Social Sustainability

Germains Seed Technology is committed to conducting our business in an ethical and socially responsible manner. We recognize our responsibility to contribute positively to the local and global communities that support us.

As the world population continues to increase, so does the need for social sustainability. As a subsidiary of the AB Sugar network of businesses across the globe, Germains strives to be in alliance with AB Sugar’s Social Sustainability Values. Global Mind, Local Champions is framed within three pillars of sustainability: economic, social, and environmental. Each of the AB Sugar businesses across the world has a role to play in delivering on the ground.

These three pillars set out the areas where our knowledge and resources enable us to improve continually. They represent the issues that matter most to us, to our stakeholders, and to the communities where we operate. Together, our three pillars give structure, direction, and unity of all our sustainability efforts.

Global:

Seed Programs International

Seed Programs International (SPI) is a non-profit, tax-exempt, non-governmental humanitarian organization. SPI works through other humanitarian organizations, church groups, service clubs, and individual donors to provide quality seed to impoverished communities in developing countries, enabling them to grow some of their own food. In addition to seed, SPI provides critical seed expertise and experience operating seed-based self-help programs.

social sustainability

Charities supported in the UK

The Norfolk Hospice: Tapping House

The Norfolk Hospice: Tapping House offer care, support, and advice to patients, their caregivers, and families through all stages of a life-shortening illness. The Hospice is run by a team of full-time and part-time staff, alongside over 300 volunteers.

social sustainability

Tommy’s: Funding Research Saving Babies’ Lives

Tommy’s is the largest charity funding research into the causes of pregnancy complications. They fund four research centers in the UK that can provide specialist care for women that are at high risk. (Courtesy of Tommys.org)

The British Heart Foundation

The British Heart Foundation’s mission is to win the fight against cardiovascular disease. The BHF has been fighting heart disease for over 50 years, and this work has been central to discoveries of vital treatment in the UK. (Courtesy of the bhf.org.uk)

The Mersea Island Festival

The Mersea Island Festival started in 1981, providing an opportunity for young people and adults with or without a physical or learning disability to “try out new activities, make new friends, challenge themselves (… ) and have loads of fun!” (Courtesy of merseaislandfestival.org.uk)

Charities supported in the Netherlands

Sow to Grow

Sow to Grow is a plant science experience that opened in spring 2018 in Enkhuizen, NL. The experience allows visitors to interact with plant breeding-related activities, demonstrating the importance of plant breeding for our futures.

Charities supported in North America

Ag Against Hunger

Ag Against Hunger partners with local growers, shippers, and processors to help end hunger by channeling fresh, healthy surplus fruits and vegetables to food banks and schools. Ag Against Hunger distributes an average of over 12 million pounds annually to our food bank partners. In addition, they have five programs for collecting and distributing surplus produce locally and throughout the West Coast of California. All of their operations are made possible by grants and generous donations from our community and beyond.

Center for Farmworker Families

In addition to research and education, the Center for Farmworker Families promotes the educational advancement of farmworkers and their family members working in agriculture, as well as family members who are living on their farms of origin in the west-central Mexico countryside. CFF supports projects in both Mexico and California designed to sustainably promote financial and nutritional well-being and independence, examines the federal and state legal structures that govern the lives and well-being of farmworkers, and promotes the changes necessary for improved livelihood and well-being.

In partnership with the California Seed Association, Germains supports the Ginny Patin Scholarship by sponsoring bi-annual industry events. This scholarship program was established to assist outstanding college students in achieving their scholastic goals. This program is designed to interest and encourage young people to enter the seed industry.