East-West Seed

RANK28

In the face of climate change and a growing global population, the world’s smallholder farmers—the estimated 2 billion people whose livelihoods depend on farming two hectares or less—are vital to future food security. Thailand-based East-West Seed has served those farmers since 1982, reaching nearly 20 million to date, and according to the Bill and Melinda Gates–backed Access to Seed Index, it serves them best. The company, which has operations in Asia, Africa, and Latin America earns high marks for its local seed breeding efforts and the training it provides its customers. The company has been instrumental in developing a seed sector in Myanmar, where farmers were long underserved because of political strife and international sanctions. Last year, East-West Seed founder Simon Groot was awarded the World Food Prize for his life’s work.