East-West Seed recognizes the impact of climate change on agriculture, resulting in lower crop productivity and income. We address these challenges by developing stress-tolerant and nutraceutical-rich plant varieties, such as:
- Increased lycopene in tomatoes
- Anthocyanin in purple corn
- Charantin in bitter gourd
We also train farmers in climate-smart practices and encourage crop diversification to reduce water use.
Additionally, we promote the essential role of vegetables in a healthy diet to combat micronutrient deficiencies, especially among children and vulnerable groups. Our initiatives include:
- Multi-stakeholder partnerships to boost vegetable consumption
- School vegetable gardens
- Community cooking contests
- Collaborations with celebrity chefs
In the Philippines, we partner with the Food and Nutrition Research Institute to raise awareness about vegetable consumption through community gardens, surveys, and training programs. In Indonesia and Thailand, we support school lunch programs to enhance children’s nutrition.