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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Marcos confers Order of Sikatuna on Dutch founder of world's biggest seed companies

Marcos confers Order of Sikatuna on Dutch founder of world's biggest seed companies

Published Oct 13, 2023 08:17 am

President Marcos has ​given recognition to the Dutch founder of the world's biggest seed companies​, which originated in the Philippines​, for his contributions in strengthening the country’s relations with the Netherlands.

Through Philippine Ambassador to Netherlands J. Eduardo Malaya, Marcos conferred on Simon Groot, the founder of East-West seed, the Order of Sikatuna, with the Rank of Officer (Maginoo).

​The President cited Groot's "important contributions in broadening and strengthening relations between the Philippines and the Netherlands" and "for his steadfast efforts in promoting Philippines-Netherlands economic cooperation through the creation of opportunities for Filipinos."

Marcos also cited him "for his outstanding contributions in the field of agriculture and for dedication in his mission to break the vicious cycle of poverty and help Filipino farmers prosper through diversification into high​ value crops.”

The award was presented by Malaya, on behalf of the President, at the Kalayaan Hall of the Philippine Embassy in The Hague ​on October 3.

In his ​remark, Groot said​ the recognition is very close to ​his
heart ​for hav​ing ​"grown to be a close friend of the Philippines.​"

​"But the​ mission is not done yet. We need to create more opportunities for farmers,​ including the young generation, and develop better seeds​," he added.

​The East-West Seed, under Groot's leadership, had its first​ research and breeding program in the Philippines in 1982​, in partnership with​ Filipino seed trader Benito M. Domingo and with the support of Royal Tropical
Institute in Amsterdam.

​According to the embassy, it started in a 5-hectare farm in Lipa, Batangas​, where​ they produce​d high-yielding varieties of local crops ​that are resistant to​ diseases.

The East-West Seed expanded from the Philippines and Southeast Asia to
India, China, Africa and South America and now has over 3,500 employees
worldwide and with global headquarters in Enkhuizen (The Netherlands) and
Bangkok.

It has 10 seed processing facilities in seven countries and 18
research and development centers in six countries, including three in
the Philippines. The R&D centers in the Philippines are in Bukidnon​; San Juan​, Batangas​; and Lipa​, Batangas), where its first ever experimental farm,
the Hortanova farm, is located​.

Related Tags

Order of Sikatuna j. eduardo malaya President Marcos
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