Simon Groot, alumnus of Erasmus School of Economics and founder of vegetable seed company East-West Seed and former World Food Prize Laureate, has passed away on 6 July, at the age of 90.
Figurehead in the global seed industry
Groot graduated in the spring of 1956, from what was then still called the Nederlandse Economische Hogeschool, the predecessor of Erasmus School of Economics and Erasmus University Rotterdam. He was seen as a figurehead and pioneer, recognised 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.
Highest honour in the field of food and agriculture
In 2019, at the age of 84, Simon Groot was the first Dutchman to be awarded the prestigious World Food prize, also known as the “Nobel prize for food”, for his transformative role in empowering millions of smallholder farmers in Southeast Asia. The outstanding achievements of his company East-West Seed allowed hundreds of millions of consumers greater access to nutritious vegetables.
Our condolences go out to his family and loved ones.
