The FAO marked its 80th anniversary in Rome with a Global Technical Recognition Ceremony honoring 239 global leaders in sustainable agrifood innovation. Lene Krøl Andersen, Director of NordGen, was recognized for excellence in Sustainable Plant Production and Protection, celebrating NordGen’s 45-yea
The 180-year Broadbalk Experiment at Rothamsted shows long-term nitrogen and phosphorus fertilisation can boost soil carbon storage, helping mitigate climate change. Research reveals that N and P affect microbial activity and carbon persistence differently, with combined use maximizing stable soil c
The shift from viewing seeds as a common heritage to recognizing national sovereignty over genetic resources—formalized by the CBD (1993) and ITPGRFA (2004)—aimed to ensure fairness and prevent biopiracy. However, it has also created barriers that slow plant breeding and limit access to vital geneti
Climate change, evolving regulation, and rapid innovation are reshaping how Europe grows its food. But who’s steering that change — and how are decisions really made? In this interview, we […]The post Who Decides the Future of Europe’s Ag Sector? appeared first on Seed World.
Learn how to transform your marketing message by shifting focus from your company to your customer. Instead of claiming, “We deliver the best new genetics,” position your customer as the hero — the grower who achieves success with your guidance and products. This approach, inspired by the hero’s jou
New research reveals regional differences in currant-lettuce aphid populations across England, showing eastward migration into major lettuce-growing areas but limited westward movement. The findings highlight the need for region-specific pest management strategies to protect the UK’s valuable lettuc
After two days of intense pitching, the Euroseeds InnovAction Stage crowned three groundbreaking technologies redefining the seed value chain. More than 20 applications. Eight spectacular finalists. One powerful message: the […]The post And the 2025 Euroseeds InnovAction Awards Go To… appeared first
At the Euroseeds2025 Congress in Edinburgh, industry and policymakers urged closer EU–UK regulatory alignment to ease post-Brexit seed trade barriers. A proposed SPS Agreement would streamline seed movement, harmonize rules, and support innovation.The post European Seed Sector Endorses an EU-UK Regu
New research shows wheat varieties with the highest yield under optimal conditions also perform best under drought and heat stress. Scientists propose selecting high-yield candidates early, then testing them in target regions, creating a more efficient, cost-effective breeding strategy. Key traits i
With more than three decades in the vegetable seed sector, Eduard shares how the meaning of sustainability has evolved — from environmental ‘nice-to-have’ to a key driver of resilience, purpose, and long-term value for farmers and society. Join us for a candid conversation about what sustainability
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
Euroseeds 2025 photo diaryThe post Lights, Camera, and We’re LIVE from Euroseeds appeared first on Seed World.
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
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
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
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 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
