Guaranteeing good food on our plates, tomorrow and forever—Inaugurating the newly modernized International Vegetable Genebank 

Genetic diversity is essential to achieving global food and nutrition security. On 31 March 31 2025, WorldVeg celebrated a major milestone, with the grand reopening of its modernized International Vegetable Genebank—one of the world’s most vital repositories for vegetable genetic resources.

Held at its headquarters in Shanhua, Tainan, the inauguration ceremony brought together a distinguished gathering of global and local leaders. Taiwan’s Minister of Agriculture Chen Junne-jih, Global Crop Diversity Trust (Crop Trust) Executive Director Stefan Schmitz, Tainan City Mayor Huang Wei-Cher, and Undersecretary Gugu Shabangu of the Ministry of Agriculture, Kingdom of Eswatini, were joined by representatives from Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, international research institutions, private sector partners, and delegates from South Korea, the Philippines, and Vietnam to commemorate the event. Following the ceremonial ribbon cutting, guests toured the upgraded Genebank facilities and learned about WorldVeg’s expanding work in genetic resource conservation, breeding, and sustainable agriculture.

Opening remarks. Taiwan’s Minister of Agriculture Dr. Chen Junne-jih (top left) and Ambassador Hsiao Jeffrey S.C., Southwestern Taiwan Office, Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (top right).

Bottom: Undersecretary of the Eswatini Ministry of Agriculture, Gugu Shabangu (bottom left) and Global Crop Diversity Trust Executive Director Stefan Schmitz (bottom right).

A global resource reimagined

Following more than five decades of operation, the genebank underwent a transformative upgrade in 2024, made possible by a NT$17 million (US$515,000) grant from Taiwan’s Ministry of Agriculture. This increased the maximum storage capacity to 150,000 seed samples, and improved energy efficiency by 40%, thereby significantly strengthening the long-term preservation of essential vegetable seeds for future generations. The upgraded genebank also includes advanced temperature and humidity control systems, a new seed laboratory, renovated cold storage rooms, and streamlined inventory and distribution systems. These enhancements will allow WorldVeg to conserve vegetable biodiversity more effectively while strengthening its role as a global hub for collaboration in seed conservation, climate-resilient agriculture, and food system innovation.

The modernization of the International Vegetable Genebank aligns with Taiwan’s commitment to global food security and sustainable agriculture,” said Chen Junne-jih. “By preserving and sharing vital vegetable genetic resources, we are empowering future generations with the tools to combat climate change, enhance nutrition, and ensure resilient food systems worldwide.” The genebank currently holds over 55,000 accessions from 155 countries, including 6,000 indigenous African vegetable seed samples at WorldVeg’s Africa Genebank in Tanzania. These resources have supported the development of hundreds of improved vegetable varieties and facilitated more than 700,000 seed distributions to scientists, breeders, and farmers in over 200 countries and territories.

“The International Vegetable Genebank plays a critical role in securing the future of vegetable diversity,” said Stefan Schmitz. “With this modernization, WorldVeg is ensuring that these invaluable genetic resources remain accessible to breeders, scientists, and farmers who rely on them to build climate-resilient and productive food systems.”

Local roots, global Impacts

Tainan has been home to WorldVeg global headquarters for decades, and has played a key role in its continued success. “The newly renovated Genebank is not only a major milestone for the World Vegetable Center but also a cornerstone for global agricultural biodiversity and food security,” said Tainan Mayor Huang Wei-Cher. “Tainan is proud to be home to this world-class institution. We will continue to support the Center’s mission and work together to build a more resilient, innovative, and sustainable future for global agriculture.”

WorldVeg’s impact also extends far beyond Asia. Through the Taiwan–Africa Vegetable Initiative (TAVI), countries like Eswatini have introduced traditional vegetables into school nutrition programs and farmer training, improving diets and livelihoods. “The launch of WorldVeg’s International Genebank marks a significant step forward in our shared commitment to nutrition, climate resilience, and sustainable agriculture,” said Undersecretary Gugu Shabangu from Eswatini. “We are proud to be part of this global effort and remain committed to building a future where vegetable diversity strengthens livelihoods, improves health, and contributes to a more sustainable world.”

Looking ahead

With its modernized genebank in operation, WorldVeg is poised to expand its work in areas such as genome sequencing, trait discovery, and regional seed conservation. By building stronger partnerships with governments, seed banks, and the private sector, the Center strives to make nutritious, climate-resilient vegetables more widely available. “This is more than an infrastructure upgrade,” said Marco Wopereis, WorldVeg Director General. “It’s a strategic investment in global food systems. With strong support from Taiwan and our international partners, we will continue to ensure vegetable diversity benefits the world—today and for generations to come.”

The ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by Taiwan’s Minister of Agriculture, Chen Junne-jih (fourth from right), Crop Trust Executive Director Stefan Schmitz (third from left), Tainan City Mayor Huang Wei-cher (second from left), and Ambassador Hsiao Jeffrey S. Chung, Director of the MOFA Southwestern Taiwan Office (second from right), who jointly witnessed the official inauguration of the upgraded facility.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by Taiwan’s Minister of Agriculture, Chen Junne-jih (fourth from right), Crop Trust Executive Director Stefan Schmitz (third from left), Tainan City Mayor Huang Wei-cher (second from left), and Ambassador Hsiao Jeffrey S. Chung, Director of the MOFA Southwestern Taiwan Office (second from right), who jointly witnessed the official inauguration of the upgraded facility.