In ten years' time the cooperation Seed Valley developed from a sector initiative to a strong brand name for the seed industry in the Dutch province of North Holland. The Netherlands are the front runner in the development of vegetable and flower varieties. The knowledge center of these activities is in Seed Valley.
Seed Valley is a cooperation of forty companies in the seed industry. The cooperation was founded 10 years ago when breeding companies had trouble finding adequate personnel. The study Plant Science at the University of Wageningen had only four applications. That was the turning point. The companies joined forces to establish a program in the field of labor market image and cooperation with educational institutions.
Now, 10 years later, Seed Valley is working intensively with educational institutions and it has the interest of administrators and policy makers. State Secretary of Economic Affairs and Climate, Mona Keijzer, during the anniversary evening: "For me, Seed Valley is the seed paradise. It is the garden of Eden for young people who want to work with a combination of nature and new techniques."
Growing network
The network and the companies keep on growing. The joint companies have more than 3500 employees together. Every year, 300 vacancies are open on different levels and in different fields. The new generation wants to work on improving the world and leaving a sustainable footprint. The plant breeding sector offers plenty of chances for that.
For more information:
Seed Valley
www.seedvalley.nl