When Dr. Simon Groot and Piet Mazereeuw founded Yayasan Bina Tani Sejahtera (YBTS) in 2009, they recognized that Indonesia’s farmers needed more than just high-quality seeds; they also required comprehensive knowledge of good agricultural practices. The founders did not anticipate the scale of impact YBTS would have—as YBTS was celebrating 15 years in 2024—eventually reaching a vast number of farmers across Indonesia.

We as the Board of Trustees are immensely proud of YBTS’s achievements. Supported robustly by PT. East West Seed Indonesia (EWINDO) and in close collaboration with our sponsors, YBTS has significantly improved the livelihoods of farmers and provided their communities with access to nutritious, affordable vegetables.

We really appreciate what YBTS has done. We have seen the team’s hard work during field visits. YBTS is special because it makes sure that farmers always have access to the high-quality seeds and have high potential to success when the farmers combine with good and sustainable farm practices. Mahatma Gandhi once said that forgetting how to farm is like forgetting ourselves. YBTS makes sure every day that people remember how to farm, grow crops and feed their families. And more and more it supports farmers in selecting sustainable solutions to reduce water, plastics and pesticide usage.

Over the last 15 years, YBTS has made significant contributions to numerous farmers in Indonesia, fulfilling a vital part of their mission to help feed the world. A very rewarding work. While high quality seeds pose an inherent high yield potential, it is as well that the YBTS team gives guidance in field agronomic practices that truly realize that potential being felt by many farmers.

We congratulate the Yayasan team for their dedication and impactful work, which has profoundly benefited many farmers throughout Indonesia.

Rutger Groot & Jaap Mazereeuw
Board of trustees

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.

Sincerely,

Glenn Pardede
Chairman, Supervisory Board of Yayasan Bina Tani Sejahtera

Yayasan Bina Tani Sejahtera (YBTS) was founded by Simon Groot and Piet Mazereeuw with the aim of bringing quality seed technology to farmers in Indonesia. With support and accompaniment from YBTS, this enables farmers to achieve high yields and income, enhancing the well-being of their families. We have been growing in terms of organization size. With only 4 staff during the first few years, now on the 15th anniversary there are 91 employees. We have already served above 110,000 farmers especially during the last 12 years through knowledge transfer and extension project activities of demo plot, training and field days. In year 2024 itself, YBTS served 10,350 farmers. These significant milestones signify our trajectory in a long-term journey and marathon. We are here for good; we are here to always support farmers. Farmers are being enabled to acquire knowledge and practical skills they need to increase productivity and farm incomes.

The ultimate goals of the foundation’s activities is that farmers earn a good and sustainable income from vegetable cultivation, and their families. There are many success stories of farmers
acquiring practical knowledge and skills, and then experiencing higher income, please visit: www.binatani.or.id. We also spread success stories through YBTS social media channels and the staff also actively shared success stories and technical messages. Interestingly, through engagement & reach on social media channels, YBTS inspired other farmers to learn and apply good practices.

The positive influence of sharing information and knowledge of farming practices through social media channels were very beneficial. YBTS’s success is enabled with gaining support from PT. East West Seed Indonesia (EWINDO) and also seeking support and partnership with our donors. In total, during the last 12 years YBTS had spent accumulative of USD 6.2 millions with a balance and match 50%:50% funding from EWINDO and our sponsors. Our yearly financial reports was audited by public accountant with a fair opinion with regards to how Yayasan records and reports its financial report & information. Finally, YBTS Board of Executives and all staff would like to express their special gratitude PT. East West Seed Indonesia and the Board of Trustees of YBTS for the support and direction.

Thank you and our warm regards,

Edwin S. Saragih
Faisal Reza
Isak Heryawan

Board of Executives