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Farm Bill “Fun”

The Farm Bill has always been one of those complex, high-stakes pieces of legislation that shapes the foundation of U.S. agriculture. But the latest updates are sparking more discussion than […]

Nadorcott Reconsidered: The Fate of the Cascade for the Breeder of New Varieties

In December of 2019, the European Court of Justice made a controversial ruling that exposed loopholes in the provisional protection and the protection of harvested material under the UPOV Plant Variety Protection (PVR) System. That ruling, called the Nadorcott case because it dealt with the Nadorcott variety of mandarin oranges, has had an adverse impact on the general interpretation of the protection of harvested material of protected fruit and flower varieties in the European Union and, more broadly, in all UPOV Member States

Welcome to 2025!

s we step into 2025, it’s impossible to ignore the significant shifts occurring in the U.S. government. With new leadership in the White House, changes in the House and Senate and key appointments at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the agriculture landscape is rapidly evolving. For those of us in the seed industry, these transitions bring both challenges and exciting opportunities. Let’s try to put aside our political differences and work together for the seed industry’s future.

Top 15 Management Mavericks of North America

A Management Maverick tends to break away from conventional expectations, showing creativity and originality. This trait can be especially valuable in a seed industry that requires innovation and fresh perspectives. Mavericks are usually unafraid to forge new paths or to challenge the status quo, making them pivotal in driving change and progress in their environments.

Why Does Europe Struggle to Get a New Seed Law That Still Works for Breeders and Farmers?

The current legislation has been the successful enabler of a thriving seed sector and guardian of farmers’’ access to the best possible seed across species, markets and final uses. The European Parliament’s approach puts much of this success story at unnecessary risk by eliminating the necessary tools to balance appropriate differentiation of specific requirements with principal rules and assurances for all.

We Are Not Gauchos

Seed World LATAM wishes you a happy holiday season. As you celebrate this special time with your loved ones, we invite you to take a moment to relax and enjoy some […]

No Somos Gauchos

Seed World LATAM te desea unas felices fiestas. Mientras celebras esta época tan especial con tus seres queridos, te invitamos a que te tomes un momento para relajarte y disfrutar de […]

The Seed Sector’s Battle Against Microplastics

In an era where environmental consciousness rules, the seed sector is at a crucial juncture, grappling with the pervasive issue of microplastics in seed treatments. A recent statement by the International Seed Federation (ISF) in March, reignited discussions on the topic. 

What an A-Maizing Crop!

Corn, also known widely as maize, remains a critical crop used in a wide range of food, feed and industrial applications. As breeders continue to make progress, the importance of this crop as well as the diversity of its uses are expected to increase. 

Lessons Learned from Argentina’s UPOV 91 Debate

In Argentina, the recent debate regarding its adherence to the 1991 Act of the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV 91) has been one of the most contentious and significant for its seed sector. Although Argentina did not, in the end, subscribe to this convention, the process left a series of crucial lessons for all the actors involved, from producers and seed companies to legislators and civil society.

Lecciones Aprendidas Tras el Debate Sobre UPOV 91 en Argentina

El debate en Argentina sobre su adhesión al Acta de 1991 de la Unión Internacional para la Protección de Obtenciones Vegetales (UPOV 91) ha sido uno de los más contenciosos y significativos en el sector semillero argentino recientemente. Aunque Argentina finalmente no se adhirió a este convenio, el proceso dejó una serie de lecciones cruciales para todos los actores involucrados, desde productores y empresas semilleras hasta legisladores y la sociedad civil. 

Uruguay Advances Plant Breeding Innovation with Gene Editing Decree

In March, Uruguay underscored its commitment to technological innovation when the country’s legislative bodies approved a decree on gene editing, marking a significant milestone for the country’s seed sector. This regulatory breakthrough, which has been the result of several years of work, seeks to promote innovation and provide a clear framework for the development of new technologies in agriculture.

Uruguay Avanza en la Innovación del Fitomejoramiento con el Decreto de Edición Genética

En marzo, Uruguay demostró su compromiso con la innovación tecnológica cuando los órganos legislativos del país aprobaron un decreto sobre la edición de genes, marcando un hito importante para el sector de las semillas del país. Este avance normativo, fruto de varios años de trabajo, busca promover la innovación y proporcionar un marco claro para el desarrollo de nuevas tecnologías en la agricultura.

Cultural Intelligence to Suc-Seed Across Borders

One of the most common mistakes is assessing other people’s behavior through our own cultural lens, says Coco Hofs, a Dutch-born intercultural trainer and founder of the intercultural consulting firm, CCS – Cross-Cultural Solutions. With over a decade of experience, she has helped countless organizations overcome cultural differences in the international workplace. 

Inteligencia Cultural para el Éxito Sin Fronteras

Plantar semillas en tierras desconocidas es una metáfora de la incertidumbre de hacer negocios en otras culturas: No sabremos el rendimiento exacto de nuestra cosecha -o el costo de nuestros errores- hasta que crezcan las semillas que hemos sembrado. Tener éxito en nuestro propio país, donde uno conoce las “reglas de la casa”, no necesariamente garantiza que las mismas estrategias resulten exitosas en otros lugares.

Crops that Fertilize Themselves

No matter a seed’s genetics, nitrogen fertilizer is critical for achieving high yields, especially in corn.  Editor’s note: Seed World U.S. wishes you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New […]

How are Varieties Protected in Ukraine?

Seed World Europe wishes you happy holidays. And while you’re having a great time with your families and friends over the holidays, there may be moments, you’d like to take a […]

Outstanding Breeder of the Last Century: Dr. Alejandro Violic 

At the age of 99, Dr. Alejandro Violic is a prominent figure in the field of plant genetics, whose life and work have transpired in parallel to the evolution of this science over the last century. His sharp mind and physical vigor are astonishing, making him easily look 25 years younger.

The Queen of Sustainability

Alfalfa is sometimes called the “Queen of forages,” because it is a high-yielding nutritional powerhouse that has many soil benefits, drought tolerance and deep roots, all while being environmentally sustainable.

Regen Ag — Fad or Future?

We take a look at what regenerative agriculture is, what seed companies are doing towards regenerative agriculture, and how they make sure their practices are a good fit with their intended region.

Protagonistas De La Historia Semillera Del Último Siglo: Dr. Alejandro Violic Martinovic

Con 99 años de edad, el Dr. Alejandro Violic Martinovic es una figura sobresaliente en el campo de la fitogenética, cuya vida y labor han transcurrido en paralelo a la evolución de esta ciencia durante el último siglo. Su mente lúcida y vigor físico son sorprendentes, haciéndolo aparentar 25 años menos. En su incansable búsqueda de excelencia, Violic ha vivido una vida marcada por su dedicación al sector agrícola, en especial a la formación de jóvenes genetistas y agrónomos en el arte y la ciencia del mejoramiento genético y las técnicas de producción.

From Lab to Legislation

Marlene Ortiz Berrocal was completing her Ph.D in plant biotechnology at the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México on route to beginning an academic career in research when her studies took an almost accidental right turn. It changed the entire direction of her career path, unexpectedly turning her into a powerful regulatory ally for Mexico’s seed sector. 

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