New Leadership and Renewed Strategy Mark Seeds Canada’s Fourth Year
From billion-dollar ambitions to behind-the-scenes lobbying wins, Seeds Canada is planting itself firmly at the centre of our agri-political future.
To Many, Our System is Stuck. Diego Risso Might Have a Way to Get it Moving
Farmers trust him. Breeders praise him. Bureaucrats listen. Meet the man helping level-up Uruguay’s policies.
What You Missed at the Seeds Canada Kickoff
Some of the sector’s biggest names are gathering in Quebec City, and the message is clear: the future of farming starts now.
Conozca a la Mujer que Lucha Contra la Brecha de Género Oculta en los Sistemas Alimentarios Mundiales
La Dra. Hale Ann Tufan promueve la equidad de género en la investigación agrícola, integrando justicia social al fitomejoramiento.
Inside Seed Leadership: ISF’s Global Outlook with Arthur Santosh Attavar
Marcel Bruins interviews Arthur Santosh Attavar, ISF president, on global seed leadership, discussing quality seed access for smallholders, growth in Asia and Africa, youth engagement, and the role of international partnerships in advancing seed systems.
ASTA Reacts to Passage of OBBBA, Now Signed Into Law by President Trump
The “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (OBBBA), signed by President Trump on July 4, delivers major agricultural updates. The law strengthens the Farm Safety Net, extends the clean fuel 45Z tax credit, invests in conservation, and redirects $13 billion in unused IRA funds to USDA — creating new opportunities for farmers and landowners.
Why This Scientist Thinks Plant Breeding Needs a Data Overhaul — Fast
Borlaug Scholar Karlene Negus applies AI to crop science, predicting performance in corn and sorghum to advance plant breeding innovation.
What the West Can Learn from Quebec’s Seed Strategy
Seeds Canada comes to Quebec for its annual meeting this week — and members should leave with a fresh perspective.
Our Seed Regs are Getting a Makeover — Here’s a Rundown
Canada’s seed regulations are about to be rewritten — and the CFIA’s proposed plan could upend how seed is tested, sold, and imported.
In Memoriam – Dr. Simon N. Groot
Simon Groot, founder of East-West Seed, revolutionized tropical agriculture by introducing hybrid varieties and strengthening local seed systems, transforming the livelihoods of millions of smallholder farmers.
Herramienta de IA Rastrea las Etapas de Crecimiento del Girasol a Partir de Imágenes de Teléfonos
Investigadores de Argentina e Italia desarrollan SunPheno, una herramienta de IA gratuita que usa fotos de celulares para detectar fases de crecimiento del girasol, mejorando la gestión de campos y el mejoramiento genético.
AI Tool Tracks Sunflower Growth Stages from Phone Images
Researchers from Argentina’s INTA and Conicet, along with Italy’s University of Trento, have developed SunPheno—the first open-access AI tool that uses cell phone images to identify sunflower growth stages. The tool supports breeding and field management by focusing on key phases like leaf senescence, which impacts yield potential.
Unlocking Protein from Tomato Leaves: A Promising but Tough Task
Tomato leaves contain up to 27% protein, making them a promising plant-based protein source. However, challenges remain for large-scale use. Research by Marietheres Kleuter at Wageningen University & Research focuses on overcoming these hurdles, supporting the circular economy principle that “waste doesn’t exist” by finding ways to repurpose plant waste into valuable resources.
Rooted for Victory — Grass is Powering the Women Football Pitches in Switzerland
As Europe focuses on the women’s football tournament in Switzerland, Kentucky bluegrass is the unsung hero beneath the action. Known for its rhizome-driven regeneration, this turfgrass provides the durability and recovery needed for high-intensity play, making it essential for tournament-quality fields.
Think Variety Registration Slows Innovation? Think Again, Say 3 Breeding Legends
Debate continues over Canada’s wheat variety registration system. While critics say it restricts innovation, supporters argue it ensures quality and market standards.
How These Leaders Quietly Shaped CSGA’s Future
From breeding legends to field-walking icons, CSGA’s awards night in Victoria celebrated seven giants who shaped Canada’s seed system.
Canadians are Craving Certainty, and our Industry Might be One of the Few They Still Trust
Pollster David Coletto says Canada has entered a new era of precarity—and it’s changing everything from how we vote to how we buy groceries.
43% of Crops Trace Back to One Facility in Saskatoon
Driving $17.8 billion in farm output, the Crop Development Centre proves public research pays big dividends.
Seed Rules Were Built for Yesterday’s Farms. CSGA is Rewriting Them for the Future
Canada’s seed certification system is undergoing major updates as CSGA modernizes standards, adds digital tools, and reviews key rules for seed production.
Why the U.S. is Looking North for Seed Certification Solutions
As global pressures mount and a new generation enters the fray, AOSCA is deepening its relationship with its Canadian counterparts.
How Mike Downie Turned a Seed Conference Into a Rock ‘n’ Roll Revival
An award-winning documentary filmmaker turned a quiet seed conference into a full-blown call to arms for Canadian storytelling.
Your AI Strategy Probably Sucks. Here’s How to Fix It
What if your next employee isn’t a person—but an AI that certifies seed fields, drafts SOPs, and rewrites the rules of farming in real time?
Productivity in Farming Now Hinges on Seed and Not Steel, Says FCC Economist
Why the next great agricultural leap won’t come from machines.
Seed Certification is Ripe for Disruption — and Jan Slaski is Leading the Charge
What if drones and AI could spot male plants in your seed field faster than a human—and rewrite the future of crop certification in the process?
The Ag Sector Has a Unity Plan. Will Carney Put it on the Map?
With a government that’s picking winners fast, insiders say we must act now or get left behind by steel, auto and energy.
Crop Trust Publica su Informe de 2024
Crop Trust celebra 20 años protegiendo la diversidad de cultivos; la Bóveda Global de Semillas de Svalbard alcanza 1,3 millones de muestras de 6.000 especies.
Climate Change Drives Record-Breaking Droughts, Says UN-Backed Report
A new UN-backed report reveals that since 2023, climate change and increasing pressure on land and water have triggered some of the most severe and widespread droughts in recorded history.
From Food to Fashion: How Agricultural Waste Could Shape the Clothes of the Future
Chalmers University of Technology research shows that agricultural residues from wheat and oats can serve as sustainable alternatives to wood pulp for cellulose-based textiles. This process is simpler and less chemical-intensive than traditional methods, adding value to underused crop byproducts. With cotton’s high environmental impact, non-wood biomass offers a promising, resource-efficient raw material for textile production.
Three Ways to Build Strong Roots, Strong Returns
This season underscores the importance of healthy root systems. Effective seed treatments and root-focused strategies help crops withstand stress and boost yield.
The Freedom to Adapt
In 2025, U.S. seed leaders navigate a changing landscape of climate, policy, and markets, emphasizing innovation, coalition-building, and strategic planning.
Los Científicos Descartaron su Agricultura en el Desierto. Ahora la Están Estudiando
En Arizona, el Dr. Michael Johnson aplica prácticas agrícolas indígenas ancestrales que demuestran ser más efectivas que los métodos modernos, destacando la sabiduría tradicional en la agricultura.
Anticipating and Navigating Regulatory Change: A Proactive Approach
Michelman takes a proactive approach to regulatory compliance by anticipating changes and leading industry standards. With a global team monitoring regulations and trends, they develop timely solutions—such as launching microplastic-free seed coatings ahead of deadlines—to ensure products meet and exceed compliance while delivering top performance.
Greener Fields, Richer Soils: Agroecology Proves Its Value
A four-year study on 17 English arable farms found that agroecological practices—like wildflower margins, cover crops, and soil enrichment—boost biodiversity and improve some crop yields. The most intensive system showed the greatest soil carbon gains and increases in beneficial insects and pest control. However, these methods remain economically unviable without public support.
BASF Canada Names New Managing Director
BASF Canada appoints Marian Van Hoek as managing director, effective July 1, 2025. She brings a decade of leadership experience within the company.
This Province Grows Nearly 30% of Canada’s Organic Seed — and it’s Not on the Prairies
British Columbia’s seed game is small but mighty. The Canadian Seed Grower’s Association will meet there this week for its annual meeting.
Euroseeds Calls on Danish Presidency for NGT Action
Leveraging Denmark’s leadership in plant breeding and seed production, Euroseeds expects the Danish EU presidency to prioritize finalizing the Regulation for New Genomic Techniques (NGTs). These innovative tools, including gene editing, are vital for advancing European agriculture’s competitiveness, sustainability, and maintaining the EU’s global position in plant breeding research and seed exports.