Generations of Growth
Have you ever heard of Simon Groot, Piet Mazereeuw, Nanne Janszoon Groot, Cor Beemsterboer or Jacob Jong? If you're involved in the world of plant breeding or horticulture, these names will probably sound familiar. But if you're new to the sector, you may wonder: who are these people, and why are they so important? Let us take you on a journey through the legacy of Seed Valley and discover how generations of pioneering innovators have contributed to a global success story.
The origin
The West Friesland region (stretching from Enkhuizen to Warmenhuizen) is perhaps one of the world's most surprisingly productive areas when it comes to vegetable and flower seeds. More than half of the vegetables grown worldwide have their origins here, thanks to the many seed companies based in the region.
This success did not happen overnight. The history of seed production, seed trading and plant breeding in North Holland dates back centuries. Its roots lie in Andijk, where Nanne Jansz Groot started trading vegetable seeds around 1800. On his farm, where he grew vegetables for the market, he carefully selected the best plants and harvested their seeds. This method of selection significantly improved seed quality and proved highly successful.
Many followed his example: family members, employees who started their own businesses, and customers who began producing seed themselves, initially throughout West Friesland. They understood that by selecting the best plants and crossbreeding them, both quality and yield could be improved.
This knowledge soon led to the sale of vegetable seeds across the Netherlands and neighbouring countries. Before long, the world became their marketplace. The growing international trade encouraged the establishment of more seed companies, as well as businesses specialising in seed processing, packaging, logistics and other supporting activities. New technologies were developed, and plant breeding became increasingly science-based.
It marked the beginning of what we now know as Seed Valley: a global centre for plant breeding and seed technology.
A tropical challenge
It was in Enkhuizen that Simon Groot laid the foundation for East-West Seed. He is widely regarded as one of the key pioneers of Seed Valley. For more than sixty years, Groot has dedicated himself to improving seed quality, helping growers around the world with his expertise in developing vegetable seeds for tropical climates.
"The Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, South America, and now Africa – I've worked my way through them, one country at a time," says Groot, who received the World Food Prize in 2019, often referred to as the Nobel Prize for Agriculture.
Groot's mission was simple: improve seed quality and, in doing so, improve food production around the world. And that is exactly what he has achieved.
Technology and know-how
It all started with a simple truth: better seeds are the foundation of good, healthy food. Growers in the region discovered that by crossbreeding, pollinating and selecting the best plants, they could significantly increase yields. This knowledge soon led to the sale of vegetable seeds throughout the Netherlands and the establishment of more seed companies.
What makes Seed Valley so unique is its combination of centuries-old knowledge and modern technology. Today, the Valley is a global leader in the production of vegetable and flower seeds, with a continuous focus on innovation and sustainability.
A global leader in seeds
Seed Valley's strength lies in the unique combination of traditional expertise and cutting-edge technology. Today, the Valley is a world leader in the production of vegetable and flower seeds. The region produces seeds for global markets while maintaining a strong focus on innovation and sustainability.
People: the driving force behind success
But the strength of Seed Valley is not only found in its technology or its history. It is the people who make the difference.
The entrepreneurial spirit of people like Piet Mazereeuw has been essential to the 85-year success story of Enza Zaden.
"Our success comes from the right people working together, both within the company and with our customers and growers," says Mazereeuw.
His passion for plants, combined with technical expertise, has paved the way for groundbreaking breeding methods. Mazereeuw's extensive knowledge and love for plants are evident in everything he does.
"My heroes? Darwin, for his theory of evolution, and Mendel, the father of genetic inheritance," he says.
Since the 1960s, he has developed some of the world's most successful vegetable varieties, and his passion for breeding seeds remains as strong as ever.
Around Warmenhuizen, Cor Beemsterboer and Jacob Jong started their seed company more than 100 years ago, initially focusing on cauliflower and cabbage. They began as seed traders, but soon expanded into plant breeding, and their businesses flourished. In 1978, they joined forces under the name Bejo. Today, the company operates worldwide and has expanded far beyond cabbage to include crops such as onions, beets and carrots.
Generations of innovation
The history of Seed Valley is one of pioneering spirit and continuous innovation. It begins with visionaries such as Nanne Janszoon Groot, Simon Groot, Piet Mazereeuw, Cor Beemsterboer and Jacob Jong, but it continues with the new generations of breeders, scientists and entrepreneurs who are shaping the future of plant breeding today.
Companies in Seed Valley continue to raise the bar, with innovations in seed technology and sustainability initiatives helping to shape the future of global horticulture. By focusing on better seed quality, climate resilience and higher yields, we continue to play an important role in tomorrow's food supply.
Grounded and rooted
The history of Seed Valley is a fascinating story of generations of breeding and innovation. From the early pioneers to the modern companies that call this region home today, a passion for plant breeding has always been the foundation on which this sector is built.
It is a story of people, vision and a deep connection to the land. Grounded and rooted defines the legacy of Seed Valley. And this journey of growth, which began with the work of a single tiny seed, will undoubtedly continue for many generations to come.