Development Projects
By supplying high-quality seeds, sharing knowledge and providing intensive guidance, we aim to help growers in low and middle income countries to evolve personally and professionally, to improve their income and to stimulate vegetable consumption. We do so in two ways: through public-private partnerships, and through our Committee for Development Cooperation.
Committee for Development Cooperation
The Rijk Zwaan Committee for Development Cooperation is involved in development work, with a focus on sharing our knowledge about vegetable farming. We work together with local organisations to provide technical advice and support to farmers and growers in developing countries. Our aim is to stimulate vegetable consumption within families and communities, and to help farmers to improve their income position.
Projects are currently under way in Gambia, Guatemala, Haiti, Uganda, Peru and Rwanda. In Guatemala, for example, we support a horticultural college, where colleagues regularly share their knowledge. Besides that, we help growers there to gain access to microcredit.
Are you interested in the development projects and initiatives we support? Have a look at our latest magazine and watch the videos for some personal stories.
Public-private partnerships
The future of farming and food production is a shared responsibility. As a vegetable breeding company, we not only bring new and innovative vegetable varieties to market, but also recognise our responsibility to contribute to sustainable food systems worldwide. That is why we continue to engage with local growers and other partners in the food chain.
Rijk Zwaan is involved in various public-private partnerships (PPPs) as a knowledge partner. In Ivory Coast, for example, we work together with partners and local organisations to train students and young vegetable growers. The HortIvoire project provides them with better inputs and sustainable agronomic practices to increase their yield, income and economic position. It also stimulates the availability of local fresh produce and vegetable consumption.
Boosting vegetable consumption Peru
Aprodes supports families in crop production and healthy eating. As a result, more and more families have created their own vegetable garden, and there has been a strong improvement in the local diet. Aprodes is active in the south east of Peru. Rijk Zwaan supplies vegetable seeds and shares its technical expertise.
Fresh vegetables at high altitude
The Kusimayo Foundation offers help to the local population in some of Peru’s poorest areas, such as by building heated accommodation and setting up small-scale greenhouses. It also fosters knowledge sharing about healthy eating and hygiene. Vegetable breeding company Rijk Zwaan has been supporting Kusimayo since 2017.