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This webinar takes a grounded look at how value creation has evolved across the ag retail landscape and how those efforts are performing in real-world settings
Colombia Promotes Legal Seed Use in Rice, Corn, Cotton and Sorghum
Colombia’s ICA and Acosemillas are urging farmers to use authorized seed for rice, corn, cotton and sorghum crops. Officials say certified seed can improve yields by up to 40%, reduce pest risks and strengthen food security. The campaign also highlights legal seed purchasing, phytosanitary protection, climate-adapted varieties and compliance with ICA Resolution 15141 of 2024.
Communications Manager Opportunity Opens at Euroseeds in Brussels
Euroseeds is recruiting a Manager Communications to join its Brussels-based team and support strategic communication, digital engagement and EU advocacy for the European seed sector. The role includes media relations, stakeholder outreach and event coordination. Candidates with experience in communications, agriculture, innovation and EU affairs are invited to apply by June 1 for this international position.
Rothamsted Research Spin-Out SugaROx Secures £2.5M Investment from Mosaic
Rothamsted Research and University of Oxford spin-out SugaROx has secured £2.5 million from The Mosaic Company to advance precision crop biostimulants. The Series A investment will support field trials, regulatory work, commercial scale-up, and development of SugaROx’s T6P-based platform, designed to improve crop yield, resilience, and nutrient use efficiency.
Scientists Use Genome Editing to Develop Healthier Lettuce Crops
Researchers used genome editing to alter flavonoid production in red-leaf lettuce, removing red pigmentation while increasing beneficial compounds such as quercetin. The modified lettuce maintained normal growth, highlighting a potential crop breeding strategy for developing functional lettuce varieties with tailored nutritional traits for controlled-environment agriculture, plant factories and future high-value crop production.
Innovation in an Industry Of Action: The Changing World of Seed Treatment
Syngenta combines 250 years of agricultural science with AI-driven innovation to help farmers overcome evolving challenges. As a global leader in crop protection and Seedcare™, Syngenta develops breakthrough technologies like TYMIRIUM® and VICTRATO® to improve yield, resilience, and sustainability. Through advanced R&D, seed genetics, and agronomic expertise, Syngenta delivers trusted solutions that support farmers, strengthen food systems, and drive long-term agricultural productivity worldwide.
Colombia promueve el uso de semillas legales en arroz, maíz, algodón y sorgo
El ICA y Acosemillas instaron a los agricultores colombianos a utilizar semillas autorizadas en cultivos de arroz, maíz, algodón y sorgo. Según las entidades, la semilla certificada puede aumentar los rendimientos hasta en un 40%, reducir riesgos fitosanitarios y fortalecer la seguridad alimentaria. La campaña también destaca la compra legal de semillas, la adaptación climática y el cumplimiento de la Resolución ICA 15141 de 2024.
Loss of Pollinators Threatens Crop Yields and Human Nutrition Worldwide
New University of Bristol research published in Nature finds that pollinator decline threatens crop production, human nutrition and farm incomes. Studying smallholder farms in Nepal, researchers found pollinators support 44% of farming income and more than 20% of key vitamin intake, highlighting the need for pollinator-friendly farming to protect food security and livelihoods.
John Barlow on the Fight to Save Canada’s Ag Research Facilities
The vice chair of the House agriculture committee says witness testimony made it clear: research facility closures would have lasting impacts on Canadian agriculture
¿Qué barreras obstaculizan el desarrollo del liderazgo femenino?
Las mujeres siguen poco representadas en puestos de alta dirección pese a sus logros educativos. Este artículo analiza cómo la confianza, la ambición y la disposición a postularse sin cumplir todos los requisitos impulsan el avance profesional. También destaca la importancia de buscar oportunidades de liderazgo con decisión, visión clara y capacidad para dirigir equipos.
What It Takes For Women To Lead
Women remain underrepresented in senior leadership despite strong educational achievement. This article explores how confidence, ambition and willingness to apply before meeting every qualification can shape career advancement. It highlights why women must pursue leadership opportunities decisively, build vision and lead teams confidently to close the gender gap in executive roles.
NordPheno Boosts Nordic Crop Breeding
Representatives from eight leading Nordic research institutions gathered at the University of Helsinki in late March to officially launch NordPheno, the Nordic Research Infrastructure Hub for Digital Plant Phenotyping. The […]
Reversing AAFC Cuts Could Buy Time — But Canada Still Needs Breeding Reform
Preserving research infrastructure alone won’t solve the deeper challenges facing Canadian agricultural innovation
Plant Breeders’ Rights Reform Signals New Era for Canadian Horticulture
Supporters say stronger IP protections will fuel breeding innovation and competitiveness. Canada is moving to modernize its Plant Breeders’ Rights (PBR) framework in a bid to strengthen agricultural innovation, attract […]
Western Canada Wheat and Barley Breeding Groups Unveil New Vision for Innovation
Industry leaders, universities and producer organizations say Canada’s wheat and barley breeding system is at an “inflection point”
NAPB 2026 Puts Spotlight on Cotton Breeding and Fiber Quality Advances
From vortex spinning challenges to field tours, this year’s meeting explores how breeders are improving cotton to compete globally
Canadian Parliament Urges Reversal of Agricultural Research Centre Closures
A new parliamentary report warns that planned closures of federal agricultural research centres could weaken Canada’s long-term agricultural innovation capacity
Agri-Food Leaders Call for Stronger EU Innovation Funding
Five European Technology Platforms and nine agri-food organisations are urging EU policymakers to recognise agriculture, aquaculture and food systems as strategic priorities in the European Competitiveness Fund and Horizon Europe. The groups call for dedicated agri-food research funding, stronger stakeholder representation and greater support for innovation tied to food security, sustainability and EU competitiveness.
Navigating the 5 C’s for Field Success: What it Takes for Biologicals to Deliver
Biologicals can deliver consistent field performance when discovered through real-world microbial ecology, not lab traits alone. Jord BioScience’s ecology-driven approach selects resilient microbes that survive, compete, collaborate and perform across challenging soils. With strong emergence, improved vigor and 70-85% win rates, Jord helps seed companies and growers build reliable biological seed treatment solutions.
Independent Seed, National Impact | On the Brink Episode 9
A national survey of 200 independent seed businesses reveals the sector represents $1.7 billion in infrastructure, 3,000 rural jobs, and a near-total dependence on public plant breeding to survive. Justin Funk makes the economic case that policymakers can no longer treat these as separate conversations.
Global Markets Tighten Their Grip on Seed Strategy
Global market volatility is reshaping seed strategy, from trade to input costs. What seed companies need to watch in 2026 and beyond.
Sowing the Seeds of Resilience: Crop Diversity as a Strategic Asset for the Seed Sector
Crop diversity is vital to seed sector innovation, resilience and long-term competitiveness. As climate volatility, pests and funding pressures intensify, genebanks provide essential genetic resources for breeding stronger, more sustainable crops. The Crop Trust secures these collections through stable financing, partnerships and data sharing, helping the seed industry protect biodiversity and food security.
Industry Coalition Calls for Swift Approval of EU New Genomic Techniques Law
Thirty-one agri-food organisations are urging MEPs to adopt the EU Regulation on new genomic techniques without amendments. According to a Euroseeds press release, the compromise text would support innovation, sustainability, competitiveness and resilience in European agriculture while distinguishing conventional-like NGT plants from GMOs. The signatories warn that changes could delay implementation and weaken Europe’s global position.
Healthy Soils, Resilient Harvests: Regeneration in Action
MAS Seeds is advancing regenerative agriculture to help farmers build healthier soils, stronger crops and more stable harvests. Through reduced tillage, cover crops, diversified rotations and field-tested innovations such as MAS4COVER, MAS Seeds supports resilience in changing climates while reducing reliance on inputs.
New Report Highlights Trust Gap in Agricultural Innovation
A new report by Leaps by Bayer, Boston Consulting Group and Ipsos UK examines public trust in agricultural innovation, including new genomic techniques and cultivated meat. Based on interviews in China, Germany and the United States, and a 2025 survey of more than 13,000 people across 13 countries, the report explores why attitudes toward breakthrough science differ.
Hops and Cannabis Share Genetic Sex Switch, Scientists Discover
University College Dublin researchers identified a genetic sex switch in cannabis that may also control sex in hops. The study, published in New Phytologist, found key genes on the X chromosome that influence male, female and monoecious development, offering potential benefits for cannabis and hop breeding, crop quality and yield.
Maize Under Siege Attracts More Pests
New research finds maize under simultaneous root and leaf pest attack releases distinct root chemicals that strongly attract wireworms. Scientists recreated the cue as a synthetic blend, effective in lab, semi-field and field tests. The discovery highlights the rhizosphere’s role in crop protection and could support sustainable attract-and-trap wireworm management strategies.
OECD Seed Schemes Explained | Seed Certification & Global Seed Trade
OECD seed certification strengthens trust in global seed systems by harmonising standards for quality, identity, and purity across more than 60 countries. This video explains how OECD Seed Schemes support international seed trade, farmer confidence, market access, capacity building, and food security through transparent, reliable certification and stronger cross-border cooperation in the seed sector.
Denmark’s Oat Strategy Could Transform Sustainable Agriculture
Denmark’s AVENUE project is testing 200 oat varieties to develop climate-resilient, nutritious crops for sustainable organic farming. By studying yield, quality, adaptability and health traits, researchers aim to create ‘super oats’ that support food security, lower climate impact and future plant breeding in Denmark, the Nordic region and Scotland.
The Leadership Move That Pays Off Immediately
Investing in professional development helps seed companies reduce turnover, strengthen teams, and improve operational performance. Targeted seed training, short courses, and certification programs give employees practical skills in seed testing, health, and conditioning while building a culture that retains and attracts talent. Explore training opportunities through Iowa State University Seed Science Center.
The Farm Bill Moves Forward. The Pressure Isn’t Going Away
Commodity groups are largely backing the House farm bill, citing economic pressure and the need for a stronger safety net, while others say key gaps remain. For the seed industry, the bigger question is whether final policy will support innovation, research and global competitiveness as the bill moves forward.
Canola Crop-Based SAF Shows Up to 55% Emissions Reduction Potential in Brazil
A life cycle assessment of sustainable aviation fuel from second-crop canola in Brazil shows potential greenhouse gas reductions of up to 55% versus fossil Jet A-1 under optimal scenarios. The study highlights limits from blending rules and production barriers. Agricultural inputs drive most emissions, indicating that advances in farming practices, bioinputs, and technology are essential for scalable aviation decarbonization efforts.
UPOV Launches Global PVP Certificate
UPOV has launched a new PVP Certificate for private sector professionals in plant variety protection. The internationally recognized program validates expertise in the UPOV system, supports career advancement, and strengthens professional standing across seed and plant breeding sectors. Open globally, it offers a credible benchmark for knowledge of international PVP standards, best practices, and implementation quality.
Marc’s Take: Canada’s Ag Innovation Problem Isn’t Ideas — It’s Getting Them to Market
From the “valley of death” in funding to a fractured variety marketplace and unclear trade representation, Canada’s seed sector faces a systemic challenge
The “Valley of Death” in Canadian Ag Innovation
Why promising research fails to reach the market, and what leaders say needs to change
SAF de canola de segunda cosecha puede reducir emisiones hasta 55 % en Brasil
Un análisis de ciclo de vida del SAF de canola de segunda cosecha en Brasil indica reducciones de hasta 55% frente al Jet A-1 fósil en escenarios óptimos. El estudio señala límites por regulaciones y producción. La etapa agrícola concentra la mayoría de emisiones, destacando la necesidad de mejorar prácticas agronómicas, bioinsumos y tecnología para avanzar en la descarbonización del sector aeronáutico.