The Missing Link in the Value Chain
Most definitions say agriculture’s value chain begins with the seed, but the real starting point comes earlier: the people who create it. Plant breeders spend years developing region-specific varieties that farmers rely on for yield, resilience, and market fit. Without breeders, there is no seed choice and no modern productivity. Recognizing breeding as the first link reframes how agriculture’s value chain truly begins.
From Seed to Food: FAO’S First Universal Expo
From Seed to Food, the first FAO Universal Exposition in Rome (October) celebrated FAO’s 80 years of global action to end hunger and strengthen food security. The event showcased the full agri-food value chain—from research and seeds to farming, processing, and consumers—highlighting innovation needed for a growing population and climate pressure. Seed leaders stressed that quality seeds and plant innovation, including New Genetic Techniques (NGTs), are essential for sustainable production and resilient agriculture.
EU Member States Back NGT Rules, Boosting Innovation in Plant Breeding
Europe’s seed sector has welcomed EU Member States’ agreement on the Regulation on New Genomic Techniques (NGTs), calling it a decisive step toward more innovative, competitive and resilient European agriculture. Euroseeds said the endorsement of the trilogue compromise sends a strong signal in support of plant breeding innovation. The association pledged continued technical support to policymakers through adoption and implementation.
What’s Coming Next for Corn? An Inside Look at the Future of Corn Genetics
Corn is entering a period of rapid change. Weather volatility is intensifying, pest pressures are shifting, and genetic innovation is moving faster than ever before. For growers and independent seed […]
Why Crop Diversity Matters More Than Ever for Europe’s Agricultural Future
Europe’s seed market is consolidating fast—raising urgent questions about innovation, resilience, and food security. Nearly 80% of Europe’s arable land is planted to just four crops: corn, wheat, oilseed rape, and sunflower. Seed World Europe spoke with Régis Fournier, former Limagrain Field Seeds CEO, on why crop diversity underpins food sovereignty, strengthens agronomy, and is increasingly vital under regulation.
Tired of Competing on Price? Start Competing on Status
High-status brands don’t win faster sales through louder promotions—they win through clearer stories that build trust. Status means being seen as an expert guide, not a replaceable vendor, leading buyers to seek advice instead of discounts. A strong narrative centers the customer, defines their real problem, explains your “why,” offers a simple plan, and shows clear stakes—turning suppliers into strategic partners.
Tired of Competing on Price? Start Competing on Status
High-status brands don’t win faster sales through louder promotions—they win through clearer stories that build trust. Status means being seen as an expert guide, not a replaceable vendor, leading buyers to seek advice instead of discounts. A strong narrative centers the customer, defines their real problem, explains your “why,” offers a simple plan, and shows clear stakes—turning suppliers into strategic partners.
Tired of Competing on Price? Start Competing on Status
High-status brands don’t win faster sales through louder promotions—they win through clearer stories that build trust. Status means being seen as an expert guide, not a replaceable vendor, leading buyers to seek advice instead of discounts. A strong narrative centers the customer, defines their real problem, explains your “why,” offers a simple plan, and shows clear stakes—turning suppliers into strategic partners.
Seeds Are Smarter Than We Think and So Are Today’s Treatments
Seed treatments are essential for early crop protection, improving germination, emergence, and stand establishment. Contact treatments coat the seed surface for fast, localized defense against seed-borne pathogens with minimal environmental movement. Systemic treatments absorb into seedlings for longer, broader protection against soil-borne and internal diseases, reducing foliar spray needs. The best strategy balances both to match field pressure, limit resistance, and support sustainable crop health.
A Real and Profitable Need: Your Path to Becoming a Registered Seed Technologist
The seed industry urgently needs trained professionals as demand for seed quality testing grows and the number of seed technologists declines. Becoming a Registered Seed Technologist (RST) offers stability, respect, and long-term career opportunity. Iowa State University supports this journey through hands-on training and 2026 workshops in germination, purity, and beginner seed testing—plus a new RST training program in development.
Understanding Endophytes from Field Results to the Biology that Drives Performance
Endophytes are emerging as powerful seed treatments that enhance crop performance without harming plants. At JABB of the Carolinas, we highlight how Beauveria bassiana works as a systemic endophyte, colonizing the entire plant and boosting growth, nutrient availability, and stress tolerance. When paired with other endophytes like Trichoderma, results can exceed expectations—improving yields, plant vigor, and profitability. Seed-applied endophytes offer reliable, season-long benefits for producers.
Why Changing Plant Genes Is Still Slow and How Scientists Are Speeding It Up
Programs equip global participants with the skills to pass rigorous purity exams while connecting them to a worldwide network of seed analysts. The collaboration and knowledge exchange that follow help strengthen individual expertise and support industry-wide standardization of practices.
Sustainability is Already Built Into Canadian Farming
Learn how certified seed supports sustainable agriculture, improves crop resilience, and strengthens Canada’s food system from seed to table
You Can’t Automate Authenticity, and People Know It
How volume-driven communication is breaking real connection in business and life. It’s never been easier to connect with people, and yet, genuine connection feels harder than ever. I recently read […]
You Can’t Fake Caring
Authentic connection is harder than ever in a world of endless options. Just like dating apps proved that more access doesn’t equal better relationships, business leaders are learning that reach and volume don’t create resonance. Real impact comes from quality interactions, not touchpoints. Prioritize depth over noise, measure how people feel, and use intentional language to build trust. The future belongs to those who connect best, not most.
You Can’t Fake Caring
Authentic connection is harder than ever in a world of endless options. Just like dating apps proved that more access doesn’t equal better relationships, business leaders are learning that reach and volume don’t create resonance. Real impact comes from quality interactions, not touchpoints. Prioritize depth over noise, measure how people feel, and use intentional language to build trust. The future belongs to those who connect best, not most.
Editors Pick: Myths in and Around the Seed Sector
Seed World Europe’s misinformation series tackles the persistent myths that distort public understanding of plant breeding, crop protection, and modern seed systems. Covering topics from hybrids, GMOs, and pollinators to plant breeders’ rights, biologicals, organic agriculture, and misinformation itself, these articles use clear explanations, historical context, and evidence-based analysis to separate fact from fiction. By confronting false narratives head-on, the series supports science-driven dialogue and strengthens trust in the breeders, researchers, and seed professionals who underpin global food security.
Editors Pick: Giant Views Columns
Seed World Europe’s Giant Views column closes every issue by giving the final page to the voices shaping the seed sector. Industry leaders, innovators, researchers, and policy experts share candid, thought-provoking perspectives on agriculture’s biggest challenges and opportunities—from how humans shape food and farming to regulatory complexity, sustainability, and the mindsets guiding innovation. Often provocative and always original, Giant Views is a platform for bold ideas, honest opinions, and fresh thinking that sparks dialogue across the seed sector.
El uso eficiente del agua impulsa la productividad del trigo y reduce las emisiones
Un estudio de Embrapa Cerrados demuestra que una gestión precisa del riego en trigo puede reducir hasta un 50% las emisiones de gases de efecto invernadero sin afectar el rendimiento. Regar al 40% de agotamiento hídrico optimiza productividad, eficiencia del agua y sostenibilidad, ofreciendo una estrategia climáticamente inteligente para la agricultura tropical.
Editors Pick: EU Presidencies
Seed World Europe continues to follow each rotating EU Council Presidency to keep readers up to date on the shifting political priorities shaping plant breeding, seed legislation, and agricultural innovation. In our five most recent pieces—covering Spain (July–Dec. 2023), Belgium (Jan–June 2024), Hungary (July–Dec. 2024), Poland (Jan–June 2025), and Denmark (July–Dec. 2025)—we track how key files like PRM reform, NGTs, food security, and sustainability move through Brussels, and what each Presidency means for Europe’s seed sector.
A $1.5M Boost for Africa’s Soybean Future
A $1.5 million Gates Foundation grant to the University of Illinois’ Soybean Innovation Lab will expand Pan-African soybean seed trials, accelerate variety registration and strengthen soybean markets across sub-Saharan Africa.
How Strong Leadership Helped Canada’s Seed Sector Earn National Recognition
Behind every reliable seed is an organization committed to transparency, responsible leadership, and long-term stability
Editors Pick: The Risk Corner
Seed World Europe proudly features the columns of Professor David Zaruk, a Brussels-based expert in environmental health-risk policy who challenges conventional thinking. Known for sharp analysis, out-of-the-box ideas, and occasional provocation, he dissects EU debates shaping agriculture and regulation with clarity and wit. His commentary cuts through the Brussels noise to spotlight what policies mean for innovation, risk governance, and Europe’s seed sector—pushing conversations forward all year.
Where the New Year Meets the Long Game
As the seed industry returns from the holidays, Seed World welcomes readers into the new year with a reflection on the work ahead and why it continues to matter.
El regreso de lo real: siete tendencias de consumo que están transformando la industria alimentaria
El nuevo informe de tendencias de NOURISH revela que los consumidores rechazan la perfección artificial y el marketing algorítmico, y priorizan la autenticidad, la conexión humana y la transparencia en los alimentos. Estas tendencias redefinirán la industria alimentaria hacia 2026, impulsando marcas reales, nutrición integral, experiencias sociales y una comunicación honesta.
New From Albaugh: BIOST® 2G Nematicide + Insecticide
Albaugh’s BIOST® 2G Nematicide + Insecticide is a next-generation biological seed treatment delivering proven protection against plant-parasitic nematodes and soil-borne insect pests, including corn rootworm larvae, seed maggots, and wireworms. Featuring a novel active ingredient used on 20+ million acres, BIOST 2G is optimized for low-use-rate application. It quickly stops pest feeding to minimize crop loss while supporting an environmentally friendly profile. Available now, pending final state registrations.
Editors Pick: Crop Breeding Articles on Forage & Turf Crops
Seed World Europe’s crop spotlight series spans 30+ species and shines a light on the vital world of forage and turf breeding. These crops support livestock systems, soil health, carbon storage, and the green spaces around us. Our features explore breeder challenges—boosting resilience, persistence, nutrient efficiency, and stress tolerance—while safeguarding quality germplasm. From fescue and bluegrass to clover and lucerne.
Without Seed Innovation, Canadian Food Prices Could be 65% Higher
Canada’s farm economy is approaching a decisive moment. It can reignite innovation and productivity, or settle into a slower, less competitive future
Editors Pick: Sense, Nonsense and Science Columns
Seed World Europe features the columns of Dr. Joe Schwarcz, Director of McGill University’s Office for Science and Society, for readers who appreciate science with clarity, curiosity, and wit. Known for demystifying chemistry and challenging misinformation, Joe brings an engaging, no-nonsense voice to topics spanning food, biotechnology, health claims, and the science behind everyday phenomena. Each column helps readers separate evidence from hype while exploring how science shapes our world—and the seed sector.
Editors Pick: Crop Breeding Articles on Field Crops
Seed World Europe’s ongoing field crop series—now featuring more than 30 spotlighted crops—shows how breeders are pushing the boundaries of innovation in the world’s most important crops. Each article explores the realities of modern breeding, from unlocking new genetic diversity and battling emerging pests and diseases to navigating long timelines and major investment to deliver improved varieties to farmers. From maize and lupin to hybrid wheat, sugar beet, and barley, these stories highlight how breeding drives productivity, sustainability, and resilience across Europe’s cropping systems.
Is Canadian Agricultural Innovation in Crisis? The Evidence Says Yes
Our seed and plant-breeding systems are stuck in a risk-averse, underfunded loop, experts say
Editors Pick: Brussels Sprouts
César González, Public Affairs Manager at Euroseeds, offers Seed World Europe readers a front-row view of EU decision-making from Brussels. With an insider’s perspective on the institutions and policy process, he tracks the political debates and regulatory developments that most impact Europe’s seed sector. His columns translate complex legislation into clear, actionable insights—showing how ideas evolve, why they matter, and what they mean for seed businesses, innovation, and the future of plant breeding across the EU.
¿Ha muerto el multilateralismo? El fracaso de Lima y el futuro de la cooperación mundial en semillas
Una noche en Lima que lo cambió todo Eran casi las 11 p. m. de la última noche de negociaciones en la reunión del Órgano Rector del Tratado Internacional sobre […]
Editors Pick: Fun Facts on Crops
Take a break from policy and industry analysis with Seed World Europe’s “Fun Facts” series—light, engaging stories about the crops we often take for granted. These articles uncover quirky histories, surprising traits, and hidden wonders behind familiar foods, helping readers see beyond what’s on their plates. Each piece celebrates the extraordinary diversity of plants and aims to spark curiosity, joy, and fresh appreciation for what feeds us.
Seed sector celebrates advances in biotechnology, but warns of piracy and regulatory delays
Colombia’s seed sector closed 2025 on a positive note, marked by Acosemillas’ 55th anniversary and continued progress in certified seed supply, biotechnology, and traceability. Despite challenges such as seed piracy and regulatory delays, the market remains stable, advances in research, and strengthens its role in agricultural competitiveness, sustainability, and climate change adaptation.
Editors Pick: Franco’s Agri Notes
Franco Brazzabeni delivers a global, market-savvy perspective on agriculture through his columns for Seed World Europe. An international agribusiness consultant with strong commercial and marketing expertise, he also serves as a Board Member of Italy’s seed association Assosementi and contributes to multiple ISF groups. Franco connects market trends, consumer shifts, and emerging technologies to explain how the seed sector is evolving worldwide—offering clear, strategic insight into the opportunities and challenges shaping the EU seed sector.