Public-private partnerships
Rijk Zwaan is involved in various public-private partnerships (PPPs) as a knowledge partner.
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.
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.
Some of our projects
A joint approach is essential
The World Vegetable Center is striving to tackle poverty and malnutrition in developing countries. How? By boosting the production and consumption of nutritious vegetables in those countries. Arun Joshi, Managing Director of Rijk Zwaan India, explains why Rijk Zwaan is a partner within this project.
Consortium to train Senegalese farmers in sustainable vegetable production
The new Training & Demonstration Centre HortiSenegal project kicked off in Kirene, Senegal, on 9 March. In this initiative by vegetable breeding company Rijk Zwaan and co-funded by the Dutch government, a consortium of companies will provide training to local farmers. The goal is not only to increase the cultivation of fresh and food-safe vegetables in Senegal, but also to generate a better income for growers.
The shift towards organic growing in Senegal
Vegetable growers in Senegal, West Africa, are becoming increasingly sustainable. Some growers have even switched entirely to organic production. “We are doing this for our children’s health. Vegetables grown without pesticides can be eaten straight after harvesting,” according to four female members of the Groupement d’Intérêt Économique (Economic Interest Group/GIE) Book Xalat in Keur Matar. In Manko Pout, which is 60 kilometres from Dakar, Tsai Dieye grows vegetables on 100 hectares. She is also aiming to go 100% organic because she wants to regenerate her land, plus she believes it is ultimately better for plant health.
Empowering farmers in Benin by increasing their yield and income
In Africa, there is rising demand for fresh and nutritious vegetables. Therefore, we are collaborating with Holland Greentech and local partners to further professionalize the fruit and vegetable value chain, and that starts with empowering farmers. This has resulted in an extensive training programme for farmers in many African countries, as this story from Benin illustrates.
Building independent fresh vegetable chains in Africa
Various countries in Asia, Africa and South America are experiencing rapid population growth combined with mass migration from the countryside to urban areas. There is a growing demand for food – which is preferably also healthy, affordable, safe and sustainably produced. Due to urbanisation – and hence greater distances between the growers and the consumers – smooth-running food supply chains are increasingly important. Holland Greentech supports growers in eastern, western and southern Africa with technical advice and supply chain partnerships to ensure that consumers in cities have access to fresh and tasty vegetables.
Focus on more than just the seeds
Seeds of Expertise for the Vegetable Industry of Africa, that is what SEVIA literally means. Elijah Mwashayenyi is Managing Director of this project in Tanzania, in which Rijk Zwaan is one of the partners. Elijah, who has been involved in SEVIA right from the start in 2014, explains the project goals.