What’s Happening at ASTA Vegetable and Flower Conference 2026?
Scenes and snippets from the 2026 ASTA Vegetable and Flower Seed Conference in San Diego, California
Navigating Seed Labeling Requirements Across All 50 States
A new national Seed Labeling Database from the Oregon Seed Association helps seed companies navigate complex state and federal labeling requirements for specialty crops across all 50 states.
Why Speed Isn’t the Same as Progress
The February issue of Seed World U.S. is full of vegetable and flower seed industry-specific stories. Check it out!
Avances en la edición genética de patatas para reducir las pérdidas poscosecha
Papas editadas genéticamente desarrolladas por el INIA de Chile presentan una reducción significativa del pardeamiento poscosecha, ayudando a disminuir pérdidas en procesamiento, almacenamiento, comercio y hogares. Mediante CRISPR y la edición del gen PPO2 sin introducir ADN externo, se obtuvieron líneas no transgénicas con mayor calidad y vida útil, impulsando la sostenibilidad, la eficiencia y el marco regulatorio chileno para cultivos editados.
Why Vegetable Seed Companies Can’t Afford To Move Slow Anymore
New tools, platforms and ownership models are reshaping the seed industry, but real progress comes down to execution. With nearly 30 years of experience across production, supply chain and sales, Sakata Seed America’s vegetable business COO Davis shares how to evaluate innovation by what actually improves performance in the field and across the business.
Chile Advances Regulatory Clarity for New Plant Breeding Technologies in Agriculture
Chile’s Ministry of Agriculture, through SAG, proposed a resolution to formalize the technical procedure used to evaluate plant materials developed with New Breeding Techniques (NBT). The framework increases legal certainty, transparency, and oversight, distinguishing NBT products from regulated transgenic GMOs. Mandatory pre-field, case-by-case reviews support health and environmental protection, strengthen public confidence, and encourage innovation for climate-resilient, sustainable food production.
CO₂ and Crops: The Yield Driver EU Policy Rarely Talks About
Satellite data reveal rising CO₂ has significantly boosted crop yields, especially wheat, more than many EU climate models acknowledge. An NBER study links real-world CO₂ variation to higher maize, soybean and wheat productivity. Ignoring CO₂ fertilisation may overstate climate damage, misguide EU policy, and undervalue seed-sector innovation critical for future food security, plant biology and agricultural economics alike matter today.
Discovery May Help Barley Growers Better Manage Seed Dormancy
University of Adelaide researchers, partnering with Carlsberg Research Laboratory, mapped a key barley MAPK enzyme–substrate complex that regulates seed dormancy. Published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, the work clarifies how MKK3 activates downstream MAPK signaling and helps explain dormancy-to-germination control. The discovery could support precision breeding to optimize dormancy, reduce pre-harvest sprouting, and improve crop management efficiency in barley and other grains.
Chile avanza en claridad regulatoria para nuevas tecnologías de fitomejoramiento en la agricultura
Chile, a través del SAG del Ministerio de Agricultura, presentó una resolución para formalizar el procedimiento técnico de evaluación de materiales vegetales desarrollados con Nuevas Técnicas de Mejoramiento (NBT). El marco aporta certeza jurídica, transparencia y mayor supervisión, diferenciando productos NBT de los OGM transgénicos ya regulados. La revisión obligatoria previa al campo, caso por caso, refuerza la protección sanitaria y ambiental, la confianza pública y la innovación agrícol
Inside a Modern Seed Cleaning Plant: How Colour Sorters Really Add Value
Greenleaf Seeds in Saskatchewan uses colour sorting technology to improve seed quality, reduce risk, and unlock new opportunities across oats, wheat, lentils, and more
Redefining Seed Enhancement: 75 Seconds with Summit Seed Coatings
Spend 75 seconds with Summit Seed Coatings’ Joseph Young. He talks about how the company has taken traditional roots into an evolving, but continual customer-focused way of doing business.
Arctic Strategy, Trade Wars and the Future of Prairie Farming — According to Peter Mansbridge
Peter Mansbridge connects climate change, northern security and China-Canada trade relations to our industry’s long-term success
Transgenic Corn and Soy Drive Cuba’s Push to Boost Grain Production
Cuba remains heavily dependent on imported corn and soy, limiting feed production and agricultural output. Despite proven high yields from domestically developed transgenic corn and soybean varieties, expansion is slowed by financing, fuel shortages, and resource constraints. Researchers and producers agree these crops are key to reducing imports, strengthening food sovereignty, and improving animal feed supply and farm profitability.
The New Trade Map: Why Canadian Seed Companies Should Rethink “the Global Marketplace”
One analyst’s advice: diversify beyond China, treat food like energy, and build demand at home
Euroseeds Publishes Updated Position on Research
Euroseeds’ updated position paper calls on the EU to secure dedicated plant breeding research funding under FP10 and the European Competitiveness Fund to strengthen sustainable agriculture, the bioeconomy and EU competitiveness. The seed sector reinvests up to 20% of turnover in R&D, yet public support is declining via FP, ERC and MSCA. Euroseeds urges robust budgets and partnerships to deliver climate-resilient yields, food security and strategic sovereignty.
Ahead of Leaders’ Retreat, Agri-Food Chain Calls for Stronger EU Support
Ahead of the EU Leaders’ Retreat on 12 February, 40 agri-food organisations urge EU institutions to put agriculture and food at the heart of Europe’s competitiveness strategy. The €1 trillion EU agri-food value chain underpins food security, resilience and jobs, but faces rising regulatory complexity, administrative burdens and global uncertainty. Signatories call for simplification, investment and innovation to boost productivity, circularity and strategic independence. They back Commission efforts, urging further legislative modernisation.
Maíz y soja transgénicos impulsan el impulso de Cuba para aumentar la producción de granos
Cuba mantiene una fuerte dependencia de las importaciones de maíz y soya, lo que limita la producción de piensos y el rendimiento agrícola. Aunque variedades transgénicas desarrolladas localmente muestran altos rendimientos, su expansión enfrenta obstáculos financieros y logísticos. Autoridades y productores coinciden en que estos cultivos son esenciales para reducir importaciones, fortalecer la soberanía alimentaria y asegurar el abastecimiento de alimento animal.
How Smart Decisions at the Start Set Your Crop up for Success
Crop failure can come from drought, hail, or volatile markets—but smart agronomy decisions reduce risk. Choosing the right seed genetics for local conditions is the foundation, and advanced seed coatings support germination, protect against fungus, and can add drought resilience. With biologicals, promises aren’t enough: proven field performance matters. That’s why we validate products for coating compatibility, quality, durability, and low dust-off—backed by responsive customer service.
Why Does Advocacy Matter for the EU Seed Sector?
This column explains the long-term nature of EU agricultural policymaking and the essential role of EU associations such as Euroseeds. It highlights stakeholder engagement since the Common Agricultural Policy, the growing power of the European Parliament, and multi-year legislative timelines, using New Genomic Techniques and seed legislation to show why sustained EU advocacy and Brussels-based representation are critical.
Is Seed Testing a Cost or a Competitive Advantage?
Seed testing can reveal far more than germination. SGS’s Amanda Patin explains how vigor, stress performance and deeper quality data help seed companies differentiate products, protect value and turn testing into a true competitive advantage.
Enlist Essentials: What Growers Need to Get Weed Control Right
How does the Enlist weed control system works in real-world farming? Corteva Agriscience’s Jillian Schmiedt explains how traits, herbicides and stewardship decisions come together to protect performance, manage resistance and help growers and seed advisors make smarter in-season choices.
EPA Sets New Dicamba Restrictions for Soybean and Cotton
EPA announces new dicamba restrictions for cotton and soybean growers, including tighter application limits, drift safeguards and a two-season regulatory timeline shaping weed mana
Agriculture Day Highlights the Need for Clarity on the Future of AAFC Research
As AAFC navigates research and staffing transitions, clear communication can help the seed sector plan for the next phase of innovation
Government Funding Supports Gene-edited Crops At John Innes Centre
The John Innes Centre has secured UK government funding for four DEFRA-backed projects advancing precision breeding, including gene-edited disease-resistant crops, vitamin D–enriched tomatoes, and dandelions for sustainable rubber. Enabled by the UK Precision Breeding Act, the initiatives aim to boost farm productivity, cut emissions, strengthen crop resilience, and accelerate innovation through research–industry collaboration.
Combating Seed Piracy to Protect Mexico’s Agricultural Productivity
AMSAC has launched its “No Harvest Surprises” campaign to combat seed piracy, a growing threat to Mexico’s agricultural productivity. Pirated seed sold via unauthorized vendors often fails genetic and phytosanitary standards, increasing risks of poor germination, pests, and crop losses. Certified seed supports reliable yields, climate resilience, farmer income, and long-term agricultural innovation.
Deadline Extended to Feb 20: Nominations Open for Europe’s Promising Young Plant Breeders
Seed World Europe is now accepting nominations for its April 2026 “20 Most Promising Young Plant Breeders in Europe” feature. Nominate early-career plant breeders making an impact across Europe, from universities, research institutes, seed companies, and sector organisations.
CFIA Cuts Will Not Disrupt Seed Regulatory Modernization
The agency says it remains focused on science-based regulation and plans to publish updated Seeds Regulations in 2026
From Seed to Sky: The Demand for Sustainable Aviation Fuel
Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is no longer a fringe idea. Airlines want it. States are building policy around it. Researchers are racing to lower costs. The next question is what […]
Combatiendo la Piratería de Semillas para Proteger la Productividad Agrícola de México
AMSAC lanzó la campaña “Sin Sorpresas en la Cosecha” para combatir la piratería de semillas, una amenaza creciente para la productividad agrícola en México. Las semillas pirata no cumplen estándares genéticos ni fitosanitarios, provocando mala germinación, plagas y pérdidas de cosecha. La semilla certificada garantiza rendimientos confiables, mayor resiliencia climática, mejores ingresos para productores y fomenta la innovación agrícola.
The Agricultural Crop Licensing Platform Extends to Ornamental and Fruit Crops
After three years, the Agricultural Crop Licensing Platform (ACLP) has expanded to include ornamental, fruit, and forest crops, strengthening access to patented traits across Europe. The platform now supports breeders of all crop types with transparent patent disclosure, standardized licensing, fair arbitration, and legal certainty, benefiting especially small and medium-sized breeding companies.
Half the water, competitive yields: INTA advances quinoa irrigation research
INTA San Juan research shows quinoa can thrive in Argentina’s Cuyo region using just half the irrigation water cited in international benchmarks. With 260–290 mm per cycle, the Morrillos INTA variety achieved about 1.7 t/ha, with only 10–20% yield reduction and good grain quality. Drip irrigation enables precise control, boosting water savings and production predictability.
Grain Growers of Canada Demands Transparency on AAFC Research Cuts and Facility Closures
The organization noted the pace and scale of the announced changes have sparked serious concern across the grain sector
Mitad de agua, rendimientos competitivos: INTA avanza en la investigación sobre riego de quinua
Investigación de INTA San Juan muestra que la quinoa puede rendir competitivamente en Cuyo usando solo la mitad del agua indicada por referencias internacionales. Con 260–290 mm por ciclo, la variedad Morrillos INTA logró cerca de 1,7 t/ha, con una reducción de rendimiento de 10–20% y buena calidad de grano. El riego por goteo permite control preciso y ahorro hídrico.
Europe Can’t Afford to Fall Behind: Jessica Polfjärd on the EU’s NGT Turning Point
Europe’s new agreement on New Genomic Techniques marks a turning point for plant breeding and seed innovation. Led by MEP Jessica Polfjärd, the NGT dossier balanced science, politics, and national interests to reach compromise. The reform aims to modernise EU regulation, support farmers, strengthen food security, and unlock gene-editing tools for climate resilience, sustainability, and competitiveness.
Manitoba Seed Growers Challenge Ottawa on AAFC Cuts After Davos Food Security Message
The MSGA statement, issued today, references remarks made by Prime Minister Mark Carney at the World Economic Forum
Why Hands-On Seed School Training Still Matters in a High-Tech World
One of the things I’m most passionate about at Nexeed is training, because confidence on the plant floor directly impacts quality, efficiency, and profitability. That’s why we continue to invest […]