Piloting protected cultivation of tropical vegetable seeds Applicant East-West International B.V. with its base in the Netherlands has several seed production daughter companies worldwide. They are active in tropical vegetable breeding and seed production.The local partner PT East West Seed Indonesia is one of these seed producing companies. Indonesia has experienced harsh weather conditions in recent years.In 2010 there was no dry season at all. In other years the pattern of precipitation was highly irregular, both in terms of shortage or abundances. For most seed crops the main production period is the dry season. Traditional seed production takes place in open field and requires hand pollination and flower development under dry conditions.In 2010 the seed production for tomato was reduced with 80% and for hot pepper with almost 40%. Because of the risk related to weather extremes, the project partners aim to introduce protected seed cultivation in its primary production region in East Java. Under protected conditions the production per hectare may be doubled, but more importantly, the seed quality and reliability of produce will be guaranteed.In addition the partners aim to introduce GSPP (Good Seed and Plant Practices) in the seed production for tomato. GSPP certified seed production would allow the company to export (parental and commercial seeds) to Europe, following stringent measure for quality, quarantine and pathogens.Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)GSPP certification will be realised during the project. The farmers will be trained in pest and disease management.Impact•	Employment and working conditionsDuring the project 40 jobs will be created of which 10 on medium-/high-level. Two years after the project 80 employees will be contracted.Wages and benefits will be above average. Overtime, travel allowances, food and medical security will be offered.Further, the company attaches great value to training and education for its personnel.During the actual production of pollen and in peak periods during seed operation, it is expected that the project will need about 50 temporary jobs each year.•	Innovation / Transfer of knowledgeKnowledge with regard to protected seed cultivation is new for Indonesia. Farmers will have to learn how to convert from soil cultivation to substrate cultivation. Substrate cultivation is very uncommon in Indonesia.Further, GSPP is entirely new and will be implemented for the first time in the country.•	Chain effects400 farmers will participate in the project. The company already cooperates with these farmers for the production of seeds. However, as a result of the protected seed cultivation, the farmers will have two growing cycles instead of one cycle each year. Therefore, their income will increase significantly. And because seed production is highly labour intensive many jobs will be provided, for instance for pollinators.For Indonesia improved and secure seed supply is of great importance for food security and self-sufficiency. This project will contribute to improved and secure supply. The purpose of the project is to produce 3,000 kg of hybrid tomato seed, 15,000 kg of hot pepper hybrid seed and 200 kg of GSPP hybrid seed.