Euroseeds Adopts its New Position Paper on IP
On June 4, the Euroseeds Board of Directors unanimously adopted the association’s new “View on Intellectual Property”.
Independence and Collaboration are the Hallmarks of a Healthy Vegetable Seed Sector
In March 2023, USDA published a report titled More and Better Choices for the Farmer: Promoting Fair Competition and Innovation in Seeds and Other Agricultural Inputs. In this report the authors acknowledged the vegetable seed breeding market has seen some consolidation but, for the most part, the specialty crop sector is diverse and fragmented with acceptable levels of competition. Will this be the case in the future and what trends will we see?
Nanotechnology Could Transform Global Food Production
Carnegie Mellon University researchers are using nanomedicine and digital twin technologies to tackle climate change, improve crop yields and ensure food security for the future.
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.
Eye in the Sky: New Tech Brings Incredible Opportunities to Field Trialling
I’m Bayer’s corn seed treatment technical and market development manager. I manage all the corn seed treatment work right across North America, which includes all of the product trialing. I’ve […]
Hybrid Wheat Opportunities and Challenges
Despite decades of research and development, hybrid wheat has not yet made significant inroads into North American fields. While some companies are pushing forward on efforts to make hybrid wheat a reality, others are stepping back from hybrid wheat research programs, citing challenges with the crop’s economic viability.
Scientists Make Stunning Corn Gene Discovery
The genome of a corn plant contains almost 40,000 genes, thousands more than the human genome. But 15 years after the publication of the first draft of the corn genome, the roles 98% of those genes play in making a corn plant or determining how corn will respond to different growing conditions remain unknown.
It’s Time to Check Your Processing Line for Problems
A few years ago, I got a call to visit a plant because their machine was making a strange noise. As soon as I arrived, I could hear the machine […]
Western Crop Innovations Strikes Partnership with SeedNet
Western Crop Innovations (WCI) has marked an important first step in building new partnerships to invest in the future of crop research in Canada. The newly incorporated not-for-profit organization that assumed […]
13 organizaciones internacionales firman un acuerdo histórico para combatir las prácticas ilegales con semillas
La International Seed Federation (IFS – Federación Internacional de Semillas) ha unido fuerzas con 12 organizaciones que representan y defienden los intereses de los fitomejoradores a nivel global. Juntas, colaborarán en la lucha contra las prácticas ilegales con semillas, a través de un histórico memorando de entendimiento firmado el recientemente en el Congreso Mundial de Semillas ISF 2024.
Move over Tubers!
Seed World Europe Editorial Director Marcel Bruins interviewed Solynta chief commercial officer Joost Van Regteren at the ISF World Seed Congress in Rotterdam. Van Regteren has been in the vegetable seed industry for 30 years, starting as a crop consultant. He wants Solynta to be seen as a seed company and not just a breeding company.
Bayer Achieves Breakthrough in Tar Spot Management
Bayer Crop Science announced in a news release that researchers have been able to artificially inoculate tar spot in field test plots, a key step in helping to gain a deeper understanding of how to manage the disease. This development shows promise for advancing both genetic and crop protection research on the pathogen that can severely impact yield.
Syngenta Group Opening Genome-Editing Tools to the World
Syngenta Group announced in a news release that it will provide rights to selected genome-editing and breeding technologies for academic research globally as part of its commitment to foster innovation and drive sustainability in agriculture. These rights are accessible through its innovation collaboration platform Shoots by Syngenta.
Trading with Europe: Q&A with Petra Jorasch
Petra Jorasch is the manager of plant breeding innovation advocacy at Euroseeds. She plays a crucial role in advocacy and regulatory affairs. She works with stakeholders, policy makers, industry representatives and the broader scientific community to promote a better understanding of plant breeding innovations and to ensure that the regulatory environment supports scientific advancement and agricultural productivity.
“Superpowers” Keep Broccoli Fresh Longer
Consumers want to buy produce that looks, feel and tastes fresh when they go to the grocery store. University of Florida scientist Tie Liu is studying ways to keep vegetables fresh longer.
Trading with Europe: Q&A with David Zaruk
David Zaruk is an expert on risk. As a regulatory policy analyst, also known at The Risk Monger, he is particularly knowledgeable about the seed industry’s interaction with Europe’s complex regulatory framework. He’s also a regular columnist for Seed World Europe.
CropLife Canada says New Guidance on Livestock Feed Offers the Clarity our Industry Needs
The seed industry is applauding the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) for issuing its recent guidance that confirms that gene edited plants are safe for use in livestock feed. The […]
UEFA EURO 2024: Pitches Prepared to Perfection Using Quality Standards
The countdown to UEFA EURO 2024 has begun, and football fans across Europe and the world are eagerly anticipating a month of thrilling matches. The tournament kicks off at the Allianz Arena in Munich and concludes with the final at Berlin’s iconic Olympic Stadium. As preparations intensify, ensuring the quality and performance of the football pitches is paramount. Pitch standardization and quality measurement begins long before the tournament and continues throughout, guaranteeing consistent high standards across all venues, from the training pitches in each country, the training facilities in Germany to the 10 match stadiums.
Future of Agriculture: Wayne Sanders, Agricultural University Student
Join us for an inspiring conversation with Wayne Sanders, an Agricultural University student and (which competition?) competition winner, as he shares his journey and insights into the future of agriculture. In this interview, Sanders reflects on his experiences, aspirations and the role of young professionals in shaping the agricultural landscape in South Africa. Tune in to hear Sanders’ perspective on the future of agriculture and the innovations driving the industry forward.
ISF Centennial Congress: That’s a Wrap!
Seed World Europe editorial director Marcel Bruins was on the ground in Rotterdam May 27-29, covering every angle of the International Seed Federation (ISF) World Seed Congress, the global seed sector’s key annual international seed event since 1924.
We Need a Strong Public System to Ensure the Future of Cover Crops
For many years governments made it a priority to fund public plant breeding systems. Regionally, there were either plant breeders scattered across the country, or there was a satellite station […]
Former FCDC Staff Receive New Employment Contracts From Western Crop Innovations as Transition Plan Moves Forward
Western Crop Innovations (WCI) has announced that its employees will receive new employment contracts from WCI as it further implements its transition plan. Interim board chair Jason Lenz said WCI […]
Agricultural Policy and Innovation: An Interview with Marc Cool from Corteva Agriscience
Explore the intersection of policy, innovation, and global trends in agriculture with Marc Cool, Global Seed Advocacy Lead at Corteva Agriscience. In this enlightening interview, Cool delves into Corteva’s advocacy efforts, regulatory challenges and collaborative initiatives driving agricultural advancements, sharing.
PBR for the Fruit, Vegetable and Ornamentals Sector Could Get a Big Upgrade as a 45-day Public Consultation Begins
The Plant Breeders’ Rights (PBR) Office is looking for public input into a slate of PBR amendments, including clarifying that the farmers’ privilege does not extend to the saving and […]
Innovations in Seed Applied Technologies: An Interview with Leonardo Costa from Corteva Agriscience
Join us as we dive deep into the world of seed applied technologies with Leonardo Costa, EMEA Seed Applied Technologies Leader at Corteva Agriscience. In this exclusive interview, Costa shares insights on how Corteva is leading the charge in innovation, pivotal advancements in seed treatments and the strategic investments driving these efforts.
Don’t miss out on this informative discussion that highlights Corteva’s commitment to advancing agricultural technology and supporting farmers worldwide.
See You in Buenos Aires
The 9th Seed Congress of the Americas, scheduled to take place from Sept. 30 to Oct. 2 in Buenos Aires, Argentina, is in its final planning stages. The event aims to bring together the seed value chain from across the Americas and beyond to discuss innovation, policy, collaboration, and knowledge exchange.
Nos vemos en Buenos Aires
El 9º Congreso de Semillas de las Américas se celebrará del 30 de septiembre al 2 de octubre en Buenos Aires y busca convocar a las personas pertenecientes a la cadena de valor de las semillas de toda América y de otros continentes para debatir sobre innovación, política, colaboración e intercambio de conocimientos.
Hype or Hope? Regenerative Agriculture Under the Magnifying Glass
Regenerative agriculture aims to maintain agricultural productivity, increase biodiversity, and in particular restore and maintain soil biodiversity, and enhance ecosystem services including carbon capture and storage.
Signing Off from ISF’s World Seed Congress, with Thanks!
The global seed sector’s premiere annual event, the International Seed Federation’s World Seed Congress, officially wrapped up yesterday after three packed days in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
ISF’s powerful impact to the global seed sector
The International Seed Federation (ISF) was formed in 2002 following the merger of International Association of Plant Breeders for the Protection of Plant Varieties (ASSINSEL) and the Federation Internationale du Commerce des Semences (FIS), bringing together their respective areas of expertise: plant breeding and seed trading.
Management Mavericks Nomination Deadline Looming
We are celebrating Management Mavericks: managers who extend far beyond assigning tasks and overseeing projects. Management Mavericks shape the workplace culture, influence employee satisfaction and ultimately drive the success of the team and the organization. They are the linchpin that can turn a mundane job into a meaningful career. Nominate those folks right now, before the thought even leaves your mind. We’ve made it easy for you with this link: https://marketing.seedworld.com/management-mavericks-2024/. Nominations close June 14.
LIVE from WSC in Rotterdam: Seed Sector’s Unique Role in Regen Ag Debate
Global debates about sustainable or regenerative agriculture and food systems transformation – and private sector involvement in both topics – are increasing seemingly exponentially. Yet, the conversations are increasingly polarized with producers pitted against consumers, food sovereignty advocates versus corporate giants, global versus local, etc.
World Seed Congress in Photos: Snapshots from Wednesday
Day 3 in Rotterdam did not disappoint. Here are a few snapshots from the day.
The Netherlands: Tiny Titan of the Seed Sector
The Netherlands is a small country, but it’s a titan in the seed world and in agriculture. The country is third behind the United States and Brazil in agricultural exports. The Netherlands leads the European Union as the biggest agri-food exporter. This tiny country, roughly the size of the state of Maryland, feeds the world in a big way. The Netherlands leads the world in avocado exports.
What are Corteva Agriscience’s Top Goals for the ISF World Seed Congress?
Many of Corteva Agriscience’s key thought leaders are at the World Seed Congress. Here are their big goals and top priorities for the week.