On 27 November 2025, Lertphan Farm in Chiang Mai, Thailand, blossomed with energy and curiosity as East-West Seed welcomed more than 300 visitors to the facilities of its research arm Hortigenetics Research Southeast Asia. 

The R&D Open House 2025 brought together students, educators, business partners, and government representatives, all united by a shared belief in the future of agriculture and the people who will lead it.

Opening Minds and Opening Doors

At a time when fewer young people see agriculture as a promising path, the Open House created a space where students could experience modern farming, innovation, purpose, and opportunity. For business partners, it was a chance to see how scientific progress connects directly to farmer success and market growth.

The demo field featured more than 40 crop varieties bred for yield, resilience, market quality, and local growing conditions. Visitors observed how each variety responds to farmer needs and consumer preferences, and how research is used to reduce production risks and improve farm income.

Through interactive learning stations, East-West Seed’s global team of breeders, scientists, agronomists, and specialists translated complex science into simple, practical concepts. Visitors learned:

• How to protect plant health and strengthen disease resistance
• How research and data help farmers grow more confidently
• How varieties are developed through science, care, and experimentation
• How knowledge is shared with farming communities to support long-term success

Our global team’s diverse experiences across climates, crops, and markets created a rich learning environment that connected global insight with local needs.

A Day of Connection and Shared Purpose

Throughout the event, one message stood firm: Agriculture is full of possibilities. Visitors left with new insights into how science, learning, and collaboration can shape the future of farming.

Here’s what two guests shared about their experience:

For the students, the visit provided a clear and tangible understanding of the theories they learn in class. They were able to see the entire process—from molecular-level techniques to the development of new plant varieties—allowing them to connect academic concepts with real-world applications. This experience also inspired them to further explore genetics and biotechnology with greater interest and confidence.

Overall, the event opened new perspectives for the students, strengthened collaboration between industry and academia, and highlighted the capability of Thailand’s private sector in driving the advancement of modern, sustainable agriculture.

• Dr. Chalermsri Nontaswatsri, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Agricultural Production, Program in Ornamental Horticulture, Maejo University

Students from Maejo University

‘The visit to the R&D Open House of Hortigenetics Research Southeast Asia clearly demonstrated Thailand’s growing strength in agricultural technology and innovation. The company’s use of modern plant-breeding technologies—tailored to different cultivation zones—helps increase productivity, enhance disease and climate resilience, and lower production costs. This not only supports more stable incomes for farmers, but also elevates the country’s overall competitiveness as we move from traditional agriculture toward a more advanced and sustainable model.

Equally important is the collaboration among private companies, researchers, academic institutions, and farmers. Such cooperation strengthens our innovation ecosystem, creates a platform for knowledge exchange, and nurtures high-quality talent in genetics and biotechnology. At the same time, investors and entrepreneurs benefit from BOI’s support through various investment opportunities and incentives. Together, these factors will play a vital role in positioning Thailand as a future hub for tropical seed and plant innovation.’

• Mr. Sathapana Promboon, Director of Board of Investment (BOI) Regional Investment Promotion Center 1 (Chiang Mai), Thailand BOI 

Guests from the Thailand Board of Investment

For East-West Seed, this Open House reflects what we believe in: growing better seeds, growing better knowledge, and developing better futures for farmers and the next generation.

Together, we are planting the seeds of tomorrow, one idea, one conversation, one young mind at a time.