Production of pre-base seeds and hybrid seeds in a closed soil system Note: This project has been cancelled, because Ethiopian authorities did not want to issue the permits to make the greenhouse operational.The goal of the project is to build a greenhouse for the production of 200 kg of pre-base tomato seeds and 1,400 kg of hybrid tomato seeds for export to the Netherlands. For tomato pre-base and hybrid seed production, the moderate climate of Awasa offers the opportunity of growing two cycles per year, which makes an interesting business case. The project is located near Awasa on 4 ha land in the area where the flower activities of the local partner are taking place. The applicant is the owner of the assets of the group companies that are producing flowers in the Netherlands. The local partner is active in horticulture and a 100% subsidiary of the applicant. Together, the partners will set up a joint venture. The project will introduce the production of pre-base and hybrid low determinate tomato seeds applying an innovative closed soil system and tracking & tracing technology. The closed soil system uses much less soil, water, chemicals and fertilizers than traditional methods. Drain water is collected, disinfected and re-used. The closed system is suitable for local tomato farmers as well and potentially increases their yields significantly.Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)They will develop a CSR policy for the joint venture and will anchor their commitment in few certifications, including MPS ABC, SQ and ETI, Silver level of EHPEA Code of Practice. Issues covered will be employment standards, health and safety, gender, non-discrimination, child labour, chain responsibility, environmental management and human rights.Impact•	Employment and working conditionsThere will be intense training on innovative issues, a clinic, health insurance, subsidised meals, and pension.•	Innovation / Transfer of knowledgeThe production of base-seed is new to Ethiopia. This is a highly sensitive production process that is technologically complicated. In addition, the application of the closed system is new for Ethiopia as is the growing of a low determinate tomato variety that needs to be planted in the ground. This in contrast with the high determinate variety that can be planted on substrate. The project will also implement a new certification system, the Good Seed Practice Protocol (GSPP) that is new to Ethiopia and has much higher requirements than for ordinary flowers or other tomato seeds (also high determinate).In addition, small farmers can benefit from the application of this technology as well.•	Chain effectsImpact on local suppliers25 local suppliers will annually provide the project with goods and services, including among others, fertilizers and chemicals, maintenance of cars and equipment, food and beverage, fuel.Impact on local customers or consumersThe project has no impact on this group, as all produce is exported.•	Impact on the sectorThe main impact on other commercial parties is on local farmers that are trained (50) and supported through advice on the spot (15) to use the closed soil system and hybrid tomato seeds.•	EnvironmentAn Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) will be conducted to identify the environmental risks. In addition, the use of the closed soil system in combination with the efficient irrigation system and the tracking & tracing system will reduce the use of soil (only 6% of soil is required), water (40% savings), chemicals and fertilizers. The latter, also, will prevent for contamination of the soil through leaking. The use of greenhouses also reduces the need for pesticides.International and Ethiopian standards regarding environmental management will be implemented.•	Position of women85% of the employees will be female.•	Impact on waterDue to savings in water use, the project will be less of a burden compared to using traditional methods. The goal of the project is to build a greenhouse for the production of 200 kg of pre-base tomato seeds and 1,400 kg of hybrid tomato seeds for export to the Netherlands.