Stop Treating Symptoms: Why Farm Management Problems Need Systems-Thinking Solutions
Soil, weeds, and compaction aren’t the problem — our management is
6 Reasons Why Hybrid Wheat Could Transform Farming Economics by 2027
If the technology finally achieves commercial scale in 2027, analysts say it could reshape global grain markets
Why Corteva’s Hybrid Wheat Technology is Key to New SpinCo Valuation
SpinCo focuses on advanced genetics as agencies forecast rising food demand and shifting regulatory landscapes for crop technology. Corteva Inc.’s plan to break itself into two publicly traded companies is […]
EXIT INTERVIEW: Seeds Canada’s Outgoing CEO on Regulatory Reform, Farmer-First Leadership, and What’s Next
Barry Senft looks back on the challenges of COVID, building a new culture remotely, and guiding the association through SRM
Green Transition – Plant Breeding Moved to the Forefront
Denmark’s Green Tripartite Agreement accelerates climate-smart agriculture, land use reform and biodiversity, helping meet 2030 targets and 2045 climate neutrality. It introduces the world’s first agricultural CO₂e tax on livestock from 2030 and funds long-term plant breeding from 2026 (DKK 50m yearly) to deliver resilient, efficient crops. A provisional EU New Genomic Techniques (NGT) framework is expected in 2026.
In the Race to Reinvent Seed, the Future is Within Reach
AI, gene editing and real-world data are accelerating seed innovation and tightening the link between research and the farm. Tools like drones and genetic prediction improve precision, reduce error and speed breeding pipelines, getting better-performing products to market faster. At the same time, collaboration is expanding through licensing and partnerships between global R&D leaders and independent seed companies, increasing farmer choice and ensuring advances are tested in local conditions.
Europe’s Seed Sector Welcomes Trilogue Deal on New Genomic Techniques
ChatGPT said:
Europe’s seed sector welcomes the positive conclusion of trilogue negotiations on New Genomic Techniques (NGTs), as EU co-legislators agreed a new Regulation for NGT plants. The deal largely preserves the Commission’s intent to enable conventional-like NGT crops, supporting farmers with more resilient varieties. Euroseeds hailed the innovation signal, while noting added requirements need careful analysis of costs and administrative burden.
EU Reaches Agreement on New Genomic Techniques Regulation for Plant Breeding
EU institutions have struck a provisional agreement on regulating New Genomic Techniques (NGTs), creating a two-tier system for plant breeding. Category 1 NGTs, equivalent to conventional plants, get streamlined approvals and no product labelling, with seed-level identification. Exclusions (e.g., herbicide tolerance) shift traits to Category 2. Category 2 remains under GMO rules. Patent disclosure and transparency measures are added.
The Year May End But Innovation Continues
ChatGPT said:As agriculture faces shifting weather, volatile markets, rising costs, and evolving regulations, seed companies and growers keep innovating for the seasons ahead. Michelman drives progress at the seed surface, where coatings and polymers improve protection, singulation, uniformity, and emergence. Through expanded R&D, earlier collaboration, and field-proven performance, we help partners navigate tariffs, disease pressure, and export uncertainty with confidence—delivering microplastic-free, durable, low-dust solutions and advancing biodegradable technologies for long-term value and soil health.
Study Shows Farming Practices Can Improve Fresh Produce Microbes
A new study from IBMCP (CSIC–UPV) reveals that agricultural biostimulants and controlled saline stress can significantly reshape the endophytic microbiome of lettuce and tomato. Published in Foods, the research shows these treatments boost microbial diversity and increase beneficial genera linked to plant health and potential probiotic effects. The findings open pathways to sustainable farming practices that enhance both crop resilience and consumer gut health.
Farms Could Be Our Secret Climate Weapon
A new international study led by Queensland University of Technology shows global farmland could become a powerful climate solution. Published in Plant Physiology, the research outlines a framework comparing carbon-mitigation strategies — from reduced nitrogen fertiliser use to advanced synthetic biology. The findings reveal agriculture’s vast potential to cut emissions and boost carbon storage, offering a scalable roadmap for climate-smart farming.
Green Manure Boosts Maize Yield by Improving Soil Moisture and Photosynthesis
A three-year field study in Gansu, China found that returning green manure after wheat improves soil moisture and early-season soil temperature, strengthening maize roots and canopy cover. These gains raise chlorophyll (SPAD), net photosynthesis, and PSII efficiency while limiting NPQ, boosting biomass and grain yield. Green manure treatments outperformed conventional tillage across key growth and productivity indicators significantly overall consistently.
What Avocadoes and Alfalfa Teach Us About Curiosity and Collaboration
Seeing avocados thrive in Peru’s desert—thanks to Camposol’s mountain-fed aqueducts and drip irrigation—reshaped my view of what’s possible in agriculture. That lesson returned at the World Alfalfa Congress in Reims, France, where experts tackled alfalfa’s high water demands amid climate change. At Summit, we’re researching water-absorbing coatings to improve establishment in dry conditions. With curiosity and collaboration, drought-smart alfalfa solutions can emerge.
How You Can Share Input on the Future of Canadian Germination Testing Standards
In the ever-evolving landscape of the seed industry, ensuring the quality and viability of seed products is paramount
Ending 2025 With Stories That Move the Seed Industry Forward
Seed World U.S.’s December issue honors the work, resilience and innovation we’ve seen in 2025. As 2025 draws to a close, I’m grateful for a year full of challenge and […]
From Capitol Hill to the Heartland
I recently had a great chat with current American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) board chair Dave Treinen. You’ll find it in the December 2025 issue of Seed World U.S. Treinen […]
Europe’s Plant Breeding at a Crossroads: New Study Reveals IP Challenges in the NGT Era
Technopolis has published a new study examining how the EU intellectual property framework influences innovation in the bioeconomy, with a focus on agricultural biotechnology and new genomic techniques (NGTs). Combining legal, economic and market analysis, the report highlights patent complexity, licensing costs and freedom-to-operate issues, especially for SMEs. It recommends stronger transparency and smoother licensing to unlock NGT benefits for breeders and farmers.
Seeds Canada Taps Industry Veteran Dan Wright as CEO
Wright’s résumé reads like a roadmap of modern ag innovation. He’ll take over for Barry Senft on Jan. 19, 2026
Scientists Decode Root Response to Compacted Soil
A new Nature study reveals how plants naturally adapt to compacted soil — a growing global problem intensified by heavy machinery and climate-related drought. Researchers found that ethylene triggers the OsARF1 gene, reshaping root structure to act like a biological wedge. This breakthrough opens opportunities to breed crops with stronger, redesigned roots, helping farmers maintain yields in increasingly dense, degraded soils.
Nova Legislação para Proteger a Propriedade Intelectual no Brasil
En el 10º Congreso de la Asociación de Semillas de las Américas (Foz do Iguaçu), Ronaldo Troncha (ABRASEM) resaltó el impacto del evento y el avance de la reforma de la Ley de Protección de Cultivares, que criminaliza la piratería de semillas (pérdidas de hasta R$10.000 millones/año). Afirmó que la medida impulsa I+D, inversiones y seguridad jurídica, y defendió producir más con tecnología y recuperación de áreas degradadas sin ampliar la frontera agrícola.
A 40% Emissions Cut Is Possible for Europe’s Farms — Without Losing Harvests
A new Nature Communications study finds European farmers could cut agricultural climate emissions by 40% while protecting biodiversity — without reducing food production. Led by NTNU and CICERO, the research shows that relocating crops away from suboptimal land and restoring it to natural vegetation can boost climate and nature outcomes. Strategies like intensification or extensification maintain yields while supporting long-term sustainability.
Future-Proofing Leadership in the Seed Industry
The seed industry faces an urgent leadership transition as senior executives age and CEO tenures shorten. To stay competitive, companies must prioritize succession planning, develop broader talent pipelines and compete for next-generation leaders skilled in digital transformation and global complexity. Kincannon & Reed supports organizations with executive search and leadership advisory expertise to build resilient, future-ready leadership benches.
México impulsa la adquisición sostenible de café
México impulsa un modelo de compras públicas sustentables con una iniciativa coordinada por la Secretaría Anticorrupción y la Secretaría de Agricultura. Se presentaron los resultados de la compra de café 2025 y el plan 2026 para apoyar a pequeños y pueblos indígenas productores. El modelo fortalece el comercio justo, la biodiversidad y la inclusión al permitir que las OSS vendan directamente al Estado.
Mexico Pushes Forward Sustainable Coffee Procurement
Mexico advances sustainable public procurement with a coordinated initiative led by the Secretariat Against Corruption and the Ministry of Agriculture. Officials highlighted 2025 coffee purchases and outlined 2026 plans to support small and Indigenous producers. The model strengthens fair trade, biodiversity, and inclusion by enabling OSS organizations to sell directly to the State, promoting equitable development and sustainable coffee production.
Pairing Biologicals Opens the Fast Lane to Higher Yields
Biological synergy is transforming crop production. By combining Beauveria bassiana with other biologicals like Bacillus blends, Trichoderma, or mycorrhizae, growers unlock greater efficiency, stress tolerance, and yield. EndoShield ST enables these synergistic seed-treatment combinations, with trials showing yield gains far beyond individual products—proof that in biological systems, 1+1 can truly equal 3.
La importancia de las semillas de hortalizas en Brasil
No 10º Congresso da Associação de Sementes das Américas, em Foz do Iguaçu, Mariana Barreto, representante da ABCSEM, ressaltou a importância do segmento de sementes de horticultura, que possui alto valor agregado e forte demanda de mão de obra. Ela explicou que o Brasil ainda depende principalmente da importação de sementes e mudas, enfrentando grande complexidade regulatória devido às diferentes exigências sanitárias e comerciais de cada país. A câmara apoia as empresas na superação dessas barreiras. Mariana também destacou que o Brasil tem potencial crescente para expandir exportações e tornar-se um ator global relevante em horticultura, impulsionado por inovação e profissionalização.
Growing Conversations: Why GermiNation Matters for the Future of Seeds
GermiNation is a new podcast from the Iowa State University Seed Science Center, created to share the stories, insights, and innovations shaping global agriculture. Hosted by a longtime seed-sector storyteller, the show brings expert conversations, real-world experiences, and community voices to listeners on Podbean, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart, and Amazon Music/Audible.
Stronger Data Means Better Decisions
Strong experimental design and statistical analysis are essential for agricultural research. Whether breeding wheat or vegetables, data-driven decisions lead to better results. Randomized trials and proper data storage help identify truly superior varieties, ensuring consistency, resilience, and profitability for farmers. Better data means better breeding decisions and more sustainable crop development.
Proven Seed. Backed by Experience.
SeedNet delivers high-quality seed and crop inputs trusted by Western Canadian farmers. Backed by decades of hands-on experience, our retail seed farms test and grow the varieties we sell for proven performance. From barley and wheat to peas, every SeedNet variety offers strong yields, disease resistance, and reliable results
Concepts for Your Seeds
For more than 40 years, SATEC® has offered you the perfect combination of technique, chemicals and experience to treat your seeds, ensuring their high quality. You get specific and individual […]
Precision and Intelligence in Motion: The New Galaxy & Globe
Elica ASM’s new Galaxy and Globe optical sorters deliver advanced multispectral 4K vision, AI-driven analysis, and precision ejection for superior seed and material purity. Powered by the ARGOS system and SophIA software, they detect defects, contaminants, and non-germinating seeds in real time. Designed for varied capacities, both models ensure sustainable, Industry 5.0-ready performance with high efficiency and reliability.
Crop-killing Pathogen Found to Disable Plants’ Alarm System
Scientists at The James Hutton Institute and partner universities have discovered how the destructive crop pathogen Phytophthora infestans disables plant immune systems. Published in Nature Communications, the study reveals that AA7 oxidase enzymes help the microbe silence plant alarm signals. Disabling these genes stops infection, offering new pathways to strengthen crop protection and boost resilience amid climate change–driven threats.
Women in Agriculture Gain Global Support with New Information Hub
A new global information hub is elevating the role of women farmers and expanding support for their leadership across agriculture. As partners prepare for the International Year of the Woman Farmer in 2026, the initiative brings new data, tools and visibility to the women who grow much of the world’s food.
Nuevas tecnologías para proteger la propiedad intelectual en Uruguay
En el 10º Congreso de la Asociación de Semillas de las Américas (SAA) en Foz de Iguazú, Victoria Stewart, Gerente de Operaciones de la Asociación de Obtentores Vegetales del Uruguay (URUPOV), explicó cómo Uruguay combina innovación y respeto a la propiedad intelectual en su industria semillera, que mueve unos 250 millones de dólares y cerca de 100 empresas. Destacó el rol central del INASE como autoridad de control y la fuerte articulación público-privada. URUPOV trabaja con un “kit de herramientas” que incluye técnicos de campo, toma sistemática de muestras, uso de marcadores moleculares para identificar variedades por ADN y sistemas de inteligencia artificial (ZoomAgri) que reconocen variedades por imagen. Todo orientado a capturar valor, asegurar transparencia y garantizar acceso continuo a la mejor tecnología para los productores.
Breakthrough Study Reconstructs the Evolution and Diversity of Eggplant
An international research team has produced the first complete eggplant pan-genome and pan-phenome, published in Nature Communications. By analysing 3,400 varieties and 368 key accessions, scientists traced eggplant’s origins to India and Southeast Asia and identified thousands of gene–trait associations. The findings reshape domestication history and unlock new opportunities for precision breeding, disease resistance and future cultivar innovation.
We Assumed Water Was Endless. Scientists Say That Era is Over
Canada is in a race against time to safeguard one of our most precious resources: water