East-West Seed - 44 Yyars of impact: our journey, our purpose, and the path ahead
October 6, 2026
Forty-four years ago today, Simon Groot founded East-West Seed with a simple yet transformative belief: “A good seed can change the lives of millions.”
What began in 1982 as a mission to pioneer tropical vegetable breeding in Southeast Asia has grown into a vibrant global movement. Today, that founding vision reaches millions of smallholder farmers across more than 80 countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
To our partners, farming communities, and global teams: thank you for 44 years of shared dedication! Every milestone we celebrate belongs to the people who work the land and the teams who support them every day.
Standing Alongside Farmers in a Changing World
As Simon often reminded us, our work is far from finished.
Smallholder farmers are on the frontlines of a changing planet. Over the past 44 years, millions of farming families have worked tirelessly to feed their communities, trusting us every season to support their livelihood. Facing increasingly unpredictable weather, extreme heat, emerging pests, and shifting regional climates, their resilience in the field is extraordinary. Alongside local partners walking side-by-side with them, our commitment to supporting these dedicated growers remains unwavering.
We know that superior genetics are the critical starting point. By pairing climate-resilient seed varieties with practical, hands-on technical training in the field, including the efforts of East-West Seed Knowledge Transfer foundation, we ensure that smallholders will continue to have the practical tools, knowledge, and confidence needed to secure their harvests and succeed.
Looking Forward
While 44 years offers a moment to reflect with gratitude on how far tropical horticulture has come, our eyes are fixed firmly on the future. Guided by our founder’s philosophy, East-West Seed will continue to innovate, support smallholders through climate challenges, and build more resilient food systems for generations to come.
Thank you to every partner, grower, and colleague who forms part of the East-West Seed story. Together, we keep growing forward!
Topics
Species
