Seed Valley: 15 years of growth
From sector initiative to a strong brand for the seed industry
In fifteen years, the collaboration platform Seed Valley has developed from a sector initiative into a strong brand name for the seed industry in North Holland. The Netherlands is a global leader in the development of vegetable and flower varieties, with the knowledge centre for these activities located in Seed Valley.
The beginning
Seed Valley was founded in 2008 when breeding companies faced challenges attracting suitable employees. At that time, only four students enrolled in the Plant Sciences programme at Wageningen University. This became the turning point.
Seed companies joined forces to collaborate on employer branding, recruitment, labour market communication, and partnerships with educational institutions.
Collaboration with education
Seed Valley works closely with dozens of educational institutions across secondary education, vocational education (MBO), universities of applied sciences (HBO), and research universities (WO).
Every year, Seed Valley participates in career fairs and organises company visits, guest lectures, and workshops to inform and inspire students about the opportunities within the seed industry.
One of these initiatives is Seed Valley Talks. Specialists from the sector give short presentations to HBO and WO students about topics related to the industry. These talks are shared through online channels and used as educational material.
Anniversary celebrations
To celebrate the anniversary, additional activities were organised this year. For example, students at career fairs received fresh vegetable juices made from crops grown from Seed Valley seeds.
Employees of seed companies were treated to a delicious ice cream as a thank-you for their contribution to the sector.
On Thursday 9 November, members celebrated Seed Valley’s 15th anniversary during a special anniversary event at Drom. Recruitment strategist Arjan Elbers inspired attendees with his vision on how the sector can work together to stand out in today’s competitive labour market.
Hidde Boersma and Joris Lohman shared insights on why ecologists and technologists should not stand opposite each other, but instead collaborate to make food production more sustainable.
A growing network
Over fifteen years, the Seed Valley network has grown from 5 to more than 35 affiliated companies, together employing over 3,500 people.
Through the Seed Valley website and social media channels, the recruitment efforts of these companies are supported. Every year, around 370 vacancies are available across different levels and fields of expertise.
The new generation wants to contribute to a better world and create a sustainable impact. The plant breeding sector offers plenty of challenges and opportunities to make that happen.