As we embark on a new year, we reflect on our sustainability journey and the remarkable strides we’ve made in 2023. At East-West Seed, we are committed to making tangible and impactful progress through actionable steps, no matter how small. 

Sustainable Farming Practices

We have implemented 100% crop rotation in our farms in the Philippines and India, covering 300 hectares with green manuring. By offering training and support and working alongside smallholder farmers in their fields, we help farmers improve crop yields and adopt sustainable farming and business practices.                        

Renewable Energy Adoption 

We have bolstered our renewable energy capacity by implementing solar panels across our seven processing plants to 2.1 MW. This initiative reduced our carbon footprint and resulted in yearly cost savings of US$170,000. 

Plastic Waste Management

With the aim to eliminate 100% of single-use plastic mulch in our own farms, we have made significant progress in plastic mulch management this year. In the Philippines, our onsite recycling initiatives have converted 50% of waste into valuable trellis. Our commitment extends to global initiatives, such as training farmers across our seed production countries on responsible disposal of plastic waste. So far, we have trained 5,000 farmers.  

Our group-wide #PlasticFreePioneerChallenge was a resounding success, where 1.6 MT of plastic was collected and handed over to recyclers, further contributing to the significant reduction of single-use plastic bottles across all EWS offices. 

Sustainable Packaging

We have transitioned around 20,000 seed packages to nature-themed brown packaging, achieving 100% implementation in India, the Philippines, and Vietnam. This initiative has had a positive impact overall in terms of recyclability.

ESG Award

In November 2023, East-West Seed earned the prestigious ESG Business Award for Adoption of Renewable Energy. We have been recognised for our successful transition to green energy with our rooftop solar installations in our seed processing facilities in India, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Tanzania, and our farm irrigation in Guatemala. 

As we look forward to 2024, we remain dedicated to pushing boundaries, innovating, adopting sustainable farming practices, and driving positive change for the people and the planet. 

Philippines, January 2024–Most recently, an initiative established by the Philippine and Dutch governments known as the National Seed Technology Park Project’s Knowledge Transfer Unit, organized a 3-day workshop to update and strengthen the technical capabilities of seed and plant quarantine inspectors through ‘Training of Trainers’ sessions. This was organised in collaboration with the Bureau of Plant Industry which falls under the Department of Agriculture, in collaboration with the non-profit Philippine Seed Industry Association, Dutch Inspection Service for Horticulture Naktuinbouw, and East-West Seed Philippines. The event took place January 9-12, 2024 at the facilities of East-West Seed Philippines in San Rafael, Bulacan.

Recognizing the vital role of quality plant propagating materials in agriculture, the course emphasized the importance of well-trained inspectors with a comprehensive understanding of the Seed Act, rules, and relevant notifications in their region or country. The training focused on technical aspects such as knowledge of agricultural and horticultural crop species and varieties, field familiarity, and field and seed standards.

The course also covered important principles and procedures in seed processing such as bagging, sampling, submission and handling of samples, sample preparation, sampling, division and submission of samples, knowledge of seed testing laboratory procedures and reporting of results of the laboratory analysis. 

Six inspectors from the Plant Quarantine Service Division, six inspectors from the National Seed Quality Control Service Division, and two seed quality inspectors from EWS-PH attended the training.

Facilitated by Peter van Enckevort and Leon van der Heijden from Naktuinbouw, supported by five BPI trainers and by Irene Sion, EWS-PH Head of Seed Operations, the training held lectures, session activities/exercises, and field practicum. In attendance during the closing program was Ruel Geismundo, Bureau Plant Initiative BPI Assistant Director for Regulations, and Dr. Mary Ann Sayoc, Philippine Seed Industry Association President and East-West Seed Group Head for Partnerships and Alliances, highlighting the significance of public-private partnerships and the collaboration between government and the private seed sector.

Dutch global company East-West Seed is structurally contributing to development aid in the tropics. The seed breeder invests millions in training smallholder farmers in horticulture.

By the end of next year, the company expects to have trained one million smallholder farmers in the tropics. Although East-West Seed is one of the largest seed suppliers in the world, it remains virtually unknown in the Netherlands. From their Dutch office in a terraced house in Enkhuizen, the 89-year-old founder Simon Groot and his son Rutger call upon companies, governments, and activist groups to collaborate for greater global food security.

“We are a commercial enterprise whose mission is to improve the lives of smallholder farmers,” says Rutger Groot. “Poverty is society’s greatest enemy,” Simon adds, sitting next to his son Rutger and quoting Jan Tinbergen, the Dutch winner of the first Nobel Prize in Economics.

A Livable Earth

“I am a true disciple of Tinbergen,” Simon continues. With a sparkle in his eyes, he says, “Tinbergen’s book is always here. I want the young people to read it.” As evidence, an employee promptly presents three copies of Tinbergen’s ‘A Livable Earth’: a well-thumbed, broken edition; a fresh reprint; and one for the photographer.

On the table in their small office lies a bunch of yardlong beans, a small prickly fruit, and two green, bubbled fruits about the length of a cucumber but twice as thick. “Those big ones are sopropos,” Simon says. “I’m still searching for an etymologist who can explain the origin of that Surinamese name.” “In English, they’re known as bitter gourd,” Rutger adds.

Number One in Papaya

Sopropos and yardlong beans illustrate why the renowned East-West Seed (EWS) is so obscure in the Netherlands. These are vegetables absent from almost all local supermarkets, except for ‘tokos’ (shops specializing in mainly Asian food products). “The sopropo is by far the most significant product in our vegetable seed range,” explains Groot senior. However, the sopropo does not thrive in the Dutch climate. EWS distributes sopropo seeds to smallholder farmers in tropical countries across Asia and Latin America.

The same applies to yardlong beans. “We are the largest supplier of hosiery seed in Indonesia – the world’s foremost hosiery producer,” Senior remarks. Junior mentions the papaya fruit: “In papaya seed sales, we are number one globally.” These are all tropical plants, also cultivated in greenhouses in the Netherlands.

Five Hundred Trainers

Operating in 75 countries, the company combines seed sales to smallholder farmers in the tropics with farmer extension training programs. In 10 major countries, including Bangladesh, the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, Nigeria, and recently Ghana, the company selects trainers who can, among other things, teach smallholder farmers the significant difference made by not scattering vegetable seeds loosely over the land but instead cultivating them with care.

Their foundation, the East-West Seed Knowledge Transfer Foundation, currently employs 280 such trainers. The program, which began in 2016 by retraining 12,000 smallholder farmers, now annually educates 150,000 farmers. “We are aiming for 500 trainers in five years,” states Rutger Groot, president of the foundation. By the end of next year, he expects to have trained 1 million smallholder farmers in using the company’s slightly more expensive but superior quality seeds.

Slavery or Agri-business

Why this focus on smallholder farmers? “There are 500 million smallholder farmers worldwide, producing 70% of Africa’s food, for example. Helping them grow food more efficiently yields so many direct returns,” Rutger explains. “If young people see that agriculture is not a kind of slavery but an agri-business from which they can earn, they will see a future for themselves,” he continues. “Then they won’t all feel compelled to flee desperately to Europe,” his father interjects.

The duo recounts a series of anecdotes about the impact they’ve observed from their blend of commercial and private development aid. For instance, the refugee camp in northern Uganda housing 150,000 South Sudanese people, where EWS trained refugees. “There are now thousands of vegetable gardens there. The people have better food, sell half their produce, and have regained their pride,” says Rutger.

Mango Leaf Seed Tray

Another instance: last year in northern Nigeria, a smallholder farmer initially refused to plant EWS’ more expensive seeds in separate pots, simply because he lacked them. Rutger recalls, “I pointed him towards the mango trees. You can fold a bag from the leaves, and if you stick a stick through it, you have seed trays.” The farmer was too busy for that. “Then the farmer’s wife said she would do it. She’s now running a commercially successful nursery for plants serving dozens of farmers in the area.”

In 2019, Simon Groot won the World Food Prize, a prestigious American award. Microsoft tycoon Bill Gates spoke highly of him at the ceremony. There have been media reports suggesting Gates is sponsoring EWS. “No, we haven’t received any direct funding from him,” Rutger clarifies. “But I’ve had confrontations with his staff,” his father adds. “They demanded that we be able to calculate in advance the economic growth our work would generate before they would sponsor us. I refused to do that. You can’t calculate that in advance.”

Tens of Billions of Euros

In hindsight, however, the impact often proves substantial. Simon notes, “A retired researcher from Wageningen is now calculating the added value of the improvements we’ve made in Indonesian horticulture. It turns out to amount to tens of billions of euros in extra gross domestic product.” Simon again quotes Tinbergen and his recipe against poverty: “Market growth is the only growth that matters.”

Impossible demands also arose from China, which demanded the genetic source material for improved vegetable varieties. “Then let’s not,” was Simon’s response. How does East-West Seed justify working in dictatorially ruled countries such as Myanmar? “We don’t work with governments, but with smallholder farmers,” Rutger clarifies. “A universal value is that people need food and a decent income. We believe that commerce and philanthropy can perfectly coexist.” Simon adds, “Private equity is primarily about money. We don’t think that’s the most noble motive in the world.”

Family Business

EWS contributes 1.75% of its sales to the East-West Seed Knowledge Transfer Foundation, aiming to make smallholder farmers in the tropics more productive. Last year, EWS’s turnover exceeded €180 million, resulting in a donation of over €3 million to the foundation. Since 1990, EWS has had a joint venture, Ewindo, in Indonesia with Enza Zaden, another large industry peer from Enkhuizen. Simon Groot admits he hesitated for a long time before investing in Indonesia due to the Dutch colonial past. He started EWS in 1982 after selling his stake in the family business Sluis & Groot, also a seed breeder and now part of Syngenta. He was almost 50 at the time.

Of the now 2,800 employees, only a few work in Enkhuizen, where the parent company is still based. Steering global operations is the new CEO, Jean-Christophe Filippi, from Bangkok. Filippi is the first non-Dutchman to lead the West Frisian seed company. Meanwhile, despite his advanced age, Groot remains actively involved with the company, albeit now only as “honorary chairman of the supervisory board.” He has since passed the shares on to his four children. Together, the family holds a majority stake in EWS, with the remainder owned by local partners in the Philippines and Thailand, and a first-time employee.

Journalists: Vasco van der Boon and Frank Gersdorf

Read the full article: https://fd.nl/bedrijfsleven/1501882/commercie-en-filantropie-kunnen-prima-samengaan

East-West Seed (EWS) is the market leader for tropical vegetable seeds, headquartered in Thailand, with more than 40 years of experience serving over 23 million smallholder vegetable farmers with quality seeds and innovative services.

East-West Seed was recognised for the deployment of 2.1 megawatts of solar power across its seed processing facilities. A successful energy transition rests not only in the hands of the power sector but in the participation of all industries. Recognising its responsibility as a corporate agriculture company, East-West Seed has been rolling out solar energy units in its facilities globally, winning the Renewable Energy Adoption Award at the inaugural ESGBusiness Award 2023.

Since 2019, the company has deployed solar energy units in its strategic seed processing facilities in India, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Tanzania. Its farm irrigation in Guatemala is also using 100% solar energy. This brings the company’s total installed capacity to about 2.1 megawatts, with the rooftop solar energy units generating around 2.2 mill kilowatt-hours in 2022.

EWS’ initiative also drives the company’s energy self-sufficiency as the deployment reduced its overall annual grid power dependency by 53% across the seven processing units, whilst the Vietnam seed processing plant is solely reliant on the solar power generated, with the excess energy supplied to the government grid.

“This strategic global approach demonstrates the company’s commitment to sustainability on an international scale and our commitment to clean energy and sustainability has further solidified its position as a responsible environmental steward,” said Sandeep Jadli, Group Head Processing.

EWS’ solar installations at its seed processing plants did not only benefit the company but the wider industry as the effort reduced its reliance on conventional energy resources, thus enabling the company to be more resilient amidst energy price fluctuations and supply disruptions. This move has also significantly reduced the company’s operational costs, saving around $170,000 annually, allowing the company to spend the savings to invest in sustainable agriculture for the sustained production of high-quality and resilient vegetable crops.

Currently, EWS is working towards establishing its strategic roadmap for sustainable operations and plans to extend its “green energy” efforts throughout its supply chain through knowledge sharing and collaboration with its partners.

The ESGBusiness Awards recognises the efforts of businesses that showcase outstanding commitment and achievement in environmental, social, and governance practices. It recognises initiatives towards the achievement of sustainable development goals, innovation, and driving contribution in various areas such as climate change mitigation, resource conservation, social responsibility, and ethical governance.

Originally published on www.esgbusiness.com

Water management plays a very important role in vegetable farming, affecting not only the quantity but also the quality of crop yields. As a testament to our dedication to sustainable vegetable agriculture, our non-profit corporate foundation, East-West Seed Knowledge Transfer Foundation, works closely with smallholder farmers to implement better water management practices at nearly 4,000 demonstration fields in Asia and Africa.

We are firmly committed to assisting farmers in employing water conservation techniques, particularly in regions facing water scarcity. The foundation provides comprehensive training in water-wise farming methods such as raised beds, mulching, and irrigation and drainage systems. In addition, the foundation teaches farmers how to preserve water quality through the four R’s of fertilization (right source, right rate, right time, and right place) and through reduced use of pesticides.

On the occasion of World Food Day, we would like to recognize the importance of water management in vegetable farming and emphasize the indispensable role of water in ensuring food production for the global population. Here are our reasons why water is life and water is food.

Water: The Catalyst for Plant Growth and Quality Vegetables
The significance of water in vegetable farming is multifaceted. It is a fundamental requirement for plant growth, from germination to maturity. Adequate moisture levels in the soil are vital to provide vegetables with the nutrients and minerals essential for robust growth, resulting in higher crop yields. Moreover, water is a key component in the process of photosynthesis, enabling plants to convert sunlight into energy and produce high-quality vegetables.

Balancing Nutrient Uptake, Temperature Control, and Disease Prevention
Water is the conduit through which plants absorb essential nutrients from the soil. Proper water management ensures these nutrients are readily available, promoting optimal growth and nutrient content in vegetables. Water is also a natural temperature regulator for plants, shielding them from heat stress in hot conditions and protecting them against frost during cold spells, which is especially critical for sensitive vegetable crops. Additionally, maintaining the right levels of soil moisture through proper water management reduces the risk of root rot and other destructive diseases.

Sustainable Success: Enhancing Quality, Efficiency, and Profitability
Consistent and controlled watering leads to optimal fruit quality by preventing issues like tomatoes cracking or splitting due to rapid changes in water availability, or cucumbers developing a bitter taste after periods of hot, dry weather. Furthermore, water conservation techniques, such as drip irrigation and mulching, increase watering efficiency and reduce water waste, making them vital in regions with limited water resources.

Responsible water management practices in vegetable farming not only conserve water resources but also protect the environment by preventing over-irrigation and runoff, which can lead to water pollution and environmental degradation. Finally, the economic impact cannot be overstated, as effective water management reduces production costs and enhances overall vegetable farm profitability and sustainability.

Efficient water management in vegetable agriculture plays a pivotal role in ensuring food security and quality crop production. East-West Seed and East-West Seed Knowledge Transfer Foundation are deeply committed to promoting sustainable and responsible water management practices among smallholder farmers across the world. By imparting knowledge on water-wise farming methods and preservation of water quality, we strive to empower farmers and enhance their livelihoods. Water is indeed life, and it is food; its responsible management is crucial for a prosperous and food-secure future for all.

As part of its corporate focus, East-West Seed is currently giving significant focus to extend its presence into new regions and markets. At the same time, significant strategic commitments are emerging within the African agri-industry. Notably, African-led organization AGRA has unveiled its priority focus on inclusive agriculture, food security, and nutrition. This aligns with the Tanzanian government’s dedication to providing training for 200,000 youths and mentoring 15,000 youth-led agribusinesses through incubation programs.

Likewise, the African Development Bank is channeling investments into irrigating a substantial 150,000 hectares of rice across 15 countries in West Africa. These commitments were announced during the 2023 Africa Food Systems Summit, the largest of its kind on the African continent, which took place in Tanzania earlier last month.

Furthermore, interesting and East-West Seed-relevant statements were made by former President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete (an agricultural economist), such as:

“We need a skilled farmer. The skilled farmer is an input we often forget.” and  “We are still using traditional seeds. We need quality seeds that give high yield.” 

East-West Seed was well-represented at the Summit, with the presence of Annet Kiiza (Business Development Manager for East-West Seed Uganda), Robert Kimonge (East Africa Regional Business Development Head), Dianah (the New Business Development Manager for Kenya), and colleagues from Knowledge Transfer Foundation (EWS-KT), including Elijah Mwashayenyi, East-West Seed Knowledge Transfer Head of Africa, and Epaphras Milambwe, Manager for EWS-KT Tanzania.

As East-West Seed continues to expand in East and West Africa, an estimated 250 million smallholder farmers based across the African continent are awaiting better policies and structures in place, and training support to bolster access to market. The 5000-member Food Systems Summit was therefore an excellent occasion to meet like-minded businesses or as Elijah from EWS-KT described it: “ a melting pot of all things agricultural and organizations that make the farming sector on the continent tick.” The Summit, hosted by the government of The United Republic of Tanzania and co-organised by AGRA, was held from the 5th to the 8th of September 2023. 

As some of you may already know, the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimates that 68% of Tanzania’s work force engage in farming, both in rural and urban areas. More than 80% of all holdings are run by smallholder farmers who dominate the agricultural sector by contributing to an impressive 75% of the total agricultural output.

The Hague, the Netherlands, 04.10.23It is with great honor and pleasure that we announce the recognition bestowed upon Mr. Simon N. Groot, the esteemed founder of East-West Seed. Mr. Groot has received the prestigious Order of Sikatuna in recognition of his exceptional contributions to the Republic of the Philippines and his dedicated efforts in fostering, developing, and strengthening relations between various nations and the Philippines. Mr. Simon Groot is the first Dutch private citizen to be conferred with this diplomatic decoration.

                          Simon Groot and Benito Domingo, founded East-West Seed together in 1982.

The Order of Sikatuna, one of the Republic’s most distinguished diplomatic honors, acknowledges Mr. Groot’s pivotal role in improving the livelihoods of millions of smallholder farmers in the Philippines and across more than 60 tropical countries. 

After years of dedicated research and development, starting in the Philippines with business partner Benito Domingo, Groot introduced the first locally developed commercial vegetable hybrids in tropical Asia. Under Mr. Groot’s guidance and together with Mr. Domingo, East-West Seed has pioneered a dynamic, smallholder-centric tropical vegetable seed industry, born in the Philippines, that continues to expand globally. This was recognized in 2019 when Mr. Groot won the World Food Prize. The same year he obtained an honorary doctorate from University of the Philippines in Los Baños (UPLB).

Mr. Groot is also one of the founding members of the Philippine Netherlands Business Council (PNBC) and continues to serve in its Advisory Council to this day.  

“Seeing big smiles on the faces of farmers has given me tremendous satisfaction as I can observe from these smiles that what we have done for them is really of value and meaning.”
Simon N. Groot 

Mr. Groot’s visionary approach gave rise to East-West Seed’s innovative Knowledge Transfer initiative. East-West Seed Knowledge Transfer Foundation annually trains more than 100,000 farmers in best agricultural practices for vegetable production, thereby contributing to the growth and sustainability of local communities in Asia and Africa.

Furthermore, his work has elevated both rural and urban markets for vegetable crops, making nutritious produce more accessible and affordable for countless families in the Philippines and beyond. For millions of people, Simon N. Groot’s dedication over the last 40+ years, has broken the cycle of poverty and malnutrition that often plagues farmers who rely on low-quality seeds. Through his leadership, these smallholder farmers have experienced increased yields, improved economic prospects, and better nutrition for their families.

Simon N. Groot’s receipt of the Order of Sikatuna highlights his extraordinary achievements and unwavering commitment to the Republic of the Philippines and its diplomatic relations with foreign states. We applaud Mr. Groot for his exceptional service and dedication to fostering global cooperation.
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PRESS CONTACT

International

Maya Muller, Public Affairs
East-West Seed
Mobile: +31 6 12037881
maya.muller@eastwestseed.com

[Interviews available in-person with Mr. Groot in Dutch and English]

East-West Seed, Global COO, Dilip Rajan, had the honor of meeting the Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Mr. Mark Rutte, on his visit to Bengaluru. This significant meeting also marked the inauguration of an ambitious economic mission, encompassing over sixty Dutch companies and knowledge institutions. The initiative is spearheaded by the President of VNO-NCW, Ms. Ingrid Thijssen.

Further enhancing the collaborative spirit, Dilip met with Ms. Marisa Gerards, the esteemed Dutch Ambassador to India. Representing East-West Seed, he also actively participated in a CEO Round Table. This session, graced by the presence of the Dutch Prime Minister, was hosted by the Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka, Mr. D K Sivakumar.

It’s worth noting that this monumental event, aligned with the G20 deliberations, witnessed the congregation of over 400 delegates from both the Netherlands and India. We at East-West Seed are proud to be at the forefront of these essential dialogues, furthering our commitment to international collaboration and growth.

A highlight of the day was Dilip’s participation in a breakout session, moderated by Michiel Van Erkel, the Agricultural Counsellor at the Embassy of the Netherlands. The theme, ‘Harvesting Sustainability and Nurturing Growth,’ allowed Mr. Rajan to share insights into how the State of Karnataka is creating an exemplary environment for agri-businesses to thrive. He emphasized the importance of vegetable farming in the state, highlighting its current relevance and potential.

East-West Seed, a leading tropical vegetable seed company, today announced the appointment of Dr. Kanokwan (May) Chodchoey as Group Head, Public Affairs, effective 1st September 2023. Dr. May will bring her extensive experience in stakeholder engagement, government relations, policy-making, and public affairs management, most recently from the Asia Pacific Seed Alliance (APSA), where she served as Executive Director and CEO. 

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. May to East-West Seed,” said Maaike Groot, Global Head, Communications and Public Affairs. “Her arrival signals our strong ambition to build upon our reputation and know-how globally.” 

In her role as Group Head, Public Affairs, Dr. May will be responsible for developing and implementing public affairs strategies and initiatives. She will also monitor and advise on industry issues and policy changes and collaborate with all stakeholders to create an impactful and equitable engagement. 

“I’m delighted to take on the Group Head of Public Affairs role at East-West Seed and contribute my knowledge and experience toward enhancing the lives of smallholder farmers,” said Dr. May “I look forward to collaborating with all our stakeholders to encourage meaningful and equitable engagement with farmers and external partners.”

Along with this development, Dr. Mary Ann Sayoc will be taking on a new role as Group Head,
Partnerships and Alliances from 1st September 2023. She will be responsible for identifying,
developing, and nurturing strategic connections while representing EWS at the highest international level in multilateral organizations. 

About East-West Seed

Founded by Dutch seedsman Simon Groot in 1982, East-West Seed has become one of the world’s leading vegetable seed companies in Asia and has a strong presence in Africa and Latin America. East-West Seed is committed to its mission of improving livelihoods for vegetable farmers, the company has focused on developing tropical vegetable varieties adapted to local growing conditions and educating farmers on production and farming skills. Ranked at the top of the Access to Seeds Index for South and Southeast Asia, East-West Seed was also named number 28 on Fortune’s Change the World list of companies doing good. Headquartered in Nonthaburi, Thailand, the company employs over 2,800 people and has set up 20 research and development facilities in nine different countries, exporting to over 75 tropical nations and reaching close to 20 million farmers worldwide.

www.eastwestseed.com

For more information:
Sariyaporn Srisuksawad
Group Manager, Corporate Communications
Email:sariyaporn.srisuksawad@eastwestseed.com