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.
Hutton’s Potato Expert to Lead the European Association for Potato Research
Professor Ian Toth, Director of the National Potato Innovation Centre (NPIC) and Scotland’s Plant Health Centre at The James Hutton Institute, has been appointed as President of the European Association […]
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.
UK Government to Restore Stability for Farmers as Confidence Amongst Sector Low
Government commits to address low confidence and provide stability for the farming sector as figures show confidence remains poor. The government has pledged to introduce a new deal for farmers […]
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 […]
Knowing the Difference Between Consensus and Engagement Makes ALL the Difference
As I facilitate discussions around the world, I’ve come to learn what makes for a truly successful discussion that results in substantive change versus an outcome that simply keeps status […]
Long-Term Meteorological Outlook for Arable Farmers
Scotland’s climate has always been unpredictable, resulting in both favourable and challenging conditions for agriculture. Some years bring ideal weather and soil conditions, leading to successful growing seasons and harvests, […]
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 […]
Choosing the Right Snowbird Destination for Your Seeds can Accelerate Your Research
Canadian ‘snowbirds’ like to escape the harsh winter by heading south to warmer climates. Sometimes seeds get to be snowbirds as well, but they don’t get a vacation — they […]
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 […]
Seeds Canada’s New Vice-President Has Your Back
Last month in Edmonton, Alta., industry leaders and stakeholders gathered to discuss the evolving landscape of the seed industry at Seeds Canada’s annual conference. Among them was Sarah Foster, president […]
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.
How Bread Dough Gave Rise to Civilisation
A major international study has explained how bread wheat helped to transform the ancient world on its path to becoming the iconic crop that today sustains a global population of […]
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 […]
Innovative Irrigation System Helps Growers Beat Unpredictable Weather and Boost Profits
Michigan State University researchers are revolutionizing farm irrigation with a low-cost monitoring system that saves water, improves crop health, and maximizes yields—without breaking the bank.
Unpredictable precipitation is one of the toughest challenges farmers face today. Not enough moisture stunts plant growth, while too much can oversaturate the soil and create the perfect environment for diseases to spread.
Fall Cover Cropping Ensures Long-Term Nutrient Release into Soil
One of the cornerstones of regenerative agriculture is to have plants growing in the soil for as many days of the year as possible. While today’s agronomic practices are predominately […]
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 […]
USDA Announces Growing Climate Solutions Act Advisory Council
The USDA announced the creation of the Greenhouse Gas Technical Assistance Provider and Third-Party Verifier Program Advisory Council, commonly referred to as the Growing Climate Solutions Act (GCSA) Advisory Council. The USDA is now accepting nominations for council membership, as stated in a Federal Register notice Aug. 13.
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.
Researchers Identify ‘Sweet’ New Pathways to Seed Growth
Researchers finally better understand key mechanisms plants use to make move sugar to support seed growth.
Top 15 Management Mavericks of North America – United States, Part 2
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 rest of the eight U.S. honorees.
National Association for Plant Breeding Honors Five Outstanding Scientists
The National Association of Plant Breeders (NAPB) has announced its awardees for outstanding accomplishments in five categories: Early Career Scientist, Lifetime Achievement, Public Sector Impact, Private Sector Impact, and Ann […]
Modern Wheat Has a Diminished Beneficial Root Microbiome
Modern wheat varieties grown with inorganic fertilizers exhibit significantly fewer beneficial root bacteria than those grown without fertilization. However, ancestral wheat varieties do not show this reduction, regardless of fertilization, […]