When my father, Dr. Simon Groot, and Piet Mazereeuw decided to set up the Yayasan Bina Tani Sejahtera (YBTS), they saw that Indonesia’s smallholder farmers did not only need quality seeds, but they also require more knowledge on farming techniques. They did not realize such a solid organization would be reaching out to so many farmers across Indonesia.

And I can say and precise, Simon is immensely proud of YBTS. With a solid support with PT. East West Seed Indonesia (EWINDO) and close collaboration with East-West Seed Knowledge Transfer, YBTS is managing to bring better livelihood to the farmers and affordable nutritional vegetables to their communities.

East-West Seed Knowledge Transfer community valued the contribution of YBTS immensely; and that’s the hard work of YBTS team I witnessed myself during the field trips.

YBTS work is so distinctive because a solid work with EWINDO’s secured and high-quality seeds will always be available for farmers who trained by us.

The great Mahatma Gandhi once said, “to forget how to dig the earth and to tend the soil, is to forget ourselves.” We, at YBTS, ensure everyday again that people remember how to work the lands, growth crops, and feed the loved ones.

I want to congratulate all YBTS team of all achievements.

During these 15 years, many huge impacts for many-many growers in Indonesia, which is very rewardful and very important work. It’s a part of our mission: breeding to feed the world.

Of course, we can supply the genetics with all the potential in the seeds, but what make it work is also to create and realize this potential in the field with agronomical practices.

YBTS is doing a great job in helping the growers, to really capture the values we put in through Research & Development.

I would like to congratulate YBTS team for the great work and huge impact you make for many-many growers in Indonesia.

In 2024, Yayasan Bina Tani Sejahtera (YBTS) stood strong in its mission—helping farmers, especially young farmers and women, build a better future through vegetable farming. Farming is not easy. It takes hard work, knowledge, and adaptability to succeed. Through knowledge transfer, training and support, YBTS helps farmers increase their income, improve their skills, and build confidence in their work. We believe that with the right support, farmers can overcome challenges and grow stronger.

I appreciate the hard work of the management, leaders, officers, and field team of YBTS who make this mission a reality. This progress is only possible because of the YBTS team dedication, the trust of our partners, and—most importantly—the farmers who never give up. Their resilience inspires us to keep pushing forward.

As we enter the new year of 2025, we remain committed to creating a stronger, more independent, and thriving farming community. This year’s theme, Tangguh (resilient), reflects the spirit of the farmers we support. Through the strong partnership between East-West Seed Indonesia (EWINDO) and YBTS, we ensure that knowledge reaches those who need it most—helping farmers adapt, innovate, and build a sustainable future. Because when we share
knowledge, we grow together.

Yayasan Bina Tani Sejahtera (YBTS) was founded by Simon Groot and Piet Mazereeuw with a strong vision: to bring high quality seed to farmers in Indonesia. Through consistent support, guidance, and resilience in overcoming challenges, YBTS enables farmers to achieve high yields and better income—contributing directly to the well-being of their families.

Over the past 15 years, YBTS has grown not just in numbers, but in impact and resilience. What began with only four staff members has now developed into a dedicated team of 91. In the last 15 years, we have reached over 110,000 farmers through knowledge transfer activities such as demonstration plots, training, and field days. In 2024 alone, we supported 10,350 farmers.

These milestones are not just achievements—they are markers in our ongoing journey. This is a marathon, not a sprint. We are here for good; we are here to always support farmers.

At the heart of YBTS’s mission is a clear and enduring goal: to ensure farmers earn a good and sustainable income from vegetable cultivation—so they can improve the welfare of their families. There are countless inspiring stories of farmers who have gained practical knowledge and skills and gone on to experience higher incomes and better livelihoods.

These stories are documented and shared on our website at www.binatani.or.id, as well as actively spread through our social media channels. Our staff also continuously contribute by sharing success stories and technical messages. Interestingly, the reach and engagement on our digital platforms have proven to be more than just communication tools—they are catalysts for change. Many other farmers have been inspired to learn and adopt good agricultural practices as a result. The positive impact of information-sharing through social media has been both visible and significant.

YBTS is committed to continuing this journey with integrity, passion, resilience, and purpose—ensuring that more farmers across Indonesia are empowered to grow, thrive, and build a better future.

Yayasan Bina Tani Sejahtera (YBTS) has been making a lasting impact for 15 years. Fifteen years is not a short time—it marks a pivotal phase where we begin to take off and step into the next level. Over this period, YBTS has consistently demonstrated stronger project quality, and I am confident that we are firmly on the right track.

YBTS’s continued success in gaining support from PT East West Seed Indonesia (EWINDO) and securing partnerships and projects with various donors is a clear indicator of the trust, credibility, and high-quality work delivered by the team. This success is not born out of chance—it’s the result of thorough preparation, high professionalism, and a dedication to excellence.

With ongoing growth and a solid foundation, I am confident that the team at YBTS will remain motivated, proud, and fulfilled in their mission. At EWINDO, we believe in nurturing “happy and grateful employees”, and I hope this spirit continues to grow and resonate across the YBTS team.

Let us carry this energy forward. With that, I warmly invite YBTS to embrace this moment of growth and go to the next level!

The growth and success of YBTS over the past 15 years have been built on a foundation of strong financial transparency, accountability, and strategic management of resources.

One of the key drivers of our sustainability has been the long-standing support by PT East West Seed Indonesia (EWINDO), paired with trusted collaborations with donors. Over the last 15 years, YBTS has managed a total of USD 6.2 million in funding. This was made possible through a balanced co-funding structure—50% from EWINDO and 50% from donors.

Each year, our financial statements are thoroughly audited by certified public accountants, consistently receiving unqualified opinions. This reflects our ongoing commitment to managing funds responsibly and transparently, in full accordance with accepted financial reporting standards. It also highlights the confidence placed in YBTS as a reliable partner.

Financial stewardship for us is not merely about compliance, but a crucial means to empower our mission. Through careful financial planning and accountability, every resource is transformed into valuable support for the farmers we serve.

With sound governance, responsible management, and a dedicated team, I am confident that YBTS is well-positioned to expand its role in advancing agricultural transformation across Indonesia.