-
Turn knowledge into impact
Social engagement at KWS
KWS contributes knowledge and financial resources to society beyond its core business. Our engagement focuses on social initiatives that open up opportunities for people and strengthen communities over the long term.
Our social engagement follows a clear principle: “Turn knowledge into impact. From science to farm to fork.” We believe knowledge creates the greatest value when it is shared, developed together and put into practice. That is why we contribute knowledge and financial resources where they can meet societal needs – to spark curiosity, empower people and enable positive change.
Three areas of action structure our social engagement portfolio:
Life Science promotes knowledge, curiosity, and future skills. This includes the impact clusters of fostering talent, enabling research, and getting people excited about science.
Capacity Development strengthens knowledge and skills through education and international development cooperation. This includes the impact clusters of empowering agriculture, understanding nutrition, as well as strengthening resilience and local development.
Corporate Citizenship focuses on the places where KWS lives and operates. This includes the impact clusters of strengthening communities and fostering culture.
The areas of action show where KWS invests, while the impact clusters describe the change the projects are intended to support.
Our commitment
KWS aims to allocate 1% of its operating income each year to social projects and initiatives. This commitment provides a reliable framework for long-term, impact-oriented engagement.
„Our close connection to the people and communities where we operate is the foundation of our social engagement. Together with trusted partners, we create opportunities, foster positive development, and contribute to sustainable social impact.“
Our projects
Development cooperation
Since 2012, we have been supporting the training of young researchers and farmers in developing countries in order to improve food security. In addition, we would like to contribute to the diversification of agricultural systems and a more stable production.
Read more
Making food and nature tangible
School gardens – affinity for nature, healthy nutrition and outdoor learning
We promote healthy nutrition and knowledge through the establishment of school gardens. The aim is not only to give children access to healthy food, but also to impart knowledge and pleasure in handling vegetables.
Creating enthusiasm for research
Jugend forscht junior
Science is not a dry matter. Since 2022 KWS is sponsor of one of the most established competitions for young scientists to encourage young kids in their passion for research.
Read more
Seeding the future – for us, this goes beyond developing our seed. For KWS as part of society, this principle also means strengthening the regions around our locations. We are actively involved in partnerships with institutions and other companies in the life science region around Einbeck.
KWS support for local communities
Strong regions grow when people contribute ideas, build connections and take responsibility together. KWS supports communities around its locations, with a particular focus on Einbeck, by contributing knowledge and financial resources to long-term initiatives in education and science, social development, culture and community life. Examples include school gardens, youth programs, cultural projects and regional dialogue formats.
Funding from KWS
Organizations and initiatives can submit requests for financial support. KWS considers projects that contribute to Life Science, Capacity Development or Corporate Citizenship and that are designed to create a clear benefit for society. Applications can be submitted through our online funding request form.
Examples for our regional engagement
Art and culture in KWS social engagement
Art makes a difference. Art enriches and inspires us, encouraging us to see things from new perspectives. That is why art is part of KWS’s social engagement while also reaching beyond it. It creates space for openness, creativity and new ideas within society and the company.
Read more
Reports & Publications
In our annual report, we provide information on the development and key figures of our social engagement.
Read more
Discover more
Your contact