East-West Seed launches scholarship for 35th anniversary
The Simon Groot Scholarship will support farmers' children that study agriculture related subjects
Named the "Simon Groot Scholarship Program for Agriculture", the program will provide an opportunity for 35 students - sons and daughters of farmers - to pursue an agriculture degree in public agriculture colleges and universities.
“Agricultural education is one of the most powerful investments we can make for the future,” says Simon Groot, founder of East-West Seed. "We must encourage farmers' children to carry on the their parents' legacy by equipping them with scientific and practical knowledge to turn farming into a thriving business and a sustainable source of livelihood for their communities."
The scholarship program will be offered in 12 countries where the company is most active: Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Nigeria, and Guatemala.
In these countries, agriculture is the main source of income for majority of the population. However, the number of students pursuing agriculture programs at the higher education level has been dwindling in recent years.
To inspire the youth to study agriculture, East-West Seed will provide four years of scholarship as well as tuition and allowance.
“We believe that encouraging agricultural study lays the foundation for the future of food production. We see this scholarship program as continuation of our commitment to smallholder farmers and helping them improve their livelihood and that of their children,” says CEO Bert van der Feltz.
For more information:
East-West Seed
No. 50/1 Moo 2, Sainoi-Bang Bua
Thong Rd, Amphur Sainoi, Nonthaburi
11150, THAILAND
T: +66 (02) 831 7700
F: +66 (02) 923 7794
inter@eastwestseed.com
www.eastwestseed.com