University of Florida’s New Machine-Harvestable Tomato Varieties Could Lower Labor Costs
For decades, Florida’s robust tomato industry has relied on manual labor for harvesting—a costly and labor-intensive process. However, with the advent of new machine-harvestable tomato varieties from the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), the future of harvesting looks promising and more efficient.
Bayer Crop Science Canada Partners with U of A to Unlock Canola Potential
Bayer Crop Science Canada has partnered with the University of Alberta (U of A) to research the genetic diversity of Canada’s most exported crop – canola. Through this research, the […]
The CFIA’s Winter SRM Survey Closes Today. We’ve Interviewed Important Thought Leaders but What Matters is YOUR Opinion
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s Seed Regulatory Modernization winter survey closes on May 1. There’s still time to fill it out, and you can read the survey responses from the […]
International Committee Takes on Plan to Develop the Ukrainian Genebank and Secure Its Invaluable Plants and Seeds for the Future
NordGen hosted a meeting with the Ukrainian genebank and several international experts to address the urgent need to safeguard Ukraine’s plant genetic resources for food and agriculture, which are currently at risk due to the ongoing conflict. The primary focus of the meeting was to devise a strategy for resource mobilization and the development of Ukraine’s genebank system, both in the short and long term.
Barley Plants Fine-Tune Their Root Microbial Communities Through Sugary Secretions
Research conducted by the John Innes Centre reveals that different types of barley attract unique communities of soil microbes to grow around their roots. This is achieved through the release of a tailored mixture of sugars and other compounds.
Bratney and DAQ Form Strategic Partnership for South and Central America
Bratney, operating in the U.S. and Argentina, and Grupo DAQ, with locations in Argentina and Brazil, have joined forces to establish a strategic partnership and joint venture, according to a press […]
West Virginia University Leads Initiative to Boost Farmland Access and Support Underserved Farmers
West Virginia University (WVU) is leading a national initiative aimed at expanding farmland accessibility to underserved populations. This effort is also designed to assist producers in securing working capital and improving food distribution channels.
Iowa State Researchers Unveil AI Strategies for Enhancing Crop Breeding
With leadership in agricultural technology, Iowa State University’s latest publication delves into the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in crop improvement. Authored by Jianming Yu, the Pioneer Distinguished Chair in maize breeding, and doctoral student Karlene Negus, the study emphasizes AI’s emerging role in bridging the gap between scientific research and practical application in the field of agronomy.
Congress Sharpens Focus on Specialty Crops with Bipartisan Caucus
Aiming to bolster food security and support producers, the 2024 Congressional Specialty Crops Caucus gathers a diverse group of lawmakers to advocate for vital agricultural interests.
Is it Soccer or Football?
Crafting a story with the listener in mind is critical to creating their listening. What is important to them? What problem did they wake up with this morning that you would like to discuss with them? What cultural norms dictate how the “majority” of your audience in a specific geography will listen to what you have to say? The good news is that you absolutely do NOT need to get this perfect because there is no such thing as a singular perfect message for EVERYONE.
Is it Soccer or Football?
Crafting a story with the listener in mind is critical to creating their listening. What is important to them? What problem did they wake up with this morning that you would like to discuss with them? What cultural norms dictate how the “majority” of your audience in a specific geography will listen to what you have to say? The good news is that you absolutely do NOT need to get this perfect because there is no such thing as a singular perfect message for EVERYONE.
Is it Soccer or Football?
Crafting a story with the listener in mind is critical to creating their listening. What is important to them? What problem did they wake up with this morning that you would like to discuss with them? What cultural norms dictate how the “majority” of your audience in a specific geography will listen to what you have to say? The good news is that you absolutely do NOT need to get this perfect because there is no such thing as a singular perfect message for EVERYONE.
The Seed Sector’s Battle Against Microplastics
In an era where environmental consciousness rules, the seed sector is at a crucial juncture, grappling with the pervasive issue of microplastics in seed treatments. A recent statement by the International Seed Federation (ISF) in March, reignited discussions on the topic.
New Episode of Seed Speaks May 1
Seed Speaks will debut a new episode this week about Cyber attacks against the food and ag industry, including our seed sector.
The Potential Power of Gene-Based Breeding
A Texas A&M University researcher’s work could redefine how we grow our food and treat diseases. This cutting-edge technology is known as Gene-Based Breeding (GBB). It’s an innovative approach that not only promises to drastically boost crop yields and livestock quality but also holds the potential to transform medical treatments for both humans and animals.
USDA Clears Genetically Engineered Plants of Increased Pest Risk
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has recently evaluated several genetically engineered plants to assess if they present a greater risk of plant pests compared to their traditional counterparts
OPINION: The Model for Governing our Seed System Needs Repair
Canada is known as a nation for our vast agricultural landscapes and advancements in farming practices with a seed certification system we self-describe as a model to emulate. But there […]
These are the Qualities Someone Should Have if They Want to be a Seed Analyst
Our company currently finds itself in the position of having to hire a seed analyst. We recently said goodbye to a long-time employee who is moving to a different province. […]
House of Lords Debate Highlights ‘Existential Threat’ Facing UK Horticulture Seeds Supply
The British Society of Plant Breeders (BSPB) has welcomed comments from Conservative Peer the Earl of Caithness highlighting the existential threat facing horticulture growers’ access to improved varieties as a result of the increased costs, delays and bureaucracy facing the UK plant breeding and seeds sector post-Brexit.
Upside Down and Bolt Upright: Aphid Aerial Acrobatics Revealed
High speed Rothamsted camera shows posture and wingbeat patterns in detail for the first time. A state-of-the-art camera with high frame rates and high resolution has shown the flight dynamics […]
KWS Welcomes New Manitoba Sales Rep
KWS Seeds Canada has welcomed Dan Bolton as its new Manitoba sales representative. Dan graduated with a degree in agriculture at the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg. He gained experience […]
Mixing Mindfully: Register Now for our Next Webinar on IP Compliance in Forage Seed
Stakeholders Strongly Support the European Commission’s Biotech Strategy to Position the EU a Global Innovation Leader
Numerous industry associations and organizations, dedicated to fostering innovation in biotechnology and biomanufacturing, enthusiastically welcomed the European Commission’s latest initiative.
European Parliament Confirms Positive Vote on New Genomic Techniques; EU Council Urged to Embrace Plant Breeding Innovation
Euroseeds welcomes the European Parliament’s confirmation of its positive stance on New Genomic Techniques (NGTs) Since the EU Council did not come to a conclusion on the file, yet it is now up to member states to pave the way for Europe embracing agricultural innovation.
Consortium Including Brazilians Sequences the Reference Genome of Arabica Coffee
In a groundbreaking effort, a consortium of scientists sequenced the reference genome of Arabica coffee, according to a peer reviewed publication and press release from the Fundação De Amparo À Pesquisa Do Estado De São Paulo.
Why Does Europe Struggle to Get a New Seed Law That Still Works for Breeders and Farmers?
The current legislation has been the successful enabler of a thriving seed sector and guardian of farmers’’ access to the best possible seed across species, markets and final uses. The European Parliament’s approach puts much of this success story at unnecessary risk by eliminating the necessary tools to balance appropriate differentiation of specific requirements with principal rules and assurances for all.
European Parliament’s PRM Report is a Worrying Step Backwards for EU’s Agricultural Future
Following the European Parliament’s plenary vote on a new Regulation for Plant Reproductive Material (PRM), Euroseeds reaffirms its strong concerns in relation to parts of the current text and renews its commitment to constructive engagement and dialogue with the members of the European Parliament as well as Council and Commission in the further process.
The Optics of Pest Insect Invasions
Light-based sensors could offer an early warning system for detecting pollen beetle infestations in oilseed rape crops. Hi-tech optical sensors in fields could provide an effective means of monitoring beetle […]
Michigan State Launches Agricultural Climate Resiliency Program
A partnership between Michigan State University, state agencies, and local coalitions invests $5 million in research projects to enhance sustainability and climate resilience in farming.
The Agricultural Climate Resiliency Program, initiated in 2024 and managed by Michigan State University’s (MSU) AgBioResearch along with MSU Extension, is designed to tackle pressing issues in agriculture with a focus on sustainability and climate resilience.
Bayer Partners with UK-Based Firm on Biological Insecticide
Bayer announced a partnership with AlphaBio Control, a UK-based firm, to obtain an exclusive license for a pioneering biological insecticide. A Bayer news release said the product, set for a potential 2028 launch, will be the first of its kind for field crops such as oilseed rape and cereals, following further development and registration.
Risky Business: Safeguarding Crop Diversity in Genebanks
Ensuring food security and agricultural resilience in the face of environmental challenges depends on preserving and utilizing crop diversity, according to the Crop Trust. Genebanks serve as the ultimate guardians of […]
Regen Ag — Fad or Future?
We take a look at what regenerative agriculture is, what seed companies are doing towards regenerative agriculture, and how they make sure their practices are a good fit with their intended region.
Norm Sissons is Helping Make Gene Editing a Practical Breeding Tool
When it comes to innovation in the area of biotechnology, few voices carry as much weight as Norm Sissons, a seasoned veteran with over two decades of experience in the […]
NDSU to Launch Bolley Agricultural Laboratory
The new agricultural research laboratory at North Dakota State University will be named Bolley Agricultural Laboratory, following the State Board of Higher Education’s endorsement last month. The North Dakota Legislature allocated $97 million for this project during the 2023 legislative session, with an additional $3.6 million contributed through philanthropy.
How Invisible Forces Influence Taste of Your Food
A study from the University of Colorado explored whether soil microorganisms like bacteria and fungi could affect the flavor of crops, focusing specifically on the spiciness of mustard seeds. The work was recently published in the international journal New Phytologist.
Leadership Event Will Grow Seed Industry Professionals
Registration for the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) Leadership Summit is open. The 2024 even will take place in Nashville June 15-18 with the theme “GROW.” GROW is an acronym for Goal, Reach, Open, Work.