b'THERESEACH YEAR,hundreds of conferences are held across the globe as it pertains to the seed industry. A range of topics are covered, from economic outlooks to phytosanitary issues to new A LOTplant breeding innovations. At most conferences, you might bump into the Seed World Media Center, where we hold interviews with experts from across the industry. It wasnt any different at the American Seed Trade Associations CSS & Seed Expo in Chicago, Ill., held in December 2022. TO TALKWhat are some of the hot-button issues that experts are inter-ested in right now? Heres a short compilation of what we heard while on the ground in Chicago.The Seed Sector Needs Constant Innovation for ImprovementABOUT Over the last five decades, theres been significant improvement in the seed sectorranging from the creation of the first GMO in 1973 all the way up to today, where new breeding techniques, such as gene editing, are coming into perspective commercially in the industry. Technology adaptation in the seed sector has been remark-able, says Garth Hodges, and its something thats not stopping. AT SEEDThink of all the different technologies that come our way, whether it be hybridization or herbicide tolerancethese really paved the way for breeding, Hodges, vice president of North America Business Management Seeds at BASF, says during a Giant Views interview at the American Seed Trade Associations CONFERENCES CSS & Seed Expo. One of the biggest challenges I see is how to explain the art and the science of this business.When it comes to innovation, Hodges likes to explain it with an analogywould you like to drive a new Mercedes or BMW, or an older version? The newer one has additional features, like power steering and different power. All those new features youd During the American Seed Tradewant in cars are similar to the new features growers look for in seed traits as well.Associations CSS & Seed Expo, expertsThats what breeding isconstant improvement, he says. sat down at the Seed World MediaIts heartwarming to see that you can be part of the initiation of Center to talk about different issues inthis technology, see it be acquired and then see it in the field.And, to maintain this constant improvement and the sustain-the sector. ability of the seed industry, Hodges says we need to focus on Alex Martin interdependency. We can only be successful if we do things together, Hodges says. Its that interdependency that really helps to strengthen what were doing. Once you see that theres an appreciation for what you do and the contribution that youre making, youre not alone.Make sure to watch Garth Hodges full Giant Views interview atseedworld.com/according-to-garth-hodges-the-seed-sector-needs-constant-innovation-for-improvement/. Independents Look to Break into the Carbon MarketSince the Biden Administration came into office, theres one thing on everyones minds, from businesses to policymakers: sustain-ability. Agriculture is no different, and one solution on the table? Participating in the carbon market with more carbon sequestra-tion and more incentive-based programs for growers.14/ SEEDWORLD.COMFEBRUARY 2023'