Simon Nanne Groot 1934–2025
It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of our beloved founder, Simon N. Groot.
Simon passed away on 6 July 2025 at the age of 90, leaving behind a legacy that has transformed the lives of millions of smallholder farmers around the world. His passion and unwavering commitment to empowering farmers through access to quality vegetable seeds laid the foundation for tropical seed company East-West Seed and continues to guide the company’s direction.
Simon deeply believed that access to seeds must be accompanied by access to knowledge. This led to the establishment of East-West Seed Knowledge Transfer Foundation, which shares sustainable agricultural practices with farmers in underresourced areas. His vision for farmer training, demonstration plots, and hands-on technical support has since improved the livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of smallholder farmers across Asia and Africa.
A 6th-generation seedsman, Simon is recognized around the world for his role in lifting millions of smallholder farmers out of poverty and benefiting millions of consumers with better access to nutritious vegetables. In honor of his life’s work, Simon was awarded the World Food Prize in 2019.
- Visit the online memorial site to see tributes to Simon and share your own.
- Read about Simon’s pumpkin legacy.
Selected Media Coverage
- Devex: Seed Pioneer Simon Groot Leaves Legacy of Farmer-Focused Innovation
- Economist: Simon Groot Scattered Better Plant Seeds Across the World
- Global Agriculture: Remembering World Food Prize Laureate Simon Groot: A Seedsman Who Transformed Lives Through Innovation and Humility
- Hortidaily: A Stubborn Visionary Who Provided Millions of Growers with a Better Livelihood
- IFDC: Honoring Simon N. Groot, a Visionary Who Transformed Vegetable Farming in Nigeria
- Seed World: In Memoriam – Dr. Simon N. Groot
