Dr Mary Kanokwan Chodchoey told the centennial World Seed Congress that certified seeds were crucial for adding value to farmers and consumers

At the centennial World Seed Congress, which took place in Rotterdam recently, East-West Seed highlighted the significant impact of certified vegetable seeds on agricultural productivity.

Generic vegetable seeds growing Adobe Stock

Image: Adobe Stock

In an interview with Kass Media Group, Dr May Kanokwan Chodchoey, group head of public affairs at East-West Seed, emphasised that certified seeds were crucial for adding value to farmers and consumers by ensuring higher yields, disease resistance, and overall quality assurance.

“Vegetable seeds is a very delicate sector,” she said. “Talking about breeding technology and breeding processes of vegetables, it takes time to discover new traits or how we can add more value for farmers and also for the consumers.”

She highlighted the growing desire for healthy products and emphasised the importance of sustainability, meaning vegetables were playing a vital role in the minds of consumers.

Certified seeds were essential in ensuring higher yields, disease resistance, and overall quality assurance, she noted, and investing in certified seeds not only boosted productivity but also fostered sustainable agricultural practices.

The World Seed Congress attracted nearly 2,000 professionals from more than 80 countries on 27-29 May.

At the event, East-West Seed participated in four panel discussions and presented its mission and vision to 22 international and Dutch journalists during a press tour titled ’The power of seeds in food security’, which East-West Seed co-organised.