b'Martin van der Voort inspecting a field of borecole.healthy food supply from plant varieties with improved characteris- North America and North Asia. This means that there is a lot of tics. And with a growing demand for plant-based diets, we feel thatroom for growth in the development of professional vegetable cul-plant varieties developed using the latest breeding methods shouldtivation, still in Europe, North America and North Asia but also not be subject to any additional regulations if they could have beensignificantly in other parts of the world.produced through classic breeding methods or spontaneous mutation. Under UN Sustainable Development Goal no. 2, Zero Within the Euroseeds Section Vegetables and Ornamentals,Hunger, part of the aim is that all people have regular access to we have worked hard on all of these issues, and made big strides tosafe, nutritious and sufficient food. Bejo strongly supports the aim give this attention, which I hope is understood and acknowledged.that enough healthy food is produced. And this creates possibilities The vegetable seeds sector is a very valuable and important sectorfor both larger farmers/growers, as well as small-holder farms, to to Europe and to the world and is worth giving adequate attentionexplore and expand into vegetable production and at the same time to remain viable.earn a fair income.Our company, together with other colleagues of the European SWE: WHATS YOUR TAKE ON THE FUTURE OF THE VEG- vegetable seed sector, has the expertise and experience to greatly ETABLE SEED INDUSTRY? ARE WE GOING IN THE RIGHTcontribute to the growing demand, if Europe remains flexible DIRECTION? enough to do so. MVDV: It is safe to say that vegetables are and will remain an important source for nutritious diets all over the world. AwarenessSWE: YOU WILL SOON BE RETIRING. WHAT ARE YOUR of the health aspect of vegetables is increasing, and we even observeOWN PERSONAL PLANS FOR THE NEXT PHASE?a tendency to more vegetarian and vegan diets. MVDV: I believe that one of the great things about retirement is We see that in emerging markets the retail side is booming,that you can really "re-set" yourself and make room for new learn-and this requires high quality vegetables with a good shelf life andings and experiences. So, after stepping down this spring I want to a stable and secure supply. Vegetable seed breeders are contributingtake my time to go through this process and curiously look forward a lot to these requirements. to what will cross my path. But one thing I know for sure, this At the moment the global seed market is estimated at some- beautiful and meaningful sector has caught me forever and I will where between $55 and $60 billion USD and about 12% of this isfollow all future developments closely and of course hope to meet for vegetable seeds for the professional market, mainly in Europe,occasionally many of the friends and colleagues I worked with. 12ISEED WORLD EUROPEISEEDWORLD.COM/EUROPE | MAY 2025'