b'Staying Open to New Technologies is the Key to Success in Todays Seed BusinessAT RUSTICANA,the last independent foundationIn the face of challenges like the invasion of Ukraine seed company in South America, our familys third- and widespread drought in South American countries, generation presence in the seed industry instills in us athe world grapples with food scarcity. While respecting profound understanding of the significance of an opendiverse opinions, it becomes evident that new technol-mind. ogy holds promise in addressing this issue.While research and development (R&D) are our core pursuits, we firmly believe that openness and a willingness to embrace growth are pivotal to achieving success. In the realm of South Americas agricultural industry, topics like gene editing and GMOs are yet to PETER HYLAND is thegarner full acceptance, making these traits even moreIn the face of challenges like the invasion of general manager atcrucial. Ukraine and widespread drought in South Rusticana Seed As a non-agronomist overseeing a team of skilled agronomists, I have realized that openness to novelAmerican countries, the world grapples with techniques and tools in breeding is imperative.food scarcity. While respecting diverse opinions, Embracing resources like CRISPR-Cas9 or GMOs, which are available to us, is essential to progress. it becomes evident that new technology holds We consistently encourage our breeders to wel-come new breeding techniques actively. Listening,promise in addressing this issue.participating in webinars and discussions, and keeping abreast of industry developments are all emphasized to cultivate this approach.The advent of transformative techniques like CRISPR has given rise to varying narratives across the world. Countries like the U.S., Canada, and Brazil differ in their adoption of these tools. In this context,While some may oppose GMOs, we embrace dif-fostering an open mind becomes the cornerstone of afering perspectives. Yet, it is essential to acknowledge more collaborative breeding landscape. Many nationsthat a stable food supply is indispensable. Striking a in South America, such as Argentina, Uruguay, andbalance necessitates employing multiple tools, includ-Paraguay, now face challenges from diseases that wereing CRISPR, to equip farmers, breeders, and end-users inconceivable just three years ago. To unravel theseto meet the demand for essential grains and put bread puzzles, collaboration is crucial. on tables worldwide.Admittedly, costs play a significant role in technol- This mindset paves the way for agricultural progess, ogy adoption. Consider the iPhones evolutionfromhelping us navigate uncertainties and collaborate on its expensive inception to the availability of moreinnovative solutions. By fostering an open mind, we affordable options, including older models that remaincan shape a future where technology and agricultural highly useful. Similarly, new techniques and technolo- practices align harmoniously to sustainably nourish the gies may initially be costly, but with time, they becomeglobal population and make sure people have bread on more accessible. the table for supper.SW40/ SEEDWORLD.COM LATAM'