What Brought the International Fresh Produce Association to the World Seed Congress?
IFPA’s chief membership officer, Miriam Wolk, has these clear messages to share about sustainability, plant breeding, and meeting the needs of consumers of the future.
How Can the Seed Sector and the Fertilizer Sector Help Each Other?
Alzbeta Klein explains why she, as CEO of the International Fertilizer Association, made time for the World Seed Congress, where she sees big opportunities for collaboration between the seed and fertilizer sectors, and how the fertilizer sector is tackling sustainability head on.
USDA APHIS Releases 2023 Impact Report
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) released its 2023 Impact Report, detailing the agency’s significant accomplishments over the past year. Despite numerous challenges, Watson said APHIS continued its mission to safeguard America’s agriculture and natural resources, protect vulnerable animals, and support global food and clothing supply chains.
Takeaways from Seeds Canada Day 1
The political environment in the U.S. is described by American Seed Trade Association President and CEO Andy LaVigne as a “full-on dumpster fire,” reflecting deep divisions and challenges in passing […]
Weaker Ocean Circulation Could Accelerate Climate Change, Impact Crop Vitality
As climate change progresses, the ocean’s overturning circulation is expected to weaken significantly. Previously, scientists predicted that this slowdown would reduce the ocean’s ability to pull down carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. However, it was also believed that slower circulation would bring up less carbon from the deep ocean, maintaining the ocean’s role in reducing atmospheric carbon emissions, albeit at a slower pace.
Where Seed and Grain Meet
Alejandra Castillo, President and CEO of the North American Export Grain Association (NAEGA) talks about her recent job appoint, the free onboard commercial contract revisions and what brought her to the ISF Congress.
On Their Joint Centennial Forum, ISTA and ISF Strengthen Cooperation for a Food-Secure Future
Two global organizations celebrating their centenary jointly hosted a forum emphasizing their shared dedication to advancing the global seed sector. The July 5 event highlighted the crucial role of high-quality, environmentally adapted seed varieties in fostering resilient food systems for a rapidly expanding global population, amidst increasing climate challenges.
Possible Future CWR Reserves? Inventories in Denmark and Åland Show Areas Rich in Valuable Genetic Resources
he traits of crop wild relatives (CWR) can be important for future plant breeding, not least to develop crops that are better adapted to climate change. Therefore, these plants are especially important to conserve, preferably on site in nature (in situ-conservation). According to two recent inventory reports, several areas in Åland and Denmark would be suitable as CWR genetic reserves
Big Plans Ahead for AFSTA
Yacouba Diallo’s first months as the new Secretary General of the African Seed Trade Association (AFSTA) have been jam packed. Here’s why he loves the seed sector and what he sees coming for AFSTA ahead.
USDA Reports Shifts in Major Crop Acreage
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) estimated 91.5 million acres of corn planted in the United States for 2024, a decrease of 3% from last year, according to the latest Acreage report. In contrast, soybean area planted is estimated at 86.1 million acres, an increase of 3% from last year.
U.S. Continues to Challenge Mexico’s Proposed GMO Corn Ban
U.S. Trade Representatives clashed with Mexican officials this week during oral arguments over Mexico’s controversial ban on genetically modified corn used in certain food products. The ban, issued in early 2023, has been a point of contention, leading the U.S. to file a dispute settlement under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) in August of the same year. This move followed persistent advocacy from the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) and various state corn groups.
APSA President Talks Wins, Challenges and What’s Ahead
Manish Patel is into year two as president of the Asia and Pacific Seed Alliance. Here’s a snapshot of what he sees as the big wins and changes at APSA and in the Asian seed market since he stepped into the role.
Here are the Hot-Button Issues up for Discussion at the Seeds Canada Meeting in Edmonton This Week
As Seeds Canada meets in Edmonton July 8-10 for its annual conference, numerous hot topics are up for discussion as the association celebrates its third anniversary and gets ready to […]
Soil Productivity in High-Intensity Crop Systems
USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture awarded Sarah Strauss, a UF/IFAS associate professor of soil, water, and ecosystem sciences, a $700,000 federal grant to explore methods to improve soil productivity.
Christ’s College ISTA and ISF Dinner
One thing England can offer in spades is history presented spectacularly beautifully. The ISTA-ISF Dinner was held at Christ’s College, which was founded in 1437. Enjoy a glimpse inside the graciously hosted evening.
Parting Views from ISTA 2024
ISTA’s Centenary Annual Meeting drew to a close this afternoon in Cambridge. The final hours of the meeting were packed with intense discussion, fitting for the enormity of the challenges the seed testing sector faces in meeting critical global priorities ahead.
How to Talk Like a Seedsman
Geraldine Bagger, VP Sustainability & Corporate Communication at DLF, talks about how she ended up in the seed sector, and why she likes it so much. She dives into the sustainability focus for her company and mentions the importance and challenges of communication in a seed company. She shares why is learning how to talk like a seedsman.
Euroseeds Joins Over 100 European Associations in Signing Joint Statement for an Ambitious FP10
In the shaping of the next European Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (FP10), Euroseeds together with 109 European associations representing key European RD&I stakeholders, have urged the EU Institutions to increase the current budget in view of FP10 and to make pan-European collaborative research the cornerstone of FP10, answering industrial needs by excellence.
€78 Million for Research on Resilient Crops and Ecosystems
A new research project will focus on the development of climate-resilient crops. The project, led by the University of Copenhagen, will receive around €78 million euros over a period of seven years. Researchers from MARUM will be contributing significantly to the project.
Snapshots from the ISTA Gala
When one event brings together more than 200 passionate seed experts, every available moment is filled with learning, chatting, reminiscing and exchanging ideas. Here’s a look into the International Seed Testing Association’s Centenary Annual Meeting so far.
Want a Free Pass to AgSmart? Answer This Question
AgSmart takes place in Olds, Alta. July 30-31. The Alberta Seed Guide is giving away eight free passes to the two-day event, taking place in the grounds of Olds College. […]
The AXigen Trait Will Offer Wheat Growers an Important New Tool in their Toolbox
Based on a Certified seed business model, the CoAXium® Wheat Production System is on track to come to Canada. Limagrain Cereals Research Canada (LCRC) is spearheading an effort to introduce […]
Alberta Farmers Now Own 17% of Canterra Seeds
Canterra Seeds Holdings announced today that United Farmers of Alberta Co-operative Limited (UFA) has acquired a 17% stake in Canterra Seeds from Ceres Global Ag Corp. In connection with the […]
Future European Plant Breeders Celebrate Graduation From UC Davis Plant Breeding Academy
Last week saw the graduation of the European UC Davis Plant Breeding Academy Class VII.
Major Genetic Resource Regulatory Decisions Ahead for ITPGRFA
Michael Ryan, co-chair of the working group at the International Treaty for Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA), talks through some of the biggest issues in seed regulatory today, from the extension of crops in Annex 1 to including DSI/GSD in the ABS system.
The Seed Industry in the Land of the Free
This Fourth of July, I’ll spend the day with my family having fun (hopefully under the sun), eating American staples and capping it off with an amazing fireworks show. I also want to urge myself and you to take a moment to reflect on the spirit of independence that defines this great nation. Today, we celebrate freedom, resilience and the innovative spirit that has driven the United States through generations. The seed industry is an often-overlooked hero of American progress.
This Researcher’s Work is Ushering in the Future of Disease Resistant Pulses
Sabine Banniza’s accomplishments as a researcher are making waves as she envisions a country whose pea and lentil crops are resistant to root rot. Sabine Banniza became a plant pathologist […]
Here’s How We Saw It: Snapshots from Wednesday at ISTA
When one event brings together more than 200 passionate seed experts, every available moment is filled with learning, chatting, reminiscing and exchanging ideas. Here’s a look into the International Seed Testing Association’s Centenary Annual Meeting so far.
Priorities, Politics, and Seed Testing’s Role: Thoughts from ISTA 2024 So Far
We’re three days into the International Seed Testing Association’s Centenary Annual Meeting and I thought I’d take a moment to get some of the thoughts buzzing in my head onto paper. Seed testing is an absolutely critical component of the functioning of the seed value chain, but it’s often easy to narrow it to terms like ‘compliance’ and ‘quality assurance’ rather than thinking of ISTA’s even more important attribute: people.
A New Race of Bremia Lactucae, BL: 37EU Identified and Denominated in Europe
The International Bremia Evaluation Board Europe (IBEB-EU) collected over 500 Bremia isolates from European lettuce in 2019 and 2020. Most of these isolates are local variants. However, one particular isolate, which initially spread predominantly in France, has recently been detected in Spain, Portugal, and Italy.
Here’s How We Saw It: Snapshots from Tuesday at ISTA
Friendships renewed, business partnerships confirmed, business deals in discussion… and a whole lot of handshakes. Here’s a sneak peek at Day 2 of the ISTA Centenary Annual Meeting in Cambridge.
ISTA Holds Open the Door for Young Talent
Like every organization across every part of the seed sector and beyond, the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) knows attracting the next generation — the talented professionals, researchers, analysts and scientists who will be willing and capable of carrying ISTA into the future — is a critical priority. Recognising that need, ISTA initiated a program to support seed testing up-and-comers and spread ISTA’s messages to a demographic ISTA admits it hasn’t always been successful in reaching.
Highlights from ISTA Day 2: How the Work Gets Done
ISTA is, by its very nature and its core mandate, an organization focused on details and structure. Perhaps not surprisingly, it breaks its association work down into an impressively long list of clearly defined working groups called Technical Committees. At ISTA’s Centenary Annual Meeting, the schedule both today (Day 2 of the event) and tomorrow are committed near solely to updates from each of ISTA’s many Technical Committees, including:
Onwards for APSA!
Five months into her new role as executive director at the Asia and Pacific Seed Alliance, Francine Sayoc has grabbed confident hold of the reins and is leading the association in bold new ways forward.
Rijk Zwaan Receives Honorary Royal Title
Rijk Zwaan is celebrating its 100th anniversary. Founded in 1924, it now operates in over 100 countries. The celebrations began on 1 July, the company’s founding date, with the King’s Commissioner announcing that Rijk Zwaan has been granted the Dutch honorary royal title ‘Koninklijk’.
NIAB to Lead Crop Development in New Bezos Sustainable Protein Centre
This initiative will be one of several Earth Fund Centres collaborating with various institutions and industry partners in a $100 million commitment to develop sustainable protein alternatives and broaden consumer choice. This effort is part of a larger $1 billion commitment to food transformation. The Bezos Sustainable Protein Centre will concentrate on three primary areas of alternative protein production: cultured meat, precision fermentation, and plant-based protein.