Simon Nanne Groot, beloved father, friend, visionary, founder of vegetable seed company East-West Seed and former World Food Prize Laureate, has passed away on July, 6 in Enkhuizen at the age of 90.
A 6th generation seedsman, Simon Groot is seen as a figurehead and pioneer, recognized in the global seed industry and in the world of agriculture for his transformative efforts in lifting millions of smallholder farmers out of poverty in more than 80 countries. By providing them with quality seeds and imparting knowledge on improved cultivation practices, millions of farmers have earned greater incomes, benefiting millions of consumers globally with improved access to nutritious vegetables.
Simon Groot was bestowed the Order of Sikatuna in the Philippines, and he was awarded a royal decoration: Officer of the Order of Orange-Nassau.
With a strong desire to bring quality seeds to tropical regions, Simon Groot set foot in the Philippines in 1982 at the age of 47. Combining his innate understanding of the complexities of plant breeding, hand-in-hand with his background in economics, Simon Groot began working with the Royal Tropical Institute in Amsterdam and Filipino seed trader Benito Domingo to deliver quality seeds to smallholder farmers in Asia. As such Eastern and Western knowledge were combined.
"With the passing of Simon Groot, East-West Seed bids farewell to an extraordinary founder, whose vision and commitment to it has led to long-term impact for millions of people. He will be greatly missed, and his legacy will continue to create a positive impact on farmers in Asia, Africa and Latin America." - JC Filippi, CEO of East-West Seed.
"He was a true pioneer, he went where no seed man dared to go and had the confidence that his knowledge of the seed business and tenacious perseverance would lead to great results. And he did so with social and commercial success - Niels Louwaars, former director Plantum, trade association of breeding and propagation companies in the Netherlands