Seed Valley has launched its future strategy for the next five years called 'Building further together with purpose'. During a meeting at Vonk in Hoorn, the vision was presented, focusing on innovation, talent development and cooperation to make the global seed breeding and seed technology sector stronger, more sustainable and future-proof.
Board members and program manager Seed Valley during the meeting, from left to right: Jan Willem Griep (Syngenta), Rick van Zoeren (Bayer), Allison Thomas (Enza Zaden), Pieter Gabriëls (Bejo), Delia Bakker, Han Botterhuis (Incotec) and Jeroen de Haas.
Vision and mission as guiding principles
Seed Valley strives for a world where healthy food and a colorful environment, from seeds and plants, are accessible to all. As a key driver of our economy and sustainable health, Seed Valley offers future prospects by giving talents access to impactful careers. In doing so, they can actively contribute to realizing a healthy and colorful world. This vision forms the basis for the future strategy and directs the ambitions of the coming years.
More focus through new program lines
At the heart of the new strategy are three program lines that strengthen the sector by bringing together development, collaboration, and impact:
- Spark & Create: focuses on inspiring new talent and increasing the sector's visibility. With events, creative campaigns and catchy content, people will discover the sector's impact and opportunities.
- Experience & Skills: offers talents concrete opportunities to develop through internships, learning opportunities, and practical experience. By intensifying cooperation with educational institutions, Seed Valley aims to build a bridge between learning and working.
- Connect & Collaborate: stimulates cooperation between companies, educational institutions, and other stakeholders, which is the foundation of Seed Valley's success. This line strengthens engagement and activates partners as ambassadors for the sector.
Collaboration with education and flexible forms of work
Seed Valley sees educational institutions as a key partner in reaching young talent. With more than 400 vacancies and internships per year, the organization offers plenty of opportunities, both regionally and (inter)nationally. Seed Valley is also introducing new working forms, such as project groups that will be formed with different members' expertise to increase flexibility and involvement. "This will make Seed Valley not only dynamic, but also attractive to new generations," says board member Allison Thomas.
Innovation in a changing world
The future strategy emphasizes that innovation and sustainability are the backbone of Seed Valley. Developing disease-resistant crops, solutions to climate change, and technologies for more sustainable food production are just a few examples. "Challenges such as climate change require continuous innovation," says Jeroen de Haas, chairman of the board. "Here we need talents from different disciplines, with ICT and supply chain as examples, which are also an important link in our growth."
Focus on the next generation: 'Plant the future'
With its slogan 'Plant the future', Seed Valley emphasizes connecting with the next generation of talent. The organization wants to inspire schoolchildren, students, and lateral entrants through the many meaningful career opportunities offered by the seed sector. "It is essential that these target groups know who we are, what we do, and how to find us," explains program manager Delia Bakker. "In Seed Valley, you can really start making a difference for a sustainable and colorful world."
Ready for the future
The Seed Valley partnership was created more than 15 years ago when seed breeding companies expected problems attracting sufficiently qualified employees. Annually, there are some 400 vacancies at these companies in North Holland. Under the banner of Seed Valley, future employees are enthused to choose an education and a career in the seed industry.
With this future strategy, Seed Valley continues to build a resilient and progressive organization. This not only keeps it prepared for tomorrow's challenges but also delivers a lasting impact on a sustainable and healthy world.
For more information:
Seed Valley
[email protected]
www.seedvalley.nl