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Message from the BOM 2013 was a good year. We celebrated another milestone with the 30th anniversary of East-West Seed Thailand. The theme was "30 Years of Trust", with trust being the most important part of our relationship with farmers. We held a series of activities throughout 2013, closing the year with the awarding of 30 Sorndaeng Farmer Heroes last December. We completed the flood protection in Bang Bua Thong, Nonthaburi in Thailand, where the regional headquarters of the Group and EWTH are located. During the 2011 flooding in Thailand, the EWTH team successfully kept the whole facility dry through extraordinary efforts. It is one of the more remarkable events in the three-decade history of EWTH. By completing the flood protection, we have made sure that we are safe from flooding for the next 30 years at the very least. Again this shows that we
are always looking towards the future and we take no chances in ensuring the company's sustainability. 2013 was a year of growth for us, with great performance by all EWS companies. In our home markets and outposts we have continued to introduce innovative products and technologies, satisfying the needs of farmers for improved varieties with better resistance and less need for chemicals. The company has been building a solid reputation for itself among opinion-makers and leaders that influence our business environment. In Myanmar and Indonesia, East-West Seed received notable members of the Dutch government during a trade and economic mission led by the Prime Minister himself, Mr. Mark Rutte, together with Lilianne Ploumen, Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, and Sharon Dijksma, Minister for Agriculture.
Joost Pekelharing President
Bert van der Feltz Senior Vice President
In 2013, we also remained focused on developing our valuable human capital through training and knowledge-sharing in East-West Seed Academy. We have stayed actively involved in the bigger community where we live, through the various CSR and social marketing campaigns we have successfully implemented last year.
s? h S r U o t y p W
Sprout(ing) - noun, the practice of soaking, draining, and then rinsing seeds at regular intervals until they germinate, or sprout. Much like seeds, we are growing, maturing, learning and enjoying the work we do. Something beautiful emerges from our daily efforts... and then it just SPROUTS!
Now we have entered 2014. The new year brings optimism and energy. We challenge everyone to surpass the gains we have made in 2013 by being alert and responsive to opportunities. If we are able to unleash our limitless creativity and communicate better as an organization, East-West Seed can look forward to greater growth.
Simon Jan de Hoop Vice President for R&D
Let's sustain our drive to bring quality and constant innovation in everything we do, and fulfill our commitment to provide value to vegetable farmers in Asia and beyond.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Calling all writers! We welcome article contributions and photos from all EWS departments in all countries. Please email Sprouts Editor-in-Chief Francine Sayoc-Shiraishi at francine.sayoc@eastwestseed.com