IFDC extends its condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Simon N. Groot, who passed away July 6 in his hometown of Enkhuizen, the Netherlands. Few individuals have reshaped the landscape of global agriculture as profoundly as Groot, a true visionary who empowered millions of smallholder farmers in more than 60 countries.
Through his pioneering work, Groot championed the power of improved vegetable seeds and practical farmer knowledge to lift millions out of poverty, enhance nutrition, and build more resilient rural communities, earning him the prestigious 2019 World Food Prize.
By focusing on locally adapted seed varieties and empowering farmers with hands-on training and market access, Groot laid the groundwork for lasting food security and economic opportunity in some of the world’s most vulnerable regions.
In Nigeria, Groot’s remarkable legacy lives on through the outstanding contributions of East-West Seed and its independent nonprofit organization East-West Seed Knowledge Transfer Foundation (EWS-KT). Under his leadership, both entities have become essential partners in driving horticultural transformation in the country.
Through efforts such as the Dutch-funded HortiNigeria program, implemented in collaboration with IFDC, EWS-KT has brought Groot’s philosophy to life, offering smallholder farmers the tools, techniques, and confidence to grow vegetables not merely for subsistence, but as thriving businesses.
Through demonstration plots and farmer field days in Kano and Kaduna states, thousands of farmers have witnessed firsthand the impact of high-quality seeds, biological innovations, and modern agronomic practices on their yields and incomes.
Groot’s work was rooted in a profound understanding of farmers’ needs, and he dedicated his life to ensuring that quality seeds and knowledge reached those who needed them most.
EWS-KT’s hands-on approach, from training farmers on improved cultivation methods to strengthening local vegetable value chains, has created ripples far beyond individual farms. It has fortified communities, boosted local economies, and enhanced food security across the country. By helping farmers adopt market-driven and sustainable production, the foundation is laying the groundwork for a horticulture sector that is both inclusive and resilient.
All of this stands to show Groot’s unwavering belief that true agricultural change starts with the smallholder, equipped with the right seeds and knowledge. His life’s work has unlocked pathways for farmers to become stewards of healthier soils, stronger families, and brighter futures.
IFDC is grateful for Groot’s vision and the example he set for all who are working to create a more food-secure world. As we reflect on the remarkable progress in Nigeria’s horticulture sector, we honor the memory of Simon Groot, whose dedication continues to inspire and whose seeds of innovation will nourish generations to come.
