Seeds of expertise for the vegetable industry of Africa

Applicant East-West is market leader in Tropical Asia for breeding, producing and marketing of vegetable seeds. Partner Rijk Zwaan is a seed company specialized in vegetable varieties and seeds. Local partner Rijk Zwaan Afrisem Ltd is the breeding station for African vegetables, based in Tanzania. Wageningen University Research Applied Plant Research Lelystad is an institute for applied research and vegetable farm extension in The Netherlands. Farmers will be offered vegetable variety seeds that are developed by the breeding partners of the Public Private Partnership. In addition, through the SEVIA Institute of Vegetable Technology (IVT) farmers will get access to practical knowledge, skills and information about vegetable production and marketing, free of charge.

The ultimate aim of this combination of improved genetics and improved technologies is to contribute to increased income, employment generation and improved nutrition. SEVIA aims to reach at least 1,000 sector professionals and 30,000 farmers through practical demonstrations with advanced varieties and other innovations and technologies in Tanzania.