An Interview With Euroseeds President Søren Halbye: Purpose, People, and the Future of Seeds
Seed World Staff on 10/20/2025
Every leader has a reason they get up in the morning — a spark that keeps them pushing forward. For Euroseeds President Søren Halbye, that spark runs deeper than policy. In this candid interview, he shares what drives him, what leadership really means to him, and why conviction matters in shaping th
Lights, Camera, and We’re LIVE from Euroseeds
Seed World Staff on 10/20/2025
Euroseeds 2025 photo diaryThe post Lights, Camera, and We’re LIVE from Euroseeds appeared first on Seed World.
Scientists Develop High-Fibre White Bread That Still Tastes Great
Seed World Staff on 10/19/2025
White bread may soon get a fibre-rich upgrade without sacrificing taste or texture. Researchers at Rothamsted, with partners from the University of Reading and the Allied Technical Centre, developed new high-fibre white bread recipes that maintain moisture, springiness, and overall appeal. Sensory a
Global Agri-Leaders Unite on Climate Action
Seed World Staff on 10/17/2025
The International Seed Federation and International Fresh Produce Association are partnering ahead of COP30 to showcase how innovation, collaboration, and smart policy can strengthen climate-resilient, sustainable agri-food systems from seed to shelf.The post Global Agri-Leaders Unite on Climate Act
Countdown to Euroseeds
Seed World Staff on 10/17/2025
The final countdown is on! With just days until the Euroseeds Congress in Edinburgh, Euroseeds President Søren Halbye shares what makes this year’s event one to watch.From policy debates to the InnovAction Stage, Euroseeds 2025 is set to bring the "who’s who" of the European seed sector together und
Seeds of Responsibility: Cultivating a Sustainable Future from the Ground Up
Madeleine Baerg and Marcel Bruins on 10/17/2025
For more than a century, Semillas Fitó has been at the heart of Mediterranean agriculture — breeding varieties that thrive in one of the world’s most demanding climates. Today, as sustainability becomes as essential as yield, the company faces the challenge of doing both: producing more with less, w
FAO Celebrated 80 Years with the Launch of ‘From Seeds to Foods’ Exhibition
Seed World Staff on 10/17/2025
FAO opened its first global exhibition, “From Seeds to Foods,” in Rome on Oct. 10, marking its 80th anniversary. The event highlights the evolution of agrifood systems, from seeds to modern innovations, celebrating farmers, biodiversity, and sustainable food production. Visitors explored displays fr
Can Peace be Forged Between Breeders’ Rights and Farmers’ Rights?
Niels Louwaars – Seed World Columnist on 10/17/2025
Balancing farmers’ rights and breeders’ rights remains one of agriculture’s toughest policy challenges. While breeders’ rights incentivize innovation by protecting commercial seed development, farmers’ rights recognize traditional practices of saving and exchanging seed. The real test for policymake
How Complex it is to Simplify
César Gonzalez Gonzalez - Manager of Public Affairs at Euroseeds on 10/16/2025
Mario Draghi’s call to cut EU “red tape” has reignited debate over how regulation affects competitiveness. Despite two decades of promises to simplify EU rules, real progress has been limited — a result of ongoing power struggles between the European Commission and Member States. As the Commission n
Breeding Under the Treaty on the Line: The Future of the Multilateral System
Thomas Nickson - Seed World Group Contributor on 10/15/2025
As countries prepare to meet in Lima, Peru, the future of global crop diversity is on the table. The Governing Body of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources will debate how to make its Multilateral System (MLS) more accessible and effective. For plant breeders, a reformed MLS could unl
Unlocking Wheat’s Genetic Diversity to Meet Future Food Demands
Seed World Staff on 10/10/2025
Researchers mapped the wheat pan-transcriptome for the first time, revealing how gene activity varies across varieties. This resource uncovers hidden genetic diversity and regulatory networks that can help breeders develop higher-yielding, climate-resilient wheat. The breakthrough offers a powerful
Seeds and Pesticides: Breaking Up is Hard to Do
David Zaruk – Seed World Columnist on 10/10/2025
Debates are growing over whether seed and pesticide businesses should split, with industry fears of lawsuits and regulatory pressure driving the trend. While spin-offs could shield companies, experts warn they may reduce innovation, farmer support, and policy influence. An integrated ag-tech sector
Key Wheat Genes That Control Plant Height and Grain Size Identified
Seed World Staff on 10/09/2025
Rothamsted scientists discovered how specific GA3OX genes in wheat regulate growth and grain size by controlling gibberellin hormone levels. Variations in these genes affect plant height and grain weight, with modern breeding already favoring variants linked to larger grains. This insight offers new
A Tiny Genetic Shift Helped Barley Conquer Northern Europe
Seed World Staff on 10/08/2025
Researchers traced the genetic basis of late flowering in barley to a single mutation, SNP22, in the PPD-H1 gene. By studying over 2,000 barley varieties and ancient samples, they revealed that this trait originated in wild barley from the southern Levant after domestication. This adaptation, linked
Less Input – More Genetics!
Christian S. Jensen on 10/08/2025
Crop yields and turf performance have reached unprecedented levels over the past 20 years thanks to efficient plant breeding. Even so, questions remain about the future need for forage and turf breeding.The post Less Input – More Genetics! appeared first on Seed World.
Poisons, Toxins and Venoms
Joe Schwarcz - Seed World Columnist on 10/08/2025
Puffer fish are poisonous but not venomous, while rattlesnakes are venomous but not poisonous. Both use toxins differently — poisons harm when ingested or touched, venoms when injected. These toxins not only pose deadly risks but have also inspired medical advances, from blood pressure drugs to pain
Simple Field Test Reveals How Farming Shapes Soil Structure
Seed World Staff on 10/07/2025
Rothamsted researchers developed a simple field test to measure soil macropore networks, revealing how different farming systems shape soil structure and health. The method links pore architecture to microbial activity, offering a practical tool to monitor the impact of land management on soil funct
From Policy to People — All Eyes on Edinburgh
Madeleine Baerg - Seed World Executive VP - Operations on 10/07/2025
Euroseeds 2025 in Edinburgh is set to bring together the seed industry’s leading minds for three and a half days of connection, innovation, and insight. With new platforms like the NextGen Forum and a focus on collaboration and fresh ideas, it’s the must-attend event shaping the future of global agr
New Copper Tech Tackles Crop Disease Sustainably
Seed World Staff on 10/06/2025
Facing growing food insecurity — with 2.3 billion affected, per FAO — Chinese scientists have developed a single-atom copper pesticide. Created by USTC, Tsinghua, and HFUT, this innovation boosts copper efficiency and cuts environmental impact, offering a new path for sustainable crop protection.The
Against Hunger and Food Poverty
Franco Brazzabeni – Seed World Columnist on 10/06/2025
Food insecurity affects over 2 billion people worldwide, including millions in Europe facing rising prices and food poverty. Drivers include COVID-19, war, climate change, and supply disruptions. The FAO calls for social protection and resilient agri-food systems, while EU policies risk reducing pro
Common Fungus Releases Vapours That Fight Crop Diseases, Study Finds
Seed World Staff on 10/05/2025
New research shows the soil fungus Trichoderma hamatum emits natural chemicals that suppress crop diseases, offering a potential sustainable alternative to synthetic fungicides.The post Common Fungus Releases Vapours That Fight Crop Diseases, Study Finds appeared first on Seed World.
EU Approves One GMO Maize for Food and Feed
Seed World Staff on 10/03/2025
On Sept. 22, the EU approved one genetically modified maize for food and feed under strict safety, labelling, and traceability rules; cultivation remains banned.The post EU Approves One GMO Maize for Food and Feed appeared first on Seed World.
Barley’s Secret Weapon Against Acidic Soils Uncovered
Seed World Staff on 10/02/2025
A new study reveals the structure of HvAACT1, a barley root protein that protects plants from toxic aluminum in acidic soils. By pumping citrate into the soil, the protein neutralizes aluminum, allowing barley to thrive where most crops struggle. This discovery could guide breeding and biotech strat
Corteva is Splitting in Two — and Betting That Farmers, Shareholders, and Science Will All Win
Marc Zienkiewicz - Seed World Canada Senior Editor on 10/01/2025
Its spinoff company is positioning itself as an “unrivaled innovator” in seed, leaning on Pioneer’s deep roots in farmer loyaltyThe post Corteva is Splitting in Two — and Betting That Farmers, Shareholders, and Science Will All Win appeared first on Seed World.