CDA Celebrated Five Years of Pioneering Digital Agriculture at Annual Conference
The University of Illinois Urbana Champaign’s (UIUC) iHotel and Illinois Conference Center played host to the CDA’s annual conference—a celebration of their progress under the theme “Future of Digital Agriculture.”
Cornell Satellite Imaging of Plant Fluorescence May Predict Crop Yields
Cornell University researchers and their partners have devised an innovative framework to forecast crop yields using minimal data, a vital advancement for developing nations grappling with limited data availability, food insecurity, and climate threats.
CFIA Confirms Gene Edited Plants in Livestock Feed are Safe, Industry Applauds the Move
The ag sector is applauding the Canadian Food Inspection Agency for issuing its guidance today which confirms that gene edited plants are safe for use in livestock feed. “The plant […]
UN General Assembly Declares 2026 as International Year of the Woman Farmer
The initiative received broad support from more than 100 co-sponsoring organizations.
At a ceremony attended by U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, and U.S. Department of Agriculture Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small, this initiative was announced to promote gender equity and global food security.
Alberta Grains has Picked a New Interim Research Director
Alberta Grains announces the appointment of Jeremy Boychyn as its interim director of research while continuing to oversee his portfolio of Agronomy & Extension. Boychyn will now oversee all research-related […]
Mapping your Mental Landscape
In an age where the pace of life seems to accelerate with each passing moment, especially within the seed sector where innovation and sustainability are at the forefront of shaping our future, the nature and impact of our thoughts have never been more critical to understand.
From One Breeder to Another: How Genomics Data Can Transform Your Breeding Program
Unlocking data-driven insights from your breeding pipeline to empower you to make informed decisions faster. In today’s breeding programs, data plays a pivotal role in determining efficiency. Why? It boils […]
EPA Proposes Acephate Ban
The plan would ban all uses of acephate except on trees that do not produce fruit, nuts. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a proposed interim decision (PID) that […]
LAST RESPECTS: Pickseed Co-Founder Tom Pick Remembered as a Driven Businessman and Caring Mentor
A giant of the North American seed industry has passed away and is being remembered as a visionary who served as a mentor who truly cared about those he worked […]
Farm Bill Movement in Sight
Many of the 2024 Farm Bill focus areas directly impact the seed industry.
More Nutritious White Bread Could Be on Shelves, Thanks to Funding
Healthier white bread could soon appear on the shelves of bakers and grocers across the UK thanks to research at Aberystwyth University. Partnering with the renowned organic millers Shipton Mill, the Aberystwyth team will investigate the milling and blending techniques used in the production of white flour.
Innovating for the Future: How MAS Seeds’ Designed its New Maize and Sunflower Seed Portfolio
Seed companies face a myriad of challenges and opportunities. From adapting to climate change to meeting market demands, their journey is one of constant innovation and dedication to sustainable solutions. […]
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
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.
Connecting the Seed World Globally, Under One Brand
How are the Seed World editors feeling about how the Seed World brand has changed over the last few months? How is it effecting their sector?
Scientists Harness Wild Soybean Traits with New Biotech Tool
A team at Purdue University, with soybean geneticist Jianxin Ma at the helm, has created a pioneering biotechnological tool aimed at harnessing desirable traits from wild soybeans, such as increased resistance to leafhopper pests. This method, known as de novo domestication, streamlines the process of engineering crop improvements directly from nature’s untamed varieties.
Indiana Crop Improvement Association Names New Genetics Lab Director
The Indiana Crop Improvement Association (ICIA) appointed Brenton Leach as the new director of the Genetics Lab.
EVENT PREVIEW: The NAPB’s 2024 Meeting Sparks New Partnerships with St. Louis Startups
The National Association of Plant Breeders (NAPB) is getting ready to hold its 2024 meeting in St. Louis, Missouri, from July 21-25 — and this year’s concept is an important […]
Alberta Drought Fears Tempered by Optimism as Moisture Arrives in Some Seed Growing Regions
As Alberta braces for a potential drought, seed growers are optimistic that farmers won’t be too adversely affected should dry weather plague the province in 2024. “It doesn’t usually take […]
Seed Speaks: Shielding the Seed Industry from Cyber Villains
Cyberattacks against the food and ag industry, including our seed sector, are on the rise in the U.S. and to combat those evolving threats, the national Food and Agriculture – Information Sharing and Analysis Center (Food and Ag-ISAC) and its members, which includes many seed sector companies) recently launched a new University Partnership Program.
Bratney y DAQ Forman una Alianza Estratégica para Sudamérica y Centroamérica
Bratney, que opera en EE.UU. y Argentina, y el Grupo DAQ, con sedes en Argentina y Brasil, han unido sus fuerzas para formar una asociación estratégica y una empresa conjunta, según un comunicado de prensa.
New Genetic Method to Enhance Oil Seed Production
Washington State University (WSU) scientists have discovered a novel genetic mechanism in plant oil biosynthesis, that could transform the production of valuable oils. Published in Nature Communications, this proof-of-concept study showcases how genetically engineered plants could dramatically improve the yield of specialized seed oils.
Pioneering Research Offers Hope Against Crop Diseases
Diseases impacting crop plants have profoundly influenced human history and continue to pose significant challenges in our quest to sustainably cultivate the essential crops that feed, clothe, and sustain us. From wheat and bananas to coffee and cacao, a broad spectrum of crucial crops are under threat from diseases, with risks expected to escalate as climate change progresses.
University of Florida’s New Machine-Harvestable Tomato Varieties Could Lower Labor Costs
For decades, Florida’s robust tomato industry has relied on manual labor for harvesting—a costly and labor-intensive process. However, with the advent of new machine-harvestable tomato varieties from the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), the future of harvesting looks promising and more efficient.
Bayer Crop Science Canada Partners with U of A to Unlock Canola Potential
Bayer Crop Science Canada has partnered with the University of Alberta (U of A) to research the genetic diversity of Canada’s most exported crop – canola. Through this research, the […]
The CFIA’s Winter SRM Survey Closes Today. We’ve Interviewed Important Thought Leaders but What Matters is YOUR Opinion
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s Seed Regulatory Modernization winter survey closes on May 1. There’s still time to fill it out, and you can read the survey responses from the […]
International Committee Takes on Plan to Develop the Ukrainian Genebank and Secure Its Invaluable Plants and Seeds for the Future
NordGen hosted a meeting with the Ukrainian genebank and several international experts to address the urgent need to safeguard Ukraine’s plant genetic resources for food and agriculture, which are currently at risk due to the ongoing conflict. The primary focus of the meeting was to devise a strategy for resource mobilization and the development of Ukraine’s genebank system, both in the short and long term.
Barley Plants Fine-Tune Their Root Microbial Communities Through Sugary Secretions
Research conducted by the John Innes Centre reveals that different types of barley attract unique communities of soil microbes to grow around their roots. This is achieved through the release of a tailored mixture of sugars and other compounds.
Bratney and DAQ Form Strategic Partnership for South and Central America
Bratney, operating in the U.S. and Argentina, and Grupo DAQ, with locations in Argentina and Brazil, have joined forces to establish a strategic partnership and joint venture, according to a press […]
West Virginia University Leads Initiative to Boost Farmland Access and Support Underserved Farmers
West Virginia University (WVU) is leading a national initiative aimed at expanding farmland accessibility to underserved populations. This effort is also designed to assist producers in securing working capital and improving food distribution channels.
Iowa State Researchers Unveil AI Strategies for Enhancing Crop Breeding
With leadership in agricultural technology, Iowa State University’s latest publication delves into the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in crop improvement. Authored by Jianming Yu, the Pioneer Distinguished Chair in maize breeding, and doctoral student Karlene Negus, the study emphasizes AI’s emerging role in bridging the gap between scientific research and practical application in the field of agronomy.
Congress Sharpens Focus on Specialty Crops with Bipartisan Caucus
Aiming to bolster food security and support producers, the 2024 Congressional Specialty Crops Caucus gathers a diverse group of lawmakers to advocate for vital agricultural interests.
Is it Soccer or Football?
Crafting a story with the listener in mind is critical to creating their listening. What is important to them? What problem did they wake up with this morning that you would like to discuss with them? What cultural norms dictate how the “majority” of your audience in a specific geography will listen to what you have to say? The good news is that you absolutely do NOT need to get this perfect because there is no such thing as a singular perfect message for EVERYONE.
Is it Soccer or Football?
Crafting a story with the listener in mind is critical to creating their listening. What is important to them? What problem did they wake up with this morning that you would like to discuss with them? What cultural norms dictate how the “majority” of your audience in a specific geography will listen to what you have to say? The good news is that you absolutely do NOT need to get this perfect because there is no such thing as a singular perfect message for EVERYONE.
Is it Soccer or Football?
Crafting a story with the listener in mind is critical to creating their listening. What is important to them? What problem did they wake up with this morning that you would like to discuss with them? What cultural norms dictate how the “majority” of your audience in a specific geography will listen to what you have to say? The good news is that you absolutely do NOT need to get this perfect because there is no such thing as a singular perfect message for EVERYONE.
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.