East-West Seed promotes consumption of quality vegetables

WHEN data from the National Nutrition Council revealed that one Filipino eats only 40 kilos of vegetables in a year, government officials and advocates quickly moved to make each plate greener and leafier.

The efforts have also reached the legislature with the proposal of House Bill No. 6311 or Luntiang Lunes (literally, Green Monday). The bill specifically targets the youth to make eating veggies a lifestyle.

Molecular biologist and Dr. Custer Deocaris is one of the main proponents of Luntiang Lunes.

Last October 1, Dr. Deocaris, together with other advocates here and overseas, launched World Meatless Monday. Meatless Monday originated in the United States in 2003 with the hope of fighting obesity in the country.

But it is not just about consuming the recommended daily average of vegetables. It is also about eating good quality vegetable varieties.

East-West Seed has been the pioneer in developing and producing a wide variety of vegetable seeds that are customized for the climate of the country they are planted. The company was founded in 1982 by a sixth-generation Dutch seed man Simon Groot.

"Good seeds can change the lives of farmers because they give them better harvests and improved income," said Mary Ann Sayoc, general manager of East West Seed Philippines. "But beyond improving farmers' lives, we also believe we improve consumer welfare because good seeds are the starting point of good quality vegetables for the Filipino household."

East-West's seeds are known for higher yields, better tolerance to disease, longer shelf life, and extended growing seasons. The company has a localized breeding program which considers each country's local farming condition. To assure that the seeds reach their full potential, East-West Seed assists farmers with its technology transfer program. Experts from the company go to different locations to teach farmers how to properly grow and cultivate the seeds.

Its research and development division is tasked to come up with at least five new vegetable varieties in a year. The very first locally developed commercial hybrid seed in the Philippines and the whole of Southeast Asia is the Jade Star ampalaya. At present, East-West Seed has 106 varieties of tropical vegetables with pinakbet veggies and more among them.

The company owes its success to the strong trust given to it by farmers who are loyal to East-West Seed and plant its vegetable varieties every season.

On its 30th anniversary, East-West Seed is giving back by paying tribute to vegetable farmers. They have recently launched the Search for 30 Farmer Heroes and Regional Champs. The chosen vegetable farmers will receive a cash prize, seeds and plaques as recognition.