b'After seven years in Trkiye, he returned to the Netherlands and became responsible for several global breeding programs. Over the years, I had developed a vision of where Enza Zaden could go in the future, he says. In 2010, I expressed inter-est to join the Board of Enza Zaden, which eventually happened in 2011.A Family Business with Global ReachMazereeuws grandfather Jacob started Enza Zaden, then called De Enkhuizer Zaadhandel, which has become a world leader in vegetable breeding. The company has been growing and flour-ishing for three generations, maintaining the same focus and love for the profession as that of the founder.As a family business, we think in generations, not in quarterly figures, Mazereeuw says. Because we are independent, we can steer our own course,Breeder Ambroise Uwiragiye getting assistance of Crop Worker make sustainable choices, respond quickly to developments inRober Laan in selecting cucumbers in a greenhouse in Enkhuizen. the market and continue to invest in innovation and people, hePHOTO: ENZA ZADEN.says. We want everyone to feel part of the family. Under Mazereeuws leadership, Enza Zaden has grown intoThe Netherlands is successful in the seed sector, and this a global powerhouse with 2,900 employees and offices world- is not by chance, Mazereeuw says. After the Second World wide. Despite its size, the company maintains a personal touch War, food security was very important. The Dutch government which he says is a testament to its roots as a family business.invested heavily in education, such as Wageningen University We care about our people, Mazereeuw says. We look outand research institutes. Plant breeders rights were also intro-for each other; we work together, and of course also work-lifeduced. The combination of knowledge, plant material and balance is an important aspect of the well-being of our col- legislation provided a good breeding ground for entrepreneurs leagues on the long term. We really have a long-term focus. to flourish. An ecosystem, including suppliers and customers, emerged and grew into a powerhouse of technology and devel-Bridging the Gap Between Organic and Conventionalopment.Agriculture The choice of Rotterdam as the venue for the ISF Centenary In recent years, Mazereeuw has seen a surge in demand forCongress was strategic. The city represents a blend of history organic seeds.and modern advancements, symbolized by the iconic port of At the same time, we see that conventional crops areRotterdam, a hub of connection and trade. becoming more sustainable, he says. I think conventional cropRotterdam is a perfect location. It is the city where the old production can learn a lot from organics, notably about sustain- traditions meet todays modern progress, Mazereeuw says. able use of the soil. The knowledge that is available about howIn addition, the port of Rotterdam is an important symbol of soil life works and how we can find alternative ways of dealingconnection and trade, which fits perfectly with the seed sectors with challenges such as disease pressure. What organic can learncommitment to the value chains and society. And, of course, from mainstream is how to feed the world on a large scale. Afterwe have also looked very practically. We are expecting a large all, with a growing world population, you need to be ambitiouscongress with many participants, perhaps a record number. The on a large scale. facilities in Rotterdam, both for the congress itself (AHOY) and for the parties, are fantastic.The Dutch Legacy in Seed Innovation Mazereeuw lauds the dedicated team of experts from the ISF The Netherlands, often recognized as one of the largest globaland NOC, supported by Plantum staff, who meticulously planned seed exporters, has cultivated a thriving seed sector, makingthe Congress to ensure a memorable experience for all attend-it an ideal location for Enza Zaden to maintain leadership, andees. With a shared vision and collaborative spirit, they are ready an excellent choice as host country for the ISF World Seedfor another century of achievements and innovations in the seed Congress.industry.SWSEPTEMBER 2024SEEDWORLD.COM /29'