controlling, with a specialized background in the Asian market.

With a proven track record of leadership in various functions and industries, Thibaut’s expertise extends to navigating fast-growing markets, implementing processes and methodologies, and fostering successful collaborations in partnerships and joint ventures. His appointment underlines East-West Seed’s commitment to enhancing its financial capabilities and solidifying its position as a global leader in the seed industry.

“Thibaut’s experience and strategic mindset make him a valuable addition to our Managing Board,” said JC Filippi, CEO of East-West Seed. “His professional expertise will be instrumental in driving our financial strategies forward, continue growing our business in the seed market to serve more smallholder farmers”.

Before joining East-West Seed, Thibaut held several key leadership roles in multinational corporations, where his impactful contributions played a pivotal role in driving transformation and business success.

“I am thrilled to join East-West Seed and contribute to the company’s mission of improving the lives of farmers through high-quality seeds,” said Thibaut P. Terlon. “I look forward to collaborating with the passionate team at East-West Seed to drive financial excellence and support the company’s ambitious growth plans.”

Thibaut holds a Master’s degree in Corporate Finance, Management control, and accounting from Ecole Supérieure de Commerce de Nice and is fluent in French and English. His appointment as CFO is effective immediately. With him joining the company the East-West Seed Managing Board is complete. He will be based at East-West Seed’s headquarters in Nonthaburi, Thailand.

For media inquiries or further information, please contact:
Sariyaporn Srisuksawad, Pook
Group Manager, Corporate Communications
[Mobile: 099 749 6624]
[sariyaporn.srisuksawad@eastwestseed.com]

Elaine has over two decades of global experience as CFO in executive C-Suite and independent non-executive board roles. She has driven transformative change in organizations ranging from Multinational corporations to Start-ups and family businesses. Notable brands include Dole, Temasek, VF (The North Face, Timberland, Vans, Lee, Wrangler, etc.), Zuellig Pharma, and the UN World Food Programme.

Ard Groot, Chairman: ‘We are very happy that Elaine has joined our Supervisory Board. While her financial skills and experience will be highly valuable to East-West Seed, her career is distinguished by a blend of strategic vision, operational expertise, and a commitment to sustainability. Elaine is deeply committed to mentoring and developing future leaders.’
 
Elaine is based in Singapore. In addition to her role with East-West Seed, Elaine also serves as an independent non-executive director at Novotech Health, XCL Education, International Baccalaureate, and WWF International. Elaine is inspired by East-West Seed’s purpose to serve smallholder farmers, and is very much looking forward to contributing to the company’s mission as a board member. 

On July 17th, 2024, East-West Seed, Kenya celebrated a significant milestone with the launch of Tomato Harmony F1 variety in Kirinyaga County, Kenya. This event marked a pivotal moment in Kenya’s agricultural sector, underscoring East-West Seed’s commitment to enhancing crop production and supporting local farmers.

The launch attracted a diverse group of participants, including local farmers, agricultural experts, and government officials, all eager to learn about the benefits of Tomato Harmony F1. The event featured a great Q&A session, highlighting Harmony F1 key attributes and benefits. Attendees were shown how the variety’s robust disease resistance can significantly reduce crop losses and improve overall productivity. Its superior fruit firmness and longer shelf life were also emphasized as key factors that could enhance marketability and reduce post-harvest waste.

Live demonstrations and field visits provided a practical perspective of Tomato Harmony F1’s performance. Farmers had the opportunity to see the variety in action and evaluate its potential benefits in real-world conditions. The interactive nature of the session allowed for direct feedback and discussion, fostering a greater understanding of how Harmony F1 can be integrated into existing farming practices.

Feedback from local farmers was overwhelmingly positive. Many expressed hope that Tomato Harmony F1 would address long-standing issues and lead to improved yields and profitability. The event served as a platform for farmers to share their experiences and discuss the potential impact of the new variety on their operations.

In conclusion, the launch of Tomato Harmony F1 in Kirinyaga county represented a major advancement in the
region’s agricultural sector. East-West Seed’s innovative hybrid variety is poised to make a substantial impact on tomato farming by enhancing productivity, reducing losses and supporting local farmers. As the local farmers embraced Harmony F1, the future of tomato cultivation in Kenya currently looks brighter and more promising.

 

Team Kenya launch of Tomato Harmony F1

 

Chief guest giving opening remarks of the event

 

Q & A session with our farmers

 

Farmers engaging with East-West Seed team as they get to see Harmony F1’s performance

 

Farmers engaging with East-West Seed Sales Promoter

 

Country Manager Dianah Orindah with different key stakeholders unveiling variety Harmony F1

 

 

 

During the event, the East-West Seed brand was officially launched in Brazil. The seed company, traditional in the world market, intends to develop tropical genetics, adding more quality and profitability to horticulturists.

East West Seed, a company with 42 years of experience in the Asian market and 250-year-old Dutch roots, marked its debut at this year’s Hortitec.

Francisco Sallit, director of East-West Seed in Brazil, highlighted the company’s mission to bring value to the vegetable sector through advanced tropical genetics and services that add value to smallholder farmers.

“We are excited to officially launch the East-West Seed brand in Brazil, during the twenty-ninth edition of Hortitec. This is a milestone for us as it allows us to build relationships with our customers, showcase our company, team, and commitment to the entire vegetable value chain,” said Sallit.

 

Expansion and integration in the Brazilian market

East West Seed expanded its operations to Brazil in 2022, acquiring the company Hortec, with more than 30 years in the vegetable sector, supporting its integration into the local market and rescuing rich germplasm developed over these three decades in strategic crops and segments. “I have the responsibility, the challenge, and the opportunity to lead this integration, through a team and regional distributors dedicated to serving the market, through tropical genetics and services that add value to farmers, and special care for smallholders vegetable farmers ”, explained Sallit.

With a presence in several countries in Asia and Africa, in addition to recent expansions into Mexico, Guatemala, and Latin America, East-West Seed aims to become a global leader in the tropical agricultural sector. “Our goal is to become a global leader in the tropical agricultural sector. Worldwide, we operate in 80 crops and around 700 varieties, based on a genetic improvement program, giving us an important competitive advantage in this tropical and semitropical belt. We have a noble mission of reaching the milestone of serving 50 million farmers by the year 2030, predominantly small vegetable producers,” said Sallit.

 

Focus on quality and productivity genetics

In Brazil, East-West Seed is focused on strategic crops: tomatoes, onions, papaya, peppers, zucchini, cauliflower, lettuce, cucumber, and pumpkin, and the main segments of these crops. The company develops a genetic improvement program, at its experimental station in Bragança Paulista-SP, connected with 18 other research stations globally that ensures resistance, rusticity, yield, and sensorial quality, serving producers independent of their investment levels and adopted technology.

“Our genetics are dedicated to optimizing varieties that respond to different levels of investment, guaranteeing rusticity, important resistance and high levels of yield. This allows farmers to produce in adverse conditions, achieving high productivity and perceived quality”, explained Sallit.

The objective is to provide products that serve the Brazilian market, offering high yield and financial returns for growers.

 

Sustainability and long-term impact

East-West Seed recognizes Brazil’s potential due to its diversity of crops and advanced agricultural technology. “Brazil offers great potential for the company to expand its capabilities in genetics and meet the needs of the agricultural sector, especially small farmers,” highlighted Sallit.

Participation in Hortitec was fundamental for East-West Seed, providing a platform to establish connections and stand out in the vegetable sector, presenting our brand, our portfolio, and our team,” said Sallit.

 

Commitment to farmers

East-West Seed’s mission is to serve and bring value to the sector, creating lasting relationships with partners and farmers. “We want to build loyalty and lasting relationships to implement winning strategies together. It is essential that we are present, working and generating value in all links in the chain, establishing links and presence in the market, alongside farmers,” emphasizes Sallit.

 

Commitment to the customer

The company is committed to understanding the needs of farmers, offering a value proposition that meets their demands, neutralizing their problems, and adding value to their activity. We are committed to the prosperity of vegetable producers who seek quality seeds and reliable service, regardless of their crop, their region or the size of their plantation.

East West Seed seeks to consolidate its presence in the Brazilian market, maintaining the values that have always guided its activities since the beginning . “We are guided by 4 core values that ensure our commitment to customers: 1- Purpose: (We put growers at the heart of everything we do), 2- Pioneering (We achieve our goal through innovation.), 3- Nurturing (We care each other, our communities and the environment.) and 4 – Trustworthy (We are a reliable partner for all our business partners.)

The debut of East-West Seed at Hortitec marks a new chapter in the company’s trajectory, reaffirming its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and excellence in the vegetable sector. With the mission of becoming a global reference, the company is positioned to contribute significantly to tropical and semitropical agriculture in Brazil and beyond.

 

Once a year, the global seed sector comes together to network, share, connect and exchange ideas.

 

Taking place in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, this year’s World Seed Congress celebrated its centennial, reconvening 1,800 seed-sector professionals from 76 countries. Hosted by the International Seed Federation (ISF) and Dutch seed association Plantum, this year’s congress themed ‘Navigating Into The Next Century’ invited all delegates to consider discussions including on innovation and sustainability and above all, the important role of vegetable breeding in the century ahead.

 

From a sustainability standpoint, the role of the seed sector in the COP28 Emirates Declaration on Sustainable Agriculture, Resilient Food Systems, and Climate Action was discussed and can be viewed here. A special Youth delegation was also present during the Congress, playing an active role during the three days, including in the opening ceremony.

 

East-West Seed participated in four panel discussions and presented the East-West Seed mission and vision to 22 international and Dutch journalists during a press tour titled ‘The Power of Seeds in Food Security,‘ which East-West Seed co-organised. The tour offered an exclusive look behind the scene. Participants explored Syngenta’s high-tech tomato greenhouses, Rijk Zwaan’s innovative lettuce greenhouses, and learned about East-West Seed and Knowledge Transfer Foundation’s dedication to quality seeds and sustainable agricultural practices. Presentations by Maaike Groot and Knowledge Transfer Director Stuart Morris showcased profitable and sustainable farm practices by providing long-term technical support directly in farming communities, EWS-KT’s work acts as a precursor to commercial activities in less developed or emerging markets.

 

In addition, while the Congress focussed on the next Century ahead, the opportunity was also taken to look back. A huge congratulations to Mary Ann Sayoc, Head of Partnerships & Alliances, who was bestowed honorary lifetime membership of the International Seed Federation for all her efforts in helping the seed sector move forward. Mary Ann, who has been working at East-West Seed for more than 23 years, is the first woman ever to receive this honor in the global seed sector. 

 

Significantly, in her role as President of the Seeds Innovation and Protection Initiative (SIPI), Mary Ann Sayoc also took part in the signing of an historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to fight illegal seed practices. During a media interview she added: “We are clear that together we can work harder and better, and reach more people with our messages, which support the fight against illegal seed practices and ensure that the work we do every day is valued. We cannot forget that the seed is the first link in the value chain.” 

 

Following the signing of this important MoU, Mary Ann Sayoc, together with JC Filippi, Ard Groot and Maaike Groot, had the honour of meeting His Majesty King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands, where they had the opportunity to talk about the mission and vision of East-West Seed. During this introduction meeting, Mary Ann Sayoc talked about the importance of developing quality seeds tailored for tropical climates, and our responsibility in working closely in collaboration with farmers in Asia, Africa and Latin America as a trusted friend.

 

Earlier that morning, His Majesty had underlined the importance of the global seed sector in ensuring food security in his speech: “Your sector is – as it were – sowing the seeds for a sustainable future.”

 

Furthermore, during a media interview, Dr. May Chodchoey, Group Head of Public Affairs at East-West Seed spoke about the importance of certified vegetable seeds in ensuring high germination rates, purity, and reliability, which are essential for both local consumption and export markets. 

 

May Chodchoey also participated in a panel discussion on Channel World Seed titled “Sowing Social Responsibility: The Seed Sector’s Impact on Rural Communities.” During the panel, she emphasized the need for alliances and cooperation among seed companies to combat child labor, advocating for better and more affordable education as a key solution.

 

To add, Douwe Zijp, former CEO and current Supervisory Board member of East-West Seed, shared his personal insights and the inspiring story of our company’s founder and World Food Prize winner Simon Groot with the Future Generation group.

 

Last but not least, Maaike Groot, Global Head of Communications and Public Affairs at East-West Seed, Supervisory Member, and daughter of East-West Seed Founder Simon Groot, discussed the critical role of women in agriculture during an interview with Krishi Jagran, a renowned India-based media outlet. Maaike Groot emphasized East-West Seed’s dedication to promoting gender equality and empowering women in agricultural roles, which is crucial for strengthening agro-food systems, especially in regions where women play a key role in food production. 

 

This was further highlighted during the women’s luncheon, where Public Relations Specialist Maya Muller participated in a panel discussion on the importance of diversity in the seed sector.

 

Looking ahead, and as highlighted by our active participation in the Congress, we continue to be committed to supporting millions of farmers through innovation, quality assurance, and sustainable practices.

 

For more information on our work and to receive updates, please visit our website https://www.eastwestseed.com and that of Knowledge Transfer Foundation: www.ews-kt.com

In a recent panel discussion held on March 19 in Hanoi, Mr. Henk Hermans, the Region Head, Asia of East-West Seed, mentioned Vietnam’s agricultural potential and the role of Dutch solutions in addressing its evolving needs. The session was expertly moderated by Nguyen Anh Phong, Deputy Director General of the Institute of Policy and Strategy for Agriculture and Rural Development of Vietnam.

 

 

Talking about the potential for development of Vietnam’s fruit and vegetable industry, Mr. Henk expressed that with Vietnam witnessing rapid growth, particularly in food production, he emphasized the country’s favorable land and strategic position for fruit and vegetable cultivation. Beyond catering to domestic demand, Vietnam serves as a significant supplier to neighboring countries. This growth presents abundant opportunities, especially for seed companies, to introduce new and innovative products tailored to Vietnam’s agricultural landscape.

 

Henk Hermans at the panel discussion on Agro Outlook Vietnam and Dutch Solutions on 19th Mar 2024 in Hanoi

 

Reflecting on East-West Seed’s global presence, Mr. Hermans highlighted the company’s commitment to providing innovative seeds and services that enhance the livelihoods of tropical vegetable farmers and promote sustainable farming and business practices. By reaching nearly 25 million farmers worldwide, East-West Seed contributes significantly to global food security efforts. Through its extensive variety offerings, East-West Seed plays a vital role in diversifying agricultural production, ensuring a stable and abundant food supply. By providing a wide range of affordable seed varieties adapted to local conditions, EWS helps make nutritious fruits and vegetables accessible to a broader population, thereby promoting food security and sustainable development in Vietnam.

 

 

Besides the promising prospects, Mr. Hermans acknowledged the challenges encountered by East-West Seed in Vietnam, particularly in forming partnerships and navigating intellectual property (IP) concerns in terms of investment opportunities in the Vietnamese crop seed industry in the coming future. While the company has yet to initiate breeding programs in Vietnam, it remains actively engaged in production and distribution across key countries in Asia. IP protection is crucial, given the competitive nature of the seed industry and the need to safeguard proprietary technologies.

 

From the left: Mr. Kang Chengrui, GM of EWS Vietnam, Christianne van der Wal, Minister at the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality, Henk Hermans, Regional Head, Asia at EWS 

 

As Vietnam’s agricultural sector continues to evolve, East-West Seed remains committed to exploring investment opportunities while navigating the complexities of the market. With a focus on promoting food security and sustainable development, the company aims to contribute meaningfully to Vietnam’s agricultural growth story, ensuring stable food resources for all amidst the challenges of climate change.

Aligned with EWS’s dedication to fostering sustainable development in Vietnam’s vegetable seed market, the company actively participates in the ‘Empower Youth4Food’ campaign organized by Nuffic, spotlighting dynamic industry engagement. At the recent conference themed “Towards a Sustainable Food System,” Mr. Kang Chengrui, representing East-West Seed Vietnam, articulated how EWS can empower young talents in agriculture through this campaign.

 

 

“We want to inspire young people to start to build careers in the sustainable food production industry. So what EWS can support for this goal is to share our latest business initiatives and involve the youth in discussions around our innovations and initiatives in Vietnam by offering internships and arranging company/field visits as well as hosting guest lectures & workshops in the company. We expect that youth and young professionals can get a deeper understanding in agribusiness; particularly the seed business, and become passionate about this field. And in the future we also hope to create more job opportunities for all these talented individuals,” Mr. Kang shared during the conference.

 

 

In line with this commitment, EWS actively offers career pathways for young individuals. The workforce at EWS Vietnam comprises basically individuals in their 20s and 30s, many of whom are graduates from prestigious Agriculture Universities in Ha Noi, Ho Chi Minh City, and the Mekong Delta. Additionally, the company organizes various programs for undergraduate students, such as field visits, internships, career talks, and job fairs for VNUA, Can Tho University, Nong Lam HCM University, and Tien Giang Agriculture College. Furthermore, EWS extends its support by providing scholarships to children of farmers in rural areas across Vietnam. Through these initiatives, EWS actively nurtures the next generation of agricultural leaders, fostering sustainable development and prosperity in the Vietnamese agricultural sector.

 

In celebration of International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we spotlight three exceptional members from our Research and Development team. They share insights into the landscape of women in science leadership and the strategies implemented to support their advancement. These accomplished women not only inspire but also offer valuable advice, emphasizing the value of perseverance, self-advocacy, and continuous learning. Despite enduring challenges, their stories underscore the important role that diversity and inclusion play in propelling sustainability initiatives forward. 

 

At East-West Seed, we are deeply committed to fostering inclusivity and women empowerment. Through initiatives such as mentorship programs and flexible work arrangements, we strive to provide avenues for women to excel. 

 

Join us in celebrating the remarkable contributions of women in science and advocating for a more inclusive future.

 

Can you share some insights into the current landscape of women in leadership roles within the field of science and research, especially in the context of sustainability?

 

Fuelled by enormous patience, creativity and passion, more women are emerging in leadership roles and are becoming more courageous in dealing with the intricacies of the realm of Science and Research.

 

What initiatives or strategies has EWS implemented to encourage and support the advancement of women in science leadership roles, particularly in the R&D sector?

 

Having our very own  Chief of the R&D Officer – Katalin Pakozdi speaks volumes about how EWS recognizes and empowers women. More women are also being considered to fill critical roles such as section/department heads especially in R&D.

 

What can be your suggestion to our female peers for them to break the glass ceiling in the science field?

 

Embrace courage in seeking growth and nurture curiosity, for these virtues are vital contributors to achieving greater scientific accomplishments.

 

 

 

 

SAOWALAK RUANGNAM

Pre-breeder

 

Can you share some insights into the current landscape of women in leadership roles within the field of science and research, especially in the context of sustainability?

 

The representation of women in leadership roles within the field of science and research varies globally, with some countries making more progress than others. Cultural and institutional factors play a significant role in these variations.

 

While progress is being made, there is still work to be done to achieve true gender equity in leadership positions across all scientific disciplines, including those focused on sustainability.

 

What initiatives or strategies has EWS implemented to encourage and support the advancement of women in science leadership roles, particularly in the R&D sector?

 

Having successful women leadership in R&D serves as inspiration for the next generation of professionals. Their achievements can lead to breaking down gender stereotypes and encouraging more women to pursue leadership roles.

 

 

What can be your suggestion to our female peers for them to break the glass ceiling in the science field?

 

We ladies must stay confident and aim to continuously develop our abilities and contributions.

 

 

 

 

GEANE FONTES

Regional Plant Pathology Manager – LatAm

 

Can you share some insights into the current landscape of women in leadership roles within the field of science and research, especially in the context of sustainability?

 

For a more equal and fair society, women need the opportunity to be protagonists in science. In Brazil, women make up 43.7% of researchers. However, few women are still seen in leadership positions, whether in research or outside of it.

 

In recent years, women have contributed to the development of sustainable technologies, with a focus on reducing the use of pesticides, conserving natural resources and promoting agro-biodiversity. Women’s work has been fundamental in the search for innovative solutions that combine increased productivity with environmental preservation.

 

Furthermore, women have stood out in crop research with a focus on climate change, seeking varieties resistant to pests, diseases and water stress. Their knowledge and dedication have been fundamental to ensuring food security in a context of increasingly complex climate challenges.

 

One of the greatest challenges in our society is overcoming gender inequalities. Therefore, education aimed at promoting gender equality will make it possible to encourage greater participation of girls in science, valuing their potential, skills and competencies to their fullest.”

 

What initiatives or strategies has EWS implemented to encourage and support the advancement of women in science leadership roles, particularly in the R&D sector?

 

At EWS, women have stood out for their skills in various areas, confident in increasing productivity, implementing practices and adopting innovative technologies and more humanized management models. Women in leadership positions in EWS have been agents of change, promoting female empowerment, gender equality and social inclusion in the areas of science. With their determination and creativity, women have overcome challenges and stereotypes, conquering space in the agricultural sector. They train themselves, expand networking to strengthen businesses and opportunities.

 

What can be your suggestion to our female peers for them to break the glass ceiling in the science field?

 

Be confident about your goals and dreams, tirelessly seek knowledge as a tool for your own growth and advancement of societies. Be courageous to eliminate barriers and prejudices that prevent women from entering science or occupying leadership positions.

United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 2 from an East-West Seed perspective

 

With only six years left and approximately 735 million people dealing with hunger daily, how achievable is the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 2 (UN SDG) which seeks to “End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture“?

 

According to the UN, “more than 600 million people worldwide will be facing hunger in 2030”, emphasizing the significant difficulty in reaching the goal of eradicating hunger. In a radio interview on Dutch business radio channel BNR Nieuwsradio, Rutger Groot shared his views on the matter and the role that private companies can play in this global fight against hunger.

 

 

The ambitious nature of UN SDG Goal 2

 

 “Unfortunately it has proven to be way too optimistic,” Rutger Groot remarked, when asked about the possibility of achieving SDG 2 by 2030. However, Rutger was quick to emphasize that this does not take away from the responsibility that companies like East-West Seed have to strive towards eradicating hunger completely. The journey towards a hunger-free world is complex and demands concerted efforts.

 

Collective efforts

 

Rutger highlighted the critical need for collective action, stating: “And we cannot do this alone. We need as many companies and organizations as possible to work together to make sure that we achieve this.” The problem of global hunger is pervasive, touching every corner of the globe, including in the 74+ markets that East-West Seed serves. This is also why in 2022, East-West Seed pledged $18 million as part of the Zero Hunger Pledge. The UN Pledge emerged as a result of the Food Systems Summit in 2021 as a plea to governments, NGOs and companies to achieve Zero Hunger by 2030. But, as Rutger pointed out, it requires more than just the efforts of a few; it necessitates a global movement, with businesses, governments, and civil society increasingly rallying in partnerships behind the cause.

 

East-West Seed: the business model

 

For East-West Seed, the mission to combat hunger is woven in the fabric of the business model. “For us, we have placed this mission at the heart of our business model,” Rutger explained. Having a purpose-driven approach and placing a global challenge into the core business strategy ensures that creating profit is merely a tool to foster sustainable agricultural practices, improving crop yields, and making nutritious food more accessible to all, thus making a tangible difference in the world. East-West Seed founder Simon Groot spoke further about this in a recent interview with the Dutch Financieel Dagblad.

 

Ultimately, Rutger’s message is clear: the fight against global hunger is one that requires the support and collaboration of everyone. While the goal to end all hunger may seem overly ambitious, it is the collective responsibility of the global community to strive towards this objective. East-West Seed is aware that a lot still needs to happen. But that with commitment, innovation, and collaboration, it is possible to make significant strides towards achieving food security for all.

 

By placing the mission to end hunger at the core of business models, companies can play a pivotal role in achieving UN SDG 2.

 

East-West Seed is proud to have been mentioned by Dutch Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation Geoffrey van Leeuwen, as an example of a company that is working hard to support the SDGs, during the Budget Debate on Development Cooperation in Dutch parliament.