What GDM’s Acquisition of KWS Corn and Sorghum Assets Means for the South American Seed Sector
At the beginning of August, 2024, GDM initiated the formal integration process of KWS’ corn and sorghum assets in South America, following approval by Brazil’s Administrative Council for Economic Defense […]
Want to Build Your Business in LATAM?
The 9th Seed Congress of the Americas is coming up in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Sept. 30 – Oct. 2, 2024. The Congress is something that every North and South American seed […]
We Are Not Gauchos
Every day, each of Argentina’s 45 million citizens finds something on their table that was produced by a farmer somewhere in the country. Beyond feeding its own population, Argentina’s agriculture […]
The Critical Need for Harmonized Regulations in the Global Movement of Treated Seed
In today’s interconnected world, the free and efficient movement of treated seed across international borders is not just a matter of convenience; it’s a critical component of ensuring that farmers […]
ASTA’s Top Exec Talks Gene Editing, Steering the Industry Through Political Storms
In a time when political storms are swirling both in the United States and here in Canada, the seed industry faces a daunting challenge: staying focused on innovation and progress […]
Faster, Cost-Effective Biomass Analysis
But new research from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) shows that near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy, combined with machine learning, is transforming how we analyze raw materials like corn kernels and sorghum biomass—delivering quicker, more affordable results without sacrificing accuracy.
This Crop is A-Maizing!
Editor’s Note: This article is part of a series on corn breeding in the European seed sector. As explained in Part 1 of this series, corn (also known widely as maize) is […]
USDA Funding Sustainable Nitrogen Management Research for Sugar Beet
According to a news release, the University of Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL) secured $1.7 million in federal funding to advance research on sustainable agriculture practices. This grant is part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) $90 million Conservation Innovation Grants program and will support two major research initiatives focused on agroforestry and nitrogen management in sugar beet production.
Are Pollinator Shortages Limiting Crop Yields?
The analysis indicates that one-third to two-thirds of farms are underperforming because of a lack of pollinators, a condition known as pollinator limitation. This finding is particularly significant given the growing concern over global insect population declines.
Seeds Canada’s New President is Tackling 2 Priorities that Could Shape the Future of the Seed Business
Brent Collins has become known as a strategic visionary with a knack for anticipating market needs and responding with innovative solutions. Under his leadership as head of seeds and traits […]
Norfolk Plant Sciences Condemns Unauthorized Sale of Purple Tomato Seeds in Europe
Norfolk Plant Sciences (NPS) have released a statement that they are aware that an individual named Bruno Fournier is offering what he claims to be their bioengineered Purple Tomato seeds […]
Access to Genebank Resources Could be Changing. Make Your Voice Heard
As Canadian agriculture faces mounting challenges from climate change, pest pressures, and evolving market demands, the role of plant genebanks has never been more critical. These repositories of plant genetic […]
Crops that Fertilize Themselves
No matter a seed’s genetics, nitrogen fertilizer is critical for achieving high yields, especially in corn. “Just try to grow corn without it,” says associate professor Jason Wallace at the Institute […]
Inari Expands Footprint with New Indiana Facility
…its SEEDesign™ technology platform, Inari integrates AI-powered predictive design with advanced multiplex gene editing to create products focused on promoting food security, sustainable agriculture, and farmer well-being. The West Lafayette site serves as the hub for product development and commercial operations, building on research conducted at Inari’s headquarters in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and Ghent, Belgium.
The Rail Dispute is Over. Now It’s Time to Stop Leaving Farmers and Consumers High and Dry
Last week’s railway work stoppage was a wake-up call. Farmers were anxious about getting their wheat to market, knowing that timing is everything. But with the trains at a standstill, […]
Innovation: Moving the Seed Sector Forward
At the upcoming Euroseeds Congress in Copenhagen, a very bright spotlight will shine on innovation, with the Congress’ InnovAction Stage as the main centrepiece. As I sit enjoying a decent […]
New Tool to Tackle Plant Disease Spread in Disasters
Natural and human-driven disasters often have significant but frequently overlooked impacts on plant health and food security, both domestically and internationally. While many disasters primarily affect plant health indirectly—through disruptions in supply chains and damaged infrastructure—they can also have direct effects, such as pathogen or vector spread caused by floods, hurricanes, or human migration.
Rail Dispute Wasn’t Just About Canada
It may seem like a distant problem, far removed from the business of producing and distributing seeds, but the realities of global supply chains make it impossible to ignore the potential domino effect. A disruption in one place can trigger complications thousands of miles away, and for us, that could mean shipment delays, bottlenecks in logistics and ripple effects that slow certain aspects of business, leading to cascading challenges in both production and distribution.
Syngenta Announces 8 New Hybrids to NK Seeds Corn Portfolio
In celebration of the 140th anniversary of continuous seed sales, Syngenta hosted a Field Day event at the Arva Research and Development Innovation Center. The event brought together 130 growers and dealers, who were given a preview of the new portfolio and heard from the company’s corn development, trait, and breeding team about the R&D efforts behind the launch.
Railway Work Stoppages to Cost Growers Over $50 Million Daily, According to Grain Growers of Canada
The Grain Growers of Canada (GGC) is sounding the alarm over an unprecedented situation where both of Canada’s major railways, CN and CPKC, have simultaneously ceased operations. This disruption, which […]
InnovAction Stage at Euroseeds2024: New Technologies and Startups Reshaping Plant Breeding
Join us for an exclusive conversation with Garlich von Essen, CEO & Secretary General of Euroseeds, as he introduces the InnovAction Stage at Euroseeds 2024 — a groundbreaking addition to […]
Wild Relatives Could Offer Key to Improved Salt Tolerance in Tomatoes
Given a changing climate and increasing soil salinity in many agricultural regions, it’s more important than ever that researchers identify crops that can thrive in challenging conditions. Cultivated tomatoes, a staple in many diets, often struggle in salty soils. However, their wild relatives evolved to endure a variety of harsh environments.
Uncovering a Fungicide Resistance Threat in Corn
Researchers at the University of Kentucky’s Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment are zeroing in on this looming threat, revealing startling evidence that could upend how we think about disease management in corn. A recent study published in Plant Health Progress pinpoints resistance in a common corn pathogen, underscoring the urgent need to rethink how we wield fungicides before their effectiveness fades away.
Scientists Looking Forward to First Farmer-Led Trials of Gene Edited Crops in Europe
Rothamsted will take part in the UK and Europe’s first trials of gene edited (GE) GE crops on conventional farms. The farmer-led trials will use experimental lines, the goal being […]
New Long Bean Varieties are More Pest Resistant
Long beans, also known as yard-long beans for their impressive, up to three-foot length, are popular in Asia, Africa and among Asian communities in the United States. The beans are valued for their nutrition and resistance to heat and humidity, but until now, have been very vulnerable to specific pests.
Seed to Sip: Dasylirion
Sotol is poised to shake up the spirits industry, and seeds have a crucial role to play in the shift. Sotol plants, or Dasylirion, grow wild throughout Mexico and in […]
The World is Short on Plant Breeders, According to New Research. That Puts Food Security at Risk
Valerio Hoyos-Villegas is worried. The dry bean breeder and professor at McGill University is one of several researchers who conducted a recent study that found a shortage of scientists specializing […]
The Potential of Cover Crops in Boosting Soil Health and Crop Yields
Scientists from the Danforth Plant Science Center and the University of Illinois are embarking on a multi-year study to explore how diverse cover crop species can enhance soil health and improve corn production.
New ASTA Chair Talks About Activating ASTA Members as New Chair
Dan Foor lays out his vision. Dan Foor is the new chair of the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) board. He is the senior vice president for DLF North America’s […]
Soybean Board Responds to Land Use Change Initiative
The Land Use Change Initiative (LUCI), backed by the United Soybean Board (USB) in partnership with Carbon A List, is at the forefront of addressing critical inconsistencies in land use […]
Canada’s PBR Advisory Committee has 4 Recommendations That will Shape the Future of IP
In his role administering the Plant Breeders’ Rights (PBR) Act, one of the most critical assets Anthony Parker has at his disposal is the PBR Advisory Committee. This isn’t just […]
Top 15 Management Mavericks of North America – Mexico
All week, we are revealing the people whom you said are redefining leadership in the seed industry. A Management Maverick tends to break away from conventional expectations, showing creativity and […]
Can seed testing keep up with big challenges ahead?
The challenges facing seed testing agencies are bigger than ever. Can seed testers meet the hurdles ahead?
Thailand Approves Gene-Editing Regulations
Thailand’s minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, has signed progressive legislation for gene-edited organisms, according to a release. This new regulation is titled “Certification of Organisms Developed from Genome Editing Technology for Agricultural Use, B.E. 2567 (2024),” and positions Thailand as a leader in agricultural innovation alongside nations like the United States, Japan, and Australia.
Top 15 Management Mavericks of North America – Canada
We asked our readers to nominate leaders in North America with these characteristics. Now, we’re unveiling those who go beyond the ordinary, those who champion employee well-being and inclusion, those who nurture a culture of mentorship and those who excel in talent retention and career development. In alphabetical order, these are the Top Management Mavericks of North America. Next up, the Canadian honorees.
FOUND: The ‘Missing Link” of Corn’s Jump into North America
Until recently, corn’s fast and effective evolution from maize was a mystery. New research released by the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) reveals a glimpse of how corn was able to adapt quickly to the variable temperatures and climate of the Midwest region of the United States.