2026 Named International Year of the Woman Farmer
Seed World Staff on 01/08/2026

2026 Named International Year of the Woman Farmer

FAO has launched the International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026, a global campaign to recognise women’s essential contributions to agrifood systems and accelerate action to close persistent gender gaps. Proclaimed by the UN General Assembly, the initiative will drive policy reform, investment and p

S Seed World Staff
CropLife Europe Calls for Faster, Science-Based EU Approval Processes
Seed World Staff on 01/08/2026

CropLife Europe Calls for Faster, Science-Based EU Approval Processes

CropLife Europe said the European Commission’s Food and Feed Safety Omnibus is a chance to modernise EU crop protection approvals while maintaining strong consumer and environmental safeguards. It warned that no new conventional active substances have been approved in six years and the toolbox has s

S Seed World Staff
Europe Moves Toward New Gene-Editing Rules as UK Leads Regulatory Shift
Seed World Staff on 01/08/2026

Europe Moves Toward New Gene-Editing Rules as UK Leads Regulatory Shift

Europe’s crop biotech policy is shifting as New Genomic Techniques (NGTs), including gene editing, gain support for delivering climate-resilient, nutrient-rich, pest-resistant crops. Regulation remains fragmented: the UK has enacted a precision breeding pathway, the EU is in final NGT negotiations,

S Seed World Staff
From Seed to Food: FAO’S First Universal Expo
Franco Brazzabeni – Seed World Columnist on 01/07/2026

From Seed to Food: FAO’S First Universal Expo

From Seed to Food, the first FAO Universal Exposition in Rome (October) celebrated FAO’s 80 years of global action to end hunger and strengthen food security. The event showcased the full agri-food value chain—from research and seeds to farming, processing, and consumers—highlighting innovation need

F Franco Brazzabeni – Seed World Columnist
EU Member States Back NGT Rules, Boosting Innovation in Plant Breeding
Seed World Staff on 01/07/2026

EU Member States Back NGT Rules, Boosting Innovation in Plant Breeding

Europe’s seed sector has welcomed EU Member States’ agreement on the Regulation on New Genomic Techniques (NGTs), calling it a decisive step toward more innovative, competitive and resilient European agriculture. Euroseeds said the endorsement of the trilogue compromise sends a strong signal in supp

S Seed World Staff
Why Crop Diversity Matters More Than Ever for Europe’s Agricultural Future
Seed World Staff on 01/06/2026

Why Crop Diversity Matters More Than Ever for Europe’s Agricultural Future

Europe’s seed market is consolidating fast—raising urgent questions about innovation, resilience, and food security. Nearly 80% of Europe’s arable land is planted to just four crops: corn, wheat, oilseed rape, and sunflower. Seed World Europe spoke with Régis Fournier, former Limagrain Field Seeds C

S Seed World Staff
Tired of Competing on Price? Start Competing on Status
Shawn Brook - Seed World Group President on 01/06/2026

Tired of Competing on Price? Start Competing on Status

High-status brands don’t win faster sales through louder promotions—they win through clearer stories that build trust. Status means being seen as an expert guide, not a replaceable vendor, leading buyers to seek advice instead of discounts. A strong narrative centers the customer, defines their real

S Shawn Brook - Seed World Group President
You Can’t Fake Caring
Shawn Brook - Seed World Group President on 01/05/2026

You Can’t Fake Caring

Authentic connection is harder than ever in a world of endless options. Just like dating apps proved that more access doesn’t equal better relationships, business leaders are learning that reach and volume don’t create resonance. Real impact comes from quality interactions, not touchpoints. Prioriti

S Shawn Brook - Seed World Group President
Editors Pick: Myths in and Around the Seed Sector
Marcel Bruins - Seed World Europe Editorial Director on 01/05/2026

Editors Pick: Myths in and Around the Seed Sector

Seed World Europe’s misinformation series tackles the persistent myths that distort public understanding of plant breeding, crop protection, and modern seed systems. Covering topics from hybrids, GMOs, and pollinators to plant breeders’ rights, biologicals, organic agriculture, and misinformation it

M Marcel Bruins - Seed World Europe Editorial Director
Editors Pick: Giant Views Columns
Marcel Bruins - Seed World Europe Editorial Director on 01/04/2026

Editors Pick: Giant Views Columns

Seed World Europe’s Giant Views column closes every issue by giving the final page to the voices shaping the seed sector. Industry leaders, innovators, researchers, and policy experts share candid, thought-provoking perspectives on agriculture’s biggest challenges and opportunities—from how humans s

M Marcel Bruins - Seed World Europe Editorial Director
Editors Pick: EU Presidencies
Marcel Bruins - Seed World Europe Editorial Director on 01/03/2026

Editors Pick: EU Presidencies

Seed World Europe continues to follow each rotating EU Council Presidency to keep readers up to date on the shifting political priorities shaping plant breeding, seed legislation, and agricultural innovation. In our five most recent pieces—covering Spain (July–Dec. 2023), Belgium (Jan–June 2024), Hu

M Marcel Bruins - Seed World Europe Editorial Director
Editors Pick: The Risk Corner
Marcel Bruins - Seed World Europe Editorial Director on 01/02/2026

Editors Pick: The Risk Corner

Seed World Europe proudly features the columns of Professor David Zaruk, a Brussels-based expert in environmental health-risk policy who challenges conventional thinking. Known for sharp analysis, out-of-the-box ideas, and occasional provocation, he dissects EU debates shaping agriculture and regula

M Marcel Bruins - Seed World Europe Editorial Director
Editors Pick: Crop Breeding Articles on Forage & Turf Crops
Marcel Bruins - Seed World Europe Editorial Director on 01/01/2026

Editors Pick: Crop Breeding Articles on Forage & Turf Crops

Seed World Europe’s crop spotlight series spans 30+ species and shines a light on the vital world of forage and turf breeding. These crops support livestock systems, soil health, carbon storage, and the green spaces around us. Our features explore breeder challenges—boosting resilience, persistence,

M Marcel Bruins - Seed World Europe Editorial Director
Editors Pick: Sense, Nonsense and Science Columns
Marcel Bruins - Seed World Europe Editorial Director on 12/31/2025

Editors Pick: Sense, Nonsense and Science Columns

Seed World Europe features the columns of Dr. Joe Schwarcz, Director of McGill University’s Office for Science and Society, for readers who appreciate science with clarity, curiosity, and wit. Known for demystifying chemistry and challenging misinformation, Joe brings an engaging, no-nonsense voice

M Marcel Bruins - Seed World Europe Editorial Director
Editors Pick: Crop Breeding Articles on Field Crops
Marcel Bruins - Seed World Europe Editorial Director on 12/30/2025

Editors Pick: Crop Breeding Articles on Field Crops

Seed World Europe’s ongoing field crop series—now featuring more than 30 spotlighted crops—shows how breeders are pushing the boundaries of innovation in the world’s most important crops. Each article explores the realities of modern breeding, from unlocking new genetic diversity and battling emergi

M Marcel Bruins - Seed World Europe Editorial Director
Editors Pick: Brussels Sprouts
Michelle Clarke on 12/29/2025

Editors Pick: Brussels Sprouts

César González, Public Affairs Manager at Euroseeds, offers Seed World Europe readers a front-row view of EU decision-making from Brussels. With an insider’s perspective on the institutions and policy process, he tracks the political debates and regulatory developments that most impact Europe’s seed

M Michelle Clarke
Editors Pick: Fun Facts on Crops
Marcel Bruins - Seed World Europe Editorial Director on 12/28/2025

Editors Pick: Fun Facts on Crops

Take a break from policy and industry analysis with Seed World Europe’s “Fun Facts” series—light, engaging stories about the crops we often take for granted. These articles uncover quirky histories, surprising traits, and hidden wonders behind familiar foods, helping readers see beyond what’s on the

M Marcel Bruins - Seed World Europe Editorial Director
Editors Pick: Franco’s Agri Notes
Marcel Bruins - Seed World Europe Editorial Director on 12/27/2025

Editors Pick: Franco’s Agri Notes

Franco Brazzabeni delivers a global, market-savvy perspective on agriculture through his columns for Seed World Europe. An international agribusiness consultant with strong commercial and marketing expertise, he also serves as a Board Member of Italy’s seed association Assosementi and contributes to

M Marcel Bruins - Seed World Europe Editorial Director
Editors Pick: The Editorials
Marcel Bruins - Seed World Europe Editorial Director on 12/24/2025

Editors Pick: The Editorials

ChatGPT said:Marcel Bruins is the Editorial Director of Seed World Europe, bringing decades of scientific, regulatory, and seed-sector leadership to every column. With expertise spanning plant breeding, plant pathology, and global seed policy—plus roles across breeding companies, international assoc

M Marcel Bruins - Seed World Europe Editorial Director
Editors Pick: Articles on Ukraine
Marcel Bruins - Seed World Europe Editorial Director on 12/23/2025

Editors Pick: Articles on Ukraine

Seed World Europe has chronicled Ukraine’s plant breeding and seed sector since the start of Russia’s invasion, spotlighting resilience, disruption, and ongoing innovation under wartime conditions. Our coverage amplifies the voices of researchers, breeders, institutions, and businesses protecting ge

M Marcel Bruins - Seed World Europe Editorial Director
Editors Pick: Crop Breeding Articles on Vegetables
Marcel Bruins - Seed World Europe Editorial Director on 12/22/2025

Editors Pick: Crop Breeding Articles on Vegetables

Seed World Europe’s Crop Spotlight series explores vegetable breeding across 30+ crops, revealing the science, innovation, and grit behind every variety. From carrot, spinach, lettuce, cucumber, and broccoli to what’s next, breeders tackle emerging diseases, scarce germplasm, and long R&D timelines

M Marcel Bruins - Seed World Europe Editorial Director
Do You Know A Promising Young Plant Breeder In Europe? Nominations Are Open
Seed World Staff on 12/19/2025

Do You Know A Promising Young Plant Breeder In Europe? Nominations Are Open

Seed World Europe is now accepting nominations for its April 2026 “20 Most Promising Young Plant Breeders in Europe” feature. Nominate early-career plant breeders making an impact across Europe, from universities, research institutes, seed companies, and sector organisations.The post Do You Know A P

S Seed World Staff
UK Late Blight Trends Show Disease Continuing to Evolve
Seed World Staff on 12/19/2025

UK Late Blight Trends Show Disease Continuing to Evolve

The 2025 Fight Against Blight (FAB) findings reveal shifting UK late blight strains, including a rise in EU46 resistant to key fungicides. Dry early conditions limited outbreaks, but volunteer potatoes drove infections later. Experts stress rotating fungicides, managing infection sources, and select

S Seed World Staff
AI Offers ‘Roadmap’ to Plant Genetics
Seed World Staff on 12/19/2025

AI Offers ‘Roadmap’ to Plant Genetics

Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory researchers combined evolutionary mapping and AI to identify redundant genes that complicate crop improvement. By tracing the CLE gene family across 140 million years and thousands of plant species, they trained models to predict which genes share overlapping functions

S Seed World Staff