Plantum
Plantum brings together over 300 members from across the Dutch seeds and young plants sector, from single breeders to large multinational companies working in ornamentals, vegetables, field crops and young plants. In a dynamic and international environment, Plantum helps its members respond to changing conditions by strengthening collaboration, building international connections and engaging with governments and other stakeholders. At the heart of this work are three interconnected pillars: sustainability, innovation, and market access and phytosanitary systems. Through these areas, Plantum contributes to the further sustainability of agriculture and horticulture, supports the conditions needed for innovation, and works towards practical systems and clear regulations worldwide - with biodiversity increasingly becoming part of these conversations and partnerships across borders.
Meet Ivo Gariboldi - our interviewee
For this blog, we interviewed Ivo Gariboldi, Policy Specialist Genetic Resources at Plantum. A biologist by training, Ivo studied in Leiden, where he also completed his doctoral thesis on plant regeneration: his first step into the sector. His path to Plantum came somewhat by chance, after meeting its previous director during a NGT dialogue session. What has kept the work interesting is the perspective Plantum offers: rather than seeing only one aspect of a company or the sector, his role allows him to see the bigger picture and engage with the different issues shaping the seeds and young plants sector.
Get to know Plantum
What makes the Dutch Seed Sector special, and Plantum’s added value.
Most trade organisations are structured quite similarly, but what makes the difference is the approach and the way of working in countries. The Dutch are direct, and you see that in how easily different stakeholders can find one another and work together. It creates a very flat way of working. The strong origins of plant breeding in the Netherlands have also given the country a strong role in the world and helped build a large seed sector. Plantum itself is one of the bigger trade associations, with around 20 staff, reflecting the large number of companies in the Dutch sector.
Plantum’s contributions to farmer’s livelihoods, food security and nutrition.
Plantum sees itself as a facilitator; it is ultimately its members who make the direct contribution. They provide the improved varieties that farmers need, while Plantum helps make it possible for these companies to reach different markets. A key part of that role is making the bridge between governments and the private sector and creating the conditions for its members to contribute to farmers’ livelihoods, food security and nutrition.
A Milestone we’re proud of
In biodiversity, milestones can sometimes feel smaller. It is a long-lasting and difficult international topic, where progress takes time. But an important step came a year ago, when Plantum helped establish a sounding board in the Netherlands and brought all relevant stakeholders around the same table to work towards a common goal. The group is now in the process of developing a document around these common goals. Bringing everyone relevant together is already an important milestone, particularly when there is still a significant gap between stakeholders in other parts of the world.
Plantum and seed sector development
The role Plantum plays in Seed Sector Development
When talking about Seed Sector Development, Plantum usually looks towards upcoming markets, for example in Africa, as the seed sector in the Netherlands is already well developed. In these markets, overarching organisations such as Plantum and SeedNL are important to help companies to engage in different countries. There are, of course, risks associated with entering new markets. Companies need to make a profit, while at the same time there is a public goal to consider. Plantum and SeedNL work within this balance, helping to create the conditions for safer investments.
What we get from Seed Sector Development
This depends strongly on the market. In countries with few or no seed companies, market access is often the most important aspect. Legislation may not always be aligned with the reality on the ground, making processes such as variety registration very difficult. Knowledge of improved varieties and general agricultural skills can also be limited. In that sense, Seed Sector Development is an important way to improve market access and create the conditions for companies to operate.
Our added value to seed sector development
Plantum brings expertise across many of the areas that breeding companies need to be sustainable and competitive in the future. With a broad team, we can address topics ranging from market access, phytosanitary issues and innovation to biodiversity, plant variety protection and sustainability. Plantum works across these different areas and, particularly when it comes to legislation and the creation of new regulations, advocates for the conditions companies need to operate and develop.
Working with SeedNL and the power of Partnerships
What we need from other partners
Every year brings new surprises. The Dutch seed sector is big in the world, but relatively small as a political actor. International conflicts, changing national priorities and sudden restrictions on international trade mean that the sector needs to adapt quickly. This makes constant dialogue with other stakeholders essential. The sector is also highly invested in R&D, making strong connections with higher education particularly important.
Working with partnerships is important for strengthening seed systems.
In some countries, it can be very difficult for an individual company to knock on the door of the government and start that engagement. This is where partnerships such as SeedNL can make a real difference. That is where the “SeedNL glue” comes in: maintaining strong government contacts, both within the Netherlands and internationally, and helping connect companies with the actors they need to engage with.
The SeedNL approach, tailored to different markets and actors.
Who needs to be part of a partnership depends on the context. Companies differ in size, crop portfolio and capacity to invest, while markets also differ significantly in what they can offer. The SeedNL approach is therefore universal in its principle: bringing relevant stakeholders together to plan and discuss, but tailored in practice. Who needs to be around the table, and what the conversation needs to focus on, depends on the specific country, market and actors involved.