Social responsibility

Social responsibility

In collaboration with local organisations, Rijk Zwaan carries out structural development projects in various parts of the world. This is how Rijk Zwaan wants to contribute to a better existence for farmers in third-world countries and a more independent and sustainable form of agriculture and horticulture.

Aprodes Foundation
Aprodes was founded in 1997 and from the outset it has been dedicated to developing sustainable agriculture and horticulture in, among others, the Chanchamayo region in Peru. Since 2006 a glasshouse has been used for growing peppers as a way of teaching local people and encouraging them to start a similar project themselves. It also provides them with money to support other projects and so become less dependent on sponsors.

FUDI-.Utz Samaj Foundation- Guatemala
Rijk Zwaan supports a horticultural school in Chimaltenango, where local growers can attend courses in vegetable growing, marketing and organisation. With support from Rijk Zwaan the school also provides technical assistance for the growers.

Samrong Children Farm – Cambodia
In Cambodia Rijk Zwaan supports an orphanage in setting up a vegetable garden. In a small greenhouse children can learn here how to grow vegetables. The vegetables that are produced are consumed by the children and any surplus is sold at the local market, thus providing some income for the orphanage.