Beyond Yield: The New Frontier of Sustainable Agricultural Growth
Marcel Bruins - Seed World Europe Editorial Director on 11/14/2025
Agriculture is at a critical turning point, says CropLife International CEO Emily Rees. A new report from CropLife International and NTT DATA shows how farmers worldwide are boosting productivity, restoring ecosystems, and building climate resilience. From Brazil’s ILPF systems to Cambodia’s soil re
Experts Discuss DNA’s Role in the Future of Plant Breeding
Seed World Staff on 11/14/2025
Naktuinbouw’s symposium, “To Divide Is to Multiply,” gathered breeding experts to explore how DNA technologies can enhance DUS testing and breeding efficiency. Speakers from CropXR, Dümmen Orange, CPVO, and Naktuinbouw emphasized collaboration, data sharing, and legal clarity as key to innovation. T
Almost Everything You Eat Has Been Modified by Humans
Simon Maechling - Innovation Manager at Bayer Crop Science. on 11/14/2025
Modern crops aren’t products of nature but of thousands of years of selective breeding. Today, biotechnology and gene editing accelerate the same process with precision, creating drought-resistant, disease-tolerant plants faster and more safely than traditional methods. With rigorous testing and tar
Project Opportunity Tests CRISPR-Enhanced Potatoes in Sweden and Denmark
Seed World Staff on 11/13/2025
Project Opportunity has completed its first CRISPR-Cas field trials in Sweden and Denmark, developing starch potatoes with improved resistance to late blight. The 12-partner European consortium is advancing sustainable potato breeding and preparing for expanded 2026 trials. The initiative showcases
Rare Lost Allele That Boosts Soybean Seed Protein Identified
Seed World Staff on 11/13/2025
Researchers from the South China Botanical Garden discovered a rare allele, PC08Ins, that boosts soybean seed protein content but was lost during domestication. Found through GWAS and published in PNAS, the gene enhances abscisic acid levels, increasing storage proteins. Reintroducing PC08Ins into m
Staphyt Expands Seed Services in Europe
Seed World Staff on 11/12/2025
Staphyt has integrated the three subsidiaries of the Héliantis Group, expanding its seed research and production capabilities in Europe. The addition of new French sites increases Staphyt’s network to 25 seed stations in 12 countries and over 300,000 microplots. The group now offers extended seed se
COP30: FAO Warns Climate Funding Gap Threatens Agrifood Systems Transformation
Seed World Staff on 11/12/2025
At the Belém Climate Summit, FAO urged greater climate finance for agrifood systems, calling the current funding gap a “lost opportunity” for a sector that can cut one-third of global emissions. Ahead of COP30, FAO promoted integrated fire management, resilient food systems, and science-based agrifo
Gates Foundation Champions Farmer Innovation at COP30
Seed World Staff on 11/12/2025
The Gates Foundation launched a $1.4 billion, four-year initiative at COP30 in Belém, Brazil, to boost climate adaptation for smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. The program expands access to climate-smart innovations—digital tools, resilient crops, and soil health solutions—to
AI Cameras Take on One of UK Farming’s Toughest Weeds
Seed World Staff on 11/12/2025
A collaboration between Rothamsted Research, Bosch, Chafer Machinery, and Xarvio has developed an AI-powered precision spraying system to combat black-grass in UK farms. Using camera-equipped sprayers, it identifies and targets weed-infested zones, cutting herbicide use and costs. Funded by DEFRA an
Plants Under Stress: How Rye Rearranges Its Genes
Seed World Staff on 11/11/2025
A large-scale study of over 500 rye plants reveals that nutrient deficiency reduces genetic recombination during meiosis. Conducted at Martin Luther University’s “Eternal Rye Cultivation” site, researchers found recombination is governed by many small genetic regions, not one master switch. These in
Unlocking the Full Potential of the MLS
Marcel Bruins - Seed World Europe Editorial Director on 11/11/2025
As governments prepare for GB11 of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA), Euroseeds is calling for a more inclusive, flexible, and practical Multilateral System (MLS). The organization proposes multiple payment options, clearer alignment with the Conv
Russian Deputy Agriculture Minister Accused of War Crime Over Stolen Ukrainian Grain
Seed World Staff on 11/10/2025
Ukraine’s Security Service (SSU) has charged Russia’s Deputy Minister of Agriculture with war crimes for orchestrating the theft of over 4 million tons of Ukrainian grain worth 23 billion UAH. The SSU alleges the stolen grain was exported via Crimea to countries including Syria and Turkey, violating
The Future of Crop Diversity in a Consolidating World
Madeleine Baerg - Seed World Executive VP - Operations on 11/10/2025
Regis Fournier, former CEO and now strategic advisor at Limagrain Field Seeds, emphasizes the need for Europe’s seed sector to embrace true diversity — in crops, genetics, and systems. Advocating long-term sustainability, he calls for policies and collaboration that reward soil health, resilience, a
Shields the Seeds. Fosters Growth.
Seed World Staff on 11/07/2025
Integral® Pro redefines sustainable seed protection for European sunflower growers. Backed by proven success in oilseed rape, this BASF BioSolution uses Bacillus amyloliquefaciens MBI600 to shield seeds from fungal diseases while boosting vigor, root health and yields. Delivering robust performance,
Climate Intervention May Not Be Enough to Save Coffee, Chocolate and Wine, New Study Finds
Seed World Staff on 11/07/2025
A study in Environmental Research Letters reveals that Stratospheric Aerosol Injection (SAI), a proposed climate intervention, may not protect crops like coffee, cacao, and wine grapes from climate change. While SAI cools global temperatures, it fails to stabilize rainfall and humidity—key factors f
When the Chemistry Runs Out: What Comes Next for Europe’s Seed Treatment Industry?
Seed World Staff on 11/07/2025
Europe’s cereal seed coatings are set for major change by 2027 as key chemicals are banned. With no replacements yet, biological and physical alternatives could redefine seed protection and innovation.The post When the Chemistry Runs Out: What Comes Next for Europe’s Seed Treatment Industry? appeare
How Can the Seed Sector Make Its Voice Heard?
Seed World Staff on 11/06/2025
Clear, confident advocacy is key for the seed sector to stand out amid global noise. In this discussion, Euroseeds’ Cesar González explains how effective communication can shape innovation, sustainability, and agricultural policy. Discover how the industry can strengthen its voice to influence both
Study: Depletion of Ukraine’s Soils Threatens Long-Term Global Food Security
Seed World Staff on 11/06/2025
The Russian invasion of Ukraine is depleting vital soil nutrients, threatening its role as Europe’s breadbasket. A UK–Ukraine–Netherlands study found more nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are removed than replaced, due to fertilizer shortages and soil damage. Experts urge integrated nutrient mana
Camelina Identified as Promising Crop for Sustainable Aviation Fuel in Scotland
Seed World Staff on 11/06/2025
A new report from The James Hutton Institute and SRUC explores the potential for growing oilseed cover crops in Scotland to produce sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Commissioned by the Scottish Government, the review identifies camelina as the most promising crop due to its high oil content and low
Strengthening the Multilateral System
Marcel Bruins - Seed World Europe Editorial Director on 11/06/2025
Ahead of GB11 of the Plant Treaty, the global seed sector—led by ISF and CropLife International—is calling for a practical, flexible, and fair Multilateral System. With clearer benefit-sharing, broader access to plant genetic resources, and recognition of digital data, the goal is simple: a system t
Seeds of Climate Action: How ISF Is Driving Global Agricultural Resilience
Marcel Bruins - Seed World Europe Editorial Director on 11/06/2025
The International Seed Federation (ISF) is leading global efforts to make seeds central to climate action. As agriculture adapts to climate change, ISF unites seed companies worldwide to drive innovation, resilience, and sustainability. Through plant breeding, seeds help farmers boost yields, conser
Rice Takes Root in British Soil for the First Time
Seed World Staff on 11/05/2025
Scientists from the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH) are partnering with farmers in the Cambridgeshire Fens to trial rice and other crops on rewetted peat soils. The project aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions, restore degraded peatlands, and sustain food production. Trials include nine co
Scientists Decode Oat Pan-Genome, Unlocking Path to Climate-Resilient Crops
Seed World Staff on 11/04/2025
Scientists from TUM, Helmholtz Munich, and IPK have decoded the pan-genome of 33 oat lines, revealing the full genetic diversity of one of the world’s most nutritious grains. Published in Nature, the research provides a foundation for breeding climate-resilient, high-yield oat varieties capable of w
Rooted in Progress: Reinventing the Carrot for a Changing World
Marcel Bruins - Seed World Europe Editorial Director on 11/04/2025
Carrot breeding is evolving to meet modern challenges — from climate resilience and disease resistance to colour diversity and consumer appeal. Today’s breeders combine advanced genetics, grower collaboration, and sustainable practices to deliver carrots that perform under pressure and delight in ev