How a Global Crisis Changed Seed Production Forever
Five years after the pandemic disrupted international seed production, U.S. companies and their partners in Chile have permanently adopted innovations born out of necessity. From virtual field inspections and drone imagery to faster paperwork and digital certification, what began as crisis response has evolved into a more agile, efficient system for counter-season seed production. Industry leaders say improved connectivity, remote monitoring, and stronger local teams are now standard practice. The changes not only streamlined operations during COVID-19 but also helped boost seed quality, planning, and communication — creating long-term gains across the global seed supply chain.
PubPlant: El Google Maps del ADN Vegetal
Desde el genoma de Arabidopsis en 2000, se han secuenciado más de 1000 especies vegetales, generando un reto clave: organizar y compartir estos datos masivos.
PubPlant: The Google Maps of Plant DNA
In the past 20 years, plant science has sequenced over 1,000 species since the 2000 Arabidopsis genome, creating a data revolution—and a new challenge in organizing and sharing this wealth of information.
Embrapa and CIMMYT Strengthen Global Partnership on Wheat
Researchers from CIMMYT visited Brazil to strengthen their partnership with Embrapa on developing climate-resilient wheat. The collaboration focuses on exchanging genetic material to improve wheat varieties, supporting efforts to adapt to climate change.
Embrapa y el CIMMYT Fortalecen su Alianza Global en el Cultivo de Trigo
CIMMYT y Embrapa refuerzan su alianza en Brasil para impulsar el mejoramiento genético del trigo y desarrollar variedades más resistentes al cambio climático.
How Cucumbers Got Longer – And Why It’s A Big Deal For Farming
Cucumbers are helping advance genomic research beyond their role as a popular crop. A study by the John Innes Centre and CAAS explored genetic differences between wild and domesticated cucumbers, focusing on fruit elongation. The research highlights the role of non-coding “silent” DNA mutations—once overlooked—in shaping traits, offering new potential for precision breeding of high-yield, diverse crops.
Now Hiring — But Not Just Anyone
Summit Seed Coatings focuses on building a workplace where employees feel they belong. Hiring reflects our commitment to culture, ensuring new team members are the right fit and part of a company people want to join.
EU, Türkiye Urged to Resolve Seed Potato Dispute
The European potato sector faces rising concerns as Türkiye rejected over 5,500 tonnes of EU and UK seed potatoes due to pest detections, despite prior testing confirming compliance with international phytosanitary standards.
Las Reglas Para Utilizar la Estrategia del “Enemigo Común”
El liderazgo moviliza a las personas hacia un objetivo común; identificar un adversario compartido puede inspirar unidad, aunque mal aplicado puede dañar la cultura y reputación de la organización.
How Plants Know When to Heal Themselves
Scientists at the University of Helsinki have discovered how plants detect and repair damage to their protective outer layer, the periderm. Using Arabidopsis, they found that gas exchange—specifically changes in ethylene and oxygen levels—triggers regeneration when the barrier is breached. The findings could help improve crop resilience and shelf life.
IP Panelists Say if we Don’t Protect Innovation, We’re Killing the System That Feeds Us
Canada’s seed industry needs an intellectual property wake-up call, Seeds Canada conference hears during closing session. To close out today’s Seeds Canada Annual Conference in Quebec City, three of North […]
He Led Through a Pandemic and a Trade War — Now He’s Stepping Down
Barry Senft’s coming departure as Seeds Canada CEO leaves one big question: who’s ready to fill his boots?
AAFC Just Assembled a CUSMA SWAT Team — Here’s Why
With looming tariffs and a fast-approaching trade agreement review, Canada is retooling its approach to trade. A new team is leading the charge.
Seeds Canada Has Released its Annual Review. Here’s the Highlights
The report highlights how Seeds Canada is laying the groundwork for a more resilient, unified, and forward-looking industry.
This Young Scientist is Proving That Traditional Farming Wisdom Still Holds the Key
For Michele Nalle, agriculture has always been more than food — it’s a way of life. Growing up on the small Indonesian island of Timor, she was surrounded by traditional […]
Quebec is About to Make Treated Seed a Controlled Substance. It Could Trigger a Pest Surge
Starting Aug. 1, farmers will need a prescription to use seed treated with insecticide. An agronomist warns it could cause big issues.
New Study Shows Saskatchewan Barley Producers Lead in Sustainable Production
A new GIFS study confirms Saskatchewan and Western Canadian farmers lead the world in sustainable barley, achieving the lowest carbon footprint among major producing regions.
How Canada’s New Crop Rules Could Supercharge Global Food Security
With new, streamlined regulations, innovators finally have the green light to bring next-gen seeds to market faster than ever before. For over a decade, Canada’s biotechnology industry and government regulators […]
Seeds Canada Members Get Serious About Sustainability
The seed industry has published a voluntary guide to sustainability, not to impose new rules, but to shape the narrative before others do. It’s both a defensive measure and a […]
Uruguay acaba de entregarle a Canadá una hoja de ruta sobre cómo construir un sistema moderno
Diego Russo, de URUPOV, visitó Canadá esta semana para ofrecer un ejemplo de cómo se pueden cambiar las políticas de semillas para beneficio de todos.
Uruguay Just Gave Canada a Roadmap on How to Build a Modern System
URUPOV’s Diego Russo went to Canada this week to offer an example of how seed policies can be changed to benefit everyone.
El Cambio Climático Provoca Sequías sin Precedentes, Según un Informe Respaldado por la ONU
Un informe respaldado por la ONU advierte que desde 2023 se han registrado algunas de las sequías más graves de la historia, intensificando la pobreza, el hambre y la degradación ambiental.
CIHEAM Zaragoza and ANOVE Partner to Advance Plant Breeding Innovation and Training
CIHEAM Zaragoza and ANOVE have signed a framework agreement to boost collaboration in plant breeding through training, research, and innovation. The partnership aims to strengthen ties between the institutions and support the development of Spain’s agrifood sector.
Mark Carney’s Budget Blitz Could Reshape the Industry — For Better or Worse
With Washington rewriting the rules and Ottawa tightening the purse strings, industry leaders warn: adapt fast or get left behind.
Remembering a Giant of Ontario’s Seed Industry
He mentored the next generation of ag leaders, and helped build one of Ontario’s most influential ag hubs. Peter Hannam didn’t just shape a farm — he reshaped the future […]
She’s in a League of Her Own
The seed industry grows because of bold ideas, tireless effort and people who refuse to settle. Among those shaping the present and future of this field are women whose work isn’t just important—it’s transformative. These women don’t just meet expectations. They exceed them. Again and again.
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.