Virgilio Ileto, a vegetable farmer from Bulacan, Philippines, stands with his son and fellow farmers, during a field visit led by East-West Seed’s Farmer Activation Representative Joseph Cheng. Since starting vegetable farming less than a decade ago, Virgilio has improved his livelihood through highperforming hybrid varieties such as ‘Mestisa’ bitter gourd and ‘Calixto’ eggplant, combined with better crop management practices. Today, he shares his journey with his son and other farmers, showing how small changes in farming practices can lead to meaningful growth.
From left to right: Joseph Cheng, Domingo Evangelista, Jaypee Ileto, Virgilio Ileto, and Rogelio Ramos
All rights reserved. This report, or any part of it, may not be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means without the express written permission of East-West Seed.
East-West Seed Knowledge Transfer : Training Farmers for Long-Term Success
The Next Harvest: Empowering Future Generations
Advocating for Farmers Strengthening Seed Quality Supporting Thai Farmers and Communities Inspiring Young Gardeners in Indonesia Seeds for the Next Generation Training Young Agripreneurs in the Philippines
Cultivating a Collaborative Culture
East-West Seed is one of the world’s leading vegetable seed companies, dedicated to improving the lives of farmers with better seeds and better farming practices.
Who We Are Core Values
Purposeful
We put farmers at the heart of everything we do
Pioneering
We achieve our purpose through innovation
Trustworthy Nurturing
We care for each other, our communities and environment
We are a reliable partner to all our stakeholders
What We Do
We specialize in breeding, producing, and distributing high-quality tropical vegetable seeds. Our seeds are adapted to local markets and growing conditions, and we share innovative farming practices to help farmers grow better crops, get better yields, and earn better income.
Mission
Our mission is to provide innovative seeds and services that help improve the livelihoods of tropical vegetable farmers and promote sustainable farming and business practices
Be the leading and most trusted tropical vegetable seed company in the world
Our shared journey began more than forty years ago, not with a grand plan, but with a simple belief that it could be done better. Back then in the Philippines, we saw that smallholder farmers weren’t getting the right seeds. We didn’t set out to do something big. We just started small, stayed practical, and worked with people who understood the local conditions. That’s how it grew.
From the beginning, we’ve kept close to the field. We listened, we learned, and we stayed focused on being useful. Helping farmers grow better crops, earn a better living, and build a better future—that has always been the point. Growth only matters if it means more impact for the farmers.
We have never done it alone. From the start, I saw that you get much further when you bring the right people and ideas together. We learned from farmers, worked with passionate colleagues, and shared knowledge with partners. That kind of collaboration is what helped us truly make a difference.
Farmers continue to choose our seeds because they know what they’re getting. It’s the consistency, the physical quality, how reliably it germinates, and the varietal purity. Especially with hybrids, there’s no room for error. Farmers pay for something they know they can trust, and that’s what we’ve built our name on.
This business exists by the grace of diversity. You can’t build a future on one crop. The market is too dynamic. Farmers need the freedom to shift with the season, and we need to be ready with the right answers, every time.
We started the Knowledge Transfer Foundation because a good seed only works if it goes hand in hand with good farming practices. It’s not about big words—it’s about being purposeful, and staying close to the farmer.
Looking ahead, I hope East-West Seed continues on the same path: staying close to farmers, being useful, and doing the work with care and consistency. That’s what matters most. If we can do that, the future will take care of itself.
Dr. Simon N. Groot
East-West Seed Founder and World Food Prize Laureate
WE HAVE NEVER DONE IT ALONE
From the start, I saw that you get much further when you bring the right people and ideas together
1982 exploration trip
From left to right: Benito Domingo, Glenn Goldsmith, and Simon N. Groot.
East-West Seed Leadership Message from the
At East-West Seed, everything we do is rooted in the journey we share with our farmers. This 2024, we achieved significant growth, strengthened innovation, deepened our commitment to sustainability, and invested more in our people and the collaborations that move us forward.
In the third year of our five-year PACE Strategy, we delivered another year of solid progress, with sales increasing by 7%. We also achieved improved profitability, resulting in a healthy cash position that allows us to invest confidently in our future and the farmers we serve.
While the majority of our sales still come from our core markets in Asia, we achieved strong growth in our emerging markets as well. Africa saw a 52% increase in sales, and Latin America grew by 11%, reflecting our commitment to expanding access to quality seeds and knowledge where they are needed most.
Innovation remained a key focus. We launched New Heights, a strategic initiative that helped sharpen our focus on product innovation. Successful product launches such as ‘YieldPro 169’ hybrid pumpkin in India and ‘Niew Wan Chompoo’ hybrid waxy corn in Thailand showed how we are responding to farmers‘ evolving needs with practical, impactful solutions.
Strengthening our operational backbone was another priority this year. We made significant progress in our LEAP (ERP) deployment, achieving a successful go-live in India and preparing rollout plans for Thailand and the Philippines in 2025.
Sustainability continues to guide how we work. We developed our 5-Year Sustainability Plan focused on farmers’ livelihoods, sustainable agriculture, and climate action. We launched seed varieties with biofertilizer coatings in the Philippines, helping farmers reduce nitrogen fertilizer use by up to 20%. As part of
our ongoing efforts to reduce emissions through renewable energy, we installed solar panels at our 30-hectare R&D site in Mulani, India.
Our people are at the heart of our achievements. We launched Culture Forward, a company-wide journey to bring our core values — Purposeful, Pioneering, Nurturing, and Trustworthy — to life across all teams and markets. We also invested in leadership development through the Talent Accelerator Program, supporting high-potential employees as future leaders of East-West Seed. In addition, we celebrated the Great Place to Work certification in India, affirming our commitment to fostering a strong, inclusive, purposeful workplace.
We are proud of the milestones we have reached this year and we are excited for the road ahead. We are grateful for this journey of collaboration we share with our farmers, our teams, and our partners to grow a better, more sustainable future for everyone.
JC Filippi Chief Executive Officer
Ard Groot Chairman of the Board
Meet our Managing Board
Meet our Supervisory Board
JC Filippi Chief Executive Officer
Ard Groot Chair
Mary Sue Rogers Vice Chair
Franck Berger Member
Rutger Groot Member
Ivan Chung Member
Elaine Cheung Member
Douwe Zijp Member
Maaike Groot Member
Conrado Balatero
Cathlea Barote Chief People Officer
Dilip Rajan Chief Operations Officer
Thibaut Terlon Chief Finance Officer
East-West Seed Around the World
Countries of Distribution
Knowledge Transfer Active Countries
EWS & EWS-Affiliated Companies
East West Seed Bangladesh Private Limited
East-West Seed (Brasil) Ltda (formerly: Hortec Tecnologia de Sementes Ltda)
Bangladesh, Brazil, Cambodia, Guatemala, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, Myanmar, Nigeria, Netherlands, Philippines, Tanzania, Thailand, Vietnam
Our Top 10 Crops
Trained in 2024
through the EWS Knowledge Transfer Foundation (EWS-KT)
6.Pumpkin Moschata
Long Bean
Angular
Pepper
Our Team
We are
*Includes permanent and temporary staff
We made it to the list of companies that are “doing well by doing good”
Fortune Magazine’s ‘Change the World’ list recognizes companies that are using their core business strategies to make a positive social or environmental impact. This is the second time we have earned a spot on the list, in recognition of our continued commitment to empowering smallholder farmers.
Australia, Bangladesh, Benin, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Canada, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, El Salvador, France, Germany, Ghana, Guatemala, Honduras, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Malaysia, Mexico, Myanmar, Nepal, Netherlands, Nigeria, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Tanzania, Thailand, Uganda, United Kingdom, United States of America, Vietnam
People By Generation
People by Function
Farmer-Centered
Innovation
All our breeding work starts with a simple question: what do farmers really need? We believe that innovation begins with listening. When farmers in Thailand and India faced specific crop challenges, we listened and our teams worked across functions to deliver real solutions.
The result?
Two of our top-performing varieties in 2024: ‘Niew Wan Chompoo’ hybrid waxy corn and ‘YieldPro 169’ hybrid pumpkin.
‘YieldPro 169’ Hybrid Pumpkin – India
In India, some farmers had begun moving away from pumpkin due to disease challenges and rising input costs. ‘YieldPro 169’ hybrid pumpkin is helping turn that trend around.
This semi-bushy hybrid pumpkin allows for 700–750 more plants per acre than other pumpkin varieties, thanks to its compact structure. It also matures quickly, resists viruses well, and produces uniform fruits. Its dark green, flat-round fruits (4–5 kg each) not only look good—they store well and handle long-distance transport easily.
Many farmers reported seeing 15–20% more yield and up to 25% higher income with ‘Yieldpro 169’ pumpkin.
With this, ‘YieldPro 169’ offered many farmers a way to return to pumpkin farming with confidence.
WHAT REALLY IMPRESSED ME IS THE EARLY HARVEST-
I can harvest 10 to 15 days earlier than other varieties, and the disease resistance is much better. I also appreciate that I can plant up to 1,000 plants per acre with the recommended spacing.
- Nagarajan, an Indian farmer with 30 years of experience
‘Niew Wan Chompoo’ Hybrid Waxy Corn – Thailand
Thailand’s waxy corn is a beloved snack crop, especially in the northeast, but mid-sized hybrids were missing from the market. Consumers wanted corn that was soft, sticky, and sweet.
Farmers needed something reliable and profitable. It was our sales promoters who first raised the flag: there was a clear market demand, but no variety that met it.
The breeding team took on the challenge. Starting in 2018, they worked to develop a corn that could deliver not just good yield, but lasting quality. The breakthrough came in a pink-and-white kernel that stayed sticky and sweet even after boiling—unusual traits in existing hybrids. It wasn’t just visually striking; it held up better in transport and had a longer shelf life.
WE’VE BEEN GROWING THIS WAXY CORN VARIETY FOR A WHILE NOW, AND
IT REALLY STANDS OUT.
The kernels are bigger and specially selected. Growth is consistent, and the stalks are strong with a solid root system, so they don’t fall over easily
- Corn farmer group from Don Du Village, Khon Kaen, Thailand
With a yield up to 40% higher than competing varieties and reliable post-harvest quality, it gained ground fast. The variety’s rapid growth was supported by simple but creative outreach: roadside tastings, field day displays, and a ‘Niew Wan Chompoo Road’ that became a marketing symbol in Khon Kaen Province.
Farmers liked what they saw: a crop that was easier to sell, delivered consistent income, and helped meet growing consumer demand. ‘Niew Wan Chompoo’ is now one of the strongest performers in the segment.
Rooted in Responsibility:
Our Sustainability Path
We recognize that building a more sustainable business is an ongoing journey, and we are continuously learning as we grow. We are taking a more structured approach by formalizing our sustainability strategy. This brings together existing efforts and sets a clear path forward across three focus areas: Farmers’ Livelihood, Sustainable Agriculture, and Climate Action.
FOCUS AREAS
1. Farmers’ Livelihood
We work with thousands of smallholder seed growers across different countries. We empower our partner smallholder farmers to improve their incomes through enhanced access to knowledge and quality seeds.
Key Actions:
• Provide practical training and support to improve productivity
• Ensure fair working conditions
• Enable women and young farmers to take part in seed production
2. Sustainable Agriculture
We promote responsible farming practices across our seed production areas and invest in seed innovation to help farmers grow more with fewer resources.
Key Actions:
• Support farmers with knowledge on regenerative agriculture methods including safe use of chemicals , water use, waste management and soil health
• Transition our own farms to adopt sustainable agriculture practices
3. Climate Action
We are reducing the carbon footprint of our operations through more efficient energy use and renewable energy adoption.
Key Actions:
• Promote energy efficiency and waste management across all our facilities
• Increase solar energy adoption across all our own facilities
Biofertilizer seed coating launch in the Philippines
We launched a new biofertilizer seed coating under the NUTRISHIELD+ brand in the Philippines, using nitrogenfixing bacteria to help farmers cut nitrogen fertilizer use by up to 20%. This innovation supports more sustainable farming by improving soil health and reducing dependency on chemical inputs for crops like tomato, cucumber, and watermelon.
Solar-Powered R&D Site
As part of our ongoing efforts to reduce emissions, we installed ground-mounted solar panels at our 30-hectare R&D site in Mulani, India. The solar panel system is projected to generate 1,640 kWh/kWp annually. This transition cuts electricity costs by 50%. Currently, more than ten of our facilities are operated by solar energy across different countries.
These practices are now standard across our farms to support healthier soils.
Opening Doors:
Connecting Farmers with Markets and Opportunity
Smallholder farmers face many challenges in growing vegetables—unpredictable weather, pests and diseases, and limited access to reliable information. Market access is another major hurdle. Farmers often struggle to find buyers or understand what the market demands, which can limit their income even when yields are good.
East-West Seed helps farmers address these challenges through practical support and training. Our sales promoters work directly in fields, markets, and villages. They help farmers choose the right vegetable varieties, improve crop management, and connect with buyers.
Nigeria
We gathered more than 500 farmers, agronomists, researchers and industry leaders at the Zazzau National Field Day.
Learning through Field Events
Across countries, we conduct field days and harvest festivals that serve as learning platforms where farmers can see the benefits of improved vegetable varieties and learn from other farmers and experts.
Indonesia
We brought together hundreds of farmers for a hands-on learning event during the “Festival Panen Makmur” (or “Prosperous Harvest Festival”). The event included a night of recognition for top-performing farmers and field sessions showcasing improved vegetable varieties.
Vietnam
In An Giang Province—one of Vietnam’s leading sticky corn-growing areas—we hosted a Corn Field Day attended by 250 farmers and partners from across the southwestern region.
Kenya
At Wambugu Farm, we showcased seed varieties and pest management practices to farmers and agri-experts.
Cambodia
Nearly 500 farmers and brokers gathered in Kampong Thom, Kampong Chhnang, and Kratie to learn about varieties for the spring and winter seasons.
Connecting Farmers to Market
Our sales promoters also help connect farmers to the market through training, awareness campaigns, and facilitating connections across the value chain.
In Thailand, we organized training sessions on butternut squash to help farmers improve crop management and understand what buyers are looking for. These sessions supported farmers in producing better-quality squash and meeting market demand.
At the same time, we also raised awareness and built demand for butternut squash among consumers. We showcased the crop in dealer shops, promoted it in wholesale and retail markets, and ran campaigns to highlight its benefits. This combined approach helped farmers grow with more confidence—knowing there is a clear path from their fields to the market.
VOICES FROM THE FIELD
Thar Yar, Myanmar
How has your work as a sales promoter helped farmers in your area?
I’ve helped farmers understand the quality and benefits of our seeds.I guide them on which variety to plant each season and what crops are best suited to market demand. I also support them in improving their farming techniques.
What is the most difficult part of your work, and how do you deal with it?
Some areas in my region are hard to access due to internal conflicts, and even in accessible areas, there are limits on gatherings. When that happens, I use phone and social media to run promotions, or visit farmers directly in their fields
What qualities do you think a good sales promoter should have?
A good sales promoter needs to understand what the customer wants, use the right strategies, be honest and attentive, communicate well, and be ready to solve problems.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
I’ve gained a lot of experience, from understanding farming conditions and market size to learning about sales strategies and competitor products. It’s also rewarding to help some farmers become local distributors in their own areas.
What helps you build trust with farmers?
Trust comes from good communication, being honest, solving problems quickly, and regularly checking in with the farmers.
Chanthal Tol, Cambodia
Shared Paths:
Building Connections that Support Farmers
We believe that lasting impact comes not from working alone, but from working alongside others —farmers, governments, researchers, and private and public institutions.
In 2024, East-West Seed continued to engage in dialogues and collaborations that support farmers. Our efforts focused on reflecting farmer needs in global and regional policy, promoting practical approaches, and ensuring consistent quality in our work.
Advocating for Farmers
Throughout the year, we took part in key forums that influence how agriculture is shaped, funded, and supported. We joined discussions to share insights from our work with farmers.
OUR MESSAGE:
VEGETABLES MATTER—FOR NUTRITION, INCOME, AND CLIMATE RESILIENCE. BUT TO DELIVER THEIR FULL POTENTIAL, FARMERS NEED MORE THAN SEED. THEY NEED KNOWLEDGE, FAIR POLICIES, AND SYSTEMS THAT WORK.
Dr. Mary Ann Sayoc, Head of Partnerships & Alliances, 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 two decades, is the first woman to receive this honor in the global seed sector.
East-West Seed joined the Mekong-U.S. Partnership Dialogue on Food Security—marking the first time the seed sector was included. Dr. May Chodchoey, Head of Public Affairs, highlighted the role of public-private partnerships in helping rice farmers adopt climateresilient practices through crop diversification.
East-West Seed receives the National Agricultural Seed Council Appreciation Award at Seed Connect Africa 2024 for its commitment to providing high-quality seeds to Nigerian farmers.
Dr. May Chodchoey speaks at the ISF World Seed Congress 2024, emphasizing the need for collaboration in the seed sector to combat child labor and improve access to affordable education in rural communities.
Maaike Groot, Global Head of Communications, Public and Regulatory Affairs and Sustainability, joins the Philippines Netherlands Business Council (PNBC) annual meeting to strengthen PH–NL business ties.
East-West Seed team meets His Majesty King Willem-Alexander at the opening of the ISF World Seed Congress 2024.
Strengthening Seed Quality
We strengthened our seed quality systems to help enhance farmer trust, support regulatory compliance, and enable smoother seed movement.
IN THE PHILIPPINES,
our laboratory received ISTA accreditation, meeting international standards for seed testing. We are also collaborating with the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) for field inspections and seed health testing for phytosanitary certification.
IN THAILAND,
we expanded our testing capabilities through a partnership with the Department of Agriculture. Our laboratory was granted an extended scope of competence, allowing us to test for more regulated seed-borne diseases. This supports the issuance of phytosanitary certificates and helps ensure safe, reliable seed trade.
Supporting Thai Farmers and Communities
On August 27, 2024, East-West Seed Thailand formalized a key partnership with the Royal Initiative Discovery Foundation through a donation of 1.52 million baht. The contribution supports community development efforts focused on soil, water, agriculture, renewable energy, forests, and the environment —areas central to both organizations’ missions.
This year also brought recognition from the Netherlands-Thai Chamber of Commerce, which awarded East-West Seed the International Trade Product Agriculture Sector Award. The award was given on the occasion of the 420th anniversary of trade relations between Thailand and the Netherlands and celebrates our continued efforts to..
CONNECT AGRICULTURAL KNOWLEDGE ACROSS REGIONS AND SUPPORT FARMERS WORLDWIDE.
East-West Seed Knowledge Transfer: Training Farmers for Long-Term Success
The East-West Seed Knowledge Transfer Foundation (EWS-KT) supports one of the company’s core beliefs: that good seed must be matched with practical knowledge. In 2024, EWS-KT continued to equip smallholder farmers with the skills they need to succeed, reaching thousands across diverse contexts through practical, field-based training.
This year, EWS-KT trained 150,629 farmers in ten countries: Bangladesh, Cambodia, Ghana, India, Myanmar, Nigeria, Philippines, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda. In Indonesia, similar work was carried out by Yayasan Bina Tani Sejahtera, a long-time partner. Since 2015, EWS-KT has trained a total of 948,494 farmers.
EWS-KT also began testing how its training influences farmer practices over time, completing pilot assessments in two countries. A broader measurement system is being prepared for rollout in 2025 to track longer-term outcomes.
New projects were started with partners in India, Nigeria, the Philippines, Tanzania, and Uganda. In South Sudan, EWS-KT received external funding for the first time.
Of the farmers trained in 2024, 44% were women and 49% were under the age of 35. Expanding support for women and young farmers continues to be a focus.
EWS-KT works with local partners to deliver training based on real needs in the field. In 2025, the focus will be on improving how we track results, strengthening partnerships, and continuing to support inclusive farmer education.
total farmers trained since 2015
EWS-KT is a non-profit foundation supported by East-West Seed through a share of global seed sales and use of its infrastructure. This partnership enables EWS-KT to deliver cost-effective, high-impact training to smallholder farmers. Learn more about EWS-KT at ews-kt.com.
newly trained farmers in 2024
Inspiring Young Gardeners in Indonesia
To mark National Education Day, East-West Seed Indonesia organized “Urban Farming Goes to School” in Tangerang, Banten Province.
Over 700 students participated by planting hybrid cauliflower seeds in their school’s garden. Each student took a seedling home, encouraging them to continue growing vegetables with their families.
This simple activity introduced children to vegetable growing as part of daily life. It also connected to the national celebration’s theme, “Moving Together, Continuing the Independence of Learning,” by promoting experiential learning and physical engagement. By linking farming with health, learning, and enjoyment, the event showed how agriculture can be both meaningful and accessible even in urban areas.
The Next Harvest:
Empowering Future Generations
Encouraging young people to see a future in farming is key to long-term food security. By supporting early engagement and practical learning, East-West Seed is helping cultivate the next generation of agripreneurs.
STUDENTS PARTICIPATED IN SCHOOL GARDENING TRAINING
Seeds for the Next Generation
In 2024, we launched the Seed for the Next Generation (SNG) project to support agricultural high schools in Benin. Over five years, we aim to guide a full student cohort from entry to graduation, helping them gain practical experience in vegetable farming.
HIGH SCHOOLS ENGAGED
STUDENTS TRAINED AGRICULTURAL
We work closely with schools to introduce students to improved vegetable varieties and build essential skills like selecting the right seeds for local conditions, managing pests and diseases, and applying sustainable farming practices. These lessons prepare them to start their own farms or work in the sector after graduation. The project was launched in honor of our founder, Simon Nanne Groot—fondly known as SNG.
Training Young Agripreneurs in the Philippines
In the Philippines, 20 young farmers took part in the Young Agripreneurs Building Opportunities Bootcamp —YABONG for short, which also means “to thrive” or “to flourish” in Filipino. The three-month hybrid program was launched in partnership with the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA).
The training focused on practical skills in vegetable production and entrepreneurship. Each participant developed a farm business improvement plan based on real opportunities. The top five received seed grants of ₱50,000 (around USD 900) to launch ideas like certified organic farms, pickled vegetable products, and seedling services.
YOUNG FARMERS
GRANTS AWARDED
Cultivating a
Collaborative Culture
We continued to strengthen our culture by investing in our people and creating more opportunities to learn, lead, and connect across teams.
Culture Forward
Launched across 14 countries, our Culture Forward journey invited teams to take a closer look at how our culture shows up in daily work. Through workshops, team sessions, and open conversations, colleagues explored what a strong and healthy work culture looks like—and how we can each contribute to it.
The journey created space for alignment, trust-building, and honest reflection across teams and levels. It also helped spark practical ideas to make collaboration smoother and more meaningful in our local contexts.
Great Place to Work®
In 2024, East-West Seed India was certified as a Great Place to Work® —a milestone that reflects our commitment to a high-trust, purpose -driven culture across all EWS countries, united by our mission to serve smallholder farmers.
Accelerate: Developing Future Leaders
THE
PROGRAM
HAS BOOSTED MY CONFIDENCE AND SELF-AWARENESS.
This helped me to better understand and manage my own emotions and reactions, leading to more effective leadership
- David Baguma, Projects Coordinator for Uganda- EWS-KT
The Accelerate Program kicked off in early 2024 to develop future EWS leaders. Over nine months, participants from across departments and countries took part in a leadership bootcamp and tackled business -critical projects. These included strategies for expanding into new markets, boosting farmer knowledge access, and promoting innovation.
Participants strengthened their leadership and collaboration skills while making real contributions to key business areas. All participants graduated in December, ready to lead with confidence, empathy, and purpose.
R&D Open Days: Making Innovation Accessible
To celebrate Innovation Month in October, our R&D teams hosted Open Days in Thailand, the Philippines, and India. These events welcomed colleagues from other departments and offered a behind-the-scenes look at how we develop new varieties for farmers. These open days helped make technical work more relatable while strengthening relationships across functions.
IN CHIANG MAI, THAILAND,
we held R&D talks, the “Breeding Olympics,” and a team cooking competition during the evening social.
IN BATANGAS, PHILIPPINES,
employees visited the Hortanova Research Center, where they explored the R&D Innovation Exhibit and took part in the InnoSports Challenge—a series of hands-on activities based on real R&D work.
IN BANGALORE, INDIA,
the open day included poster presentations, seed sowing, and harvesting marigolds—ending with a lively quiz and group games. The event coincided with the birthday of our founder Simon Groot, adding a festive touch to the day.
Our Shared Journey
8-9.
1-2. We partnered with top agriculture influencers in Thailand to teach home gardeners how to grow safe, organic vegetables
3-4. At the Harvest Money Expo in Kampala, we showcased our work and future opportunities to support Ugandan farmers
5-6. Field Day in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
7. Showcasing tomato and cucumber varieties in a Field Day in Nigeria
Launching of NutriShield+ in the Philippines—an advanced seed coating that provides nutrition and early protection against fungi and pests.
10-11. Showcasing our varieties at HortEx Vietnam 2024
Across the Globe
18-19. We were honored with the “Supporting Women Farmers” award at the Women in Agribusiness Conference in Bangalore, India
14-15. New corporate office inauguration in Dhaka, Bangladesh
16-17. Inauguration of new facilities in Cambodia
20-21. To mark International Women’s Day, we hosted women farmers at the Faridpur Learning Farm—sharing techniques and success stories to support inclusive farming
12-13. Official launch of the East-West Seed brand at Hortitec Brazil
EAST-WEST SEED WILL
CONTINUE ON THE SAME PATH:
staying close to farmers, being useful, and doing the work with care and consistency. That’s what matters most. If we can do that, the future will take care of itself.
-Simon Groot, East-West Seed Founder and World Food Prize Laureate
Looking Ahead
Honoring the Legacy of
“In loving memory of Simon N. Groot our founder, a visionary, and the heart of our mission.
His belief in better lives through better seeds continues to inspire us all.”
