A message from our founder and shareholders

As my wife Daisy and I are sitting in our home in Holland, effectively grounded by the stringent measures taken by our government, our hearts go out to all of you who are working so hard to make sure our farmers will continue to have access to good seeds to help them grow better vegetables that will feed their families and their customers. Certainly, in this time of crisis, it is more vital than ever that people around the world continue to have access to healthy vegetables, and we must do all we can to help them. I know you will, and I am grateful to all of you. 

As shareholders we take a long-term view; together we will sit this out and we will fully support every business in every country, all our staff and all our farmers. This is beyond market share, profit or bonus; what can our company, a vital part in the basic food chain, do to prevent society to go hungry? And what can each of you do to help? Our leadership is taking the right measures based on experience and the limited information that we have available; please help and support them as much as you can, and always think carefully about how we can make things work better even in these difficult times.

In our almost 40 years we have faced many challenges at East-West; challenges that we were always able to overcome because of the perseverance and dedication of our people, and our ability to understand and adapt to the needs of our farmers and the markets where we operate. Not just by continuing to adapt and improve our varieties, but also by adjusting and improving ourselves in a world that is changing all the time. 

Covid-19 is testing our resilience and ability to adapt and adjust to exceptional circumstances. With all the hard work, dedication and positive energy that you all are bringing, I have no doubt that East-West will come out of this crisis even stronger than before and that we have a bright future ahead of us. 

I hope that all of you and your families stay safe and healthy. Thank you for all that you are doing every day for East-West and for our farmers.

Warm regards,

• Simon N. Groot
  
• Honorary Chairman and Founder

Messages from founding shareholders

“The Chung Family wholeheartedly endorses Simon’s message to everyone in the East-West family, and trust that together we - EW - will learn from this challenge and emerge even stronger and wiser than before.”

- Chung Family

"We are thankful to all employees for their hard work, resiliency and determination to overcome this crisis because during times like these, courage and generosity make a difference. We pray that each and everyone together with their families are safe and protected.”

- Domingo Family