b"PARTNER CONTENTSteam-Cleaning Seed:The Transformative Power of the ThermoSeed SystemIN THE REALM OF AGRICULTURAL INNOVATION, LANTMNNENS STEAM-BASED PROCESS HAS EMERGED AS A GAME-CHANGER, OFFERING A SUSTAINABLE AND EFFICIENT ALTERNATIVE TO TRADITIONAL SEED TREATMENT METHODS. S team-cleaning seed might sound like science fiction, butfurther contributing to its acceptance and success in this sector. thanks to technology from Swedens Lantmnnen BioAgri,That said, this technology is used mainly in conventional farming growers have discovered that theres an alternative way toas a powerful tool to better enable sustainability.treat seed that doesnt involve chemicals and makes sustainabilityThermoSeed's environmental sustainability aligns seam-a priority. lessly with global initiatives such as the Green Deal. The reduc-The ThermoSeed steam-based seed treatment system is ation of pesticides, as highlighted in the Green Deal, positions process based on three fundamental steps. Understanding theseThermoSeed as a viable and eco-friendly alternative, says Krafft. is crucial to understanding why the Swedish-made process is soGovernment support, exemplified by grants from agencies revolutionary. like Vinnova, the Swedish innovation agency, only accelerates Prior to treatment, a representative sample of the seed lotadoption. Our commitment to sustainability is further shown by is analyzed to determine the optimal combination of time andongoing efforts to reduce analysis time, making ThermoSeed more temperature, forming the basis for creating a customized treat- accessible and appealing to the seed market.ment recipe. The production involves specialized Thermoseed equipment to treat the seeds. GLOBAL IMPACT AND FUTURE PROSPECTSThe system's efficiency is evident in its timelines and bene- The market response to ThermoSeed-treated seeds has been fits, says Lantmnnen BioAgri CEO Anders Krafft. By obtaining aoverwhelmingly positive, according to Maria Noren, seed market representative sample, the company ensures accurate testing tomanager at Lantmnnen BioAgri. The company has ramped up identify the ideal recipe.production to meet the increasing demand, with ThermoSeed-The resulting recipe, tailored to each seed lot, enhancestreated seeds now available throughout the world.seed vigour, eradicates diseases, and promotes optimal germina- Approximately 150,000 tons of seed are treated annually at tion. The benefits extend to the farmers, who experience improved12 different sites located in six countries.yield results, quicker emergence through soil, and a healthierFarmers worldwide have embraced the environmentally seed lot, he says.friendly process, showcasing its compatibility and superior per-Moreover, ThermoSeed eliminates the need for chemicalformance for seed companies worldwide. treatments, contributing to environmentally positive effects. As understanding of the ThermoSeed process increases, its impact on agriculture is expected to be significant in the coming THERMOSEED VS. CHEMICAL TREATMENTS years.Comparing ThermoSeed to traditional chemical treatmentsLantmnnen BioAgris commitment to global accessibility reveals its advantages. is evident in its support system. While the seed treatment pro-The process was developed using steam pasteurization tocess currently involves sending samples to Lantmnnen's lab in rid seeds of pathogens and pests. Sweden, ongoing innovations aim to streamline the process. The system delivers yield results comparable to or evenThe goal is to enable seed producers worldwide to perform better than chemical seed treatments. The increased vigour andanalyses at their own facilities, reducing dependency and enhanc-speed of germination contribute to a more robust and efficienting efficiency, says Krafft. Additionally, the companys equipment crop establishment.collaboration with Ventilex, which has operations around the Beyond the enhanced plant strength, these farmers appreci- world, ensures a robust global support network for users.ate the non-chemical treatment, offering benefits not only to their crops but also to the overall working environment, notes ChristianUSER TRAINING AND SYSTEM OPERATIONThaning, vice-CEO of Lantmnnen BioAgri. Operating the ThermoSeed system does not require extensive Additionally, ThermoSeed aligns with sustainability prioritiestraining. After an initial training period, users can confidently by eliminating the need for chemical usage, promoting environ- manage it, with the machine running autonomously for up to 24 mentally friendly agriculture. hours. The system's user-friendly design allows for remote opera-One of the significant advantages of ThermoSeed from ation, providing flexibility and ease of use. business management standpoint is the reduced dependence onThe low energy consumption of the ThermoSeed System, chemical alternatives. This not only frees us and our customersalong with its compatibility with biomass heaters, adds to its from worrying about stringent regulations concerning syntheticappeal as an environmentally conscious choice, says Thaning.chemistry, but also positions the company favourably in the bur- Seed companies globally are presented with a compelling geoning organic market, Thaning adds.case for investing in the ThermoSeed system. As chemical seed ThermoSeed, being an all-natural, chemical-free solution,treatments face a decline, ThermoSeed emerges as a competitive is a perfect fit for conventional as well as for organic agriculture,and sustainable solution. SEEDWORLD.COM/EUROPEISEED WORLD EUROPE I 9"