New research suggests differences in crop residues could give breeders another selection criterion: how a variety supports soil processes and the crop that follows.Selecting pea and field bean varieties could influence more than the pulse harvest. New research suggests the stems, leaves and roots le
Long-term agricultural research investment is essential to developing improved crop varieties and delivering practical benefits for farmers. A new UK report highlights Aberystwyth University's forage breeding work while examining how sustained funding, industry partnerships and farmer-focused resear
Does modern plant breeding threaten flavour and crop diversity? From colourful vegetables and Basmati rice to disease-resistant apples and potatoes, scientific evidence challenges common assumptions about breeding and highlights its role in expanding culinary choice, improving food quality and prese
Plant breeders' rights, artificial intelligence and robotics were central to discussions between Chinese and Dutch industry representatives at the Kunming International Flower Expo. Experts explored how stronger variety protection, international cooperation and advanced cultivation technologies coul
Euroseeds 2026 brought the international seed community to Valencia, Spain, for discussions on NGTs, PRM reform, plant variety rights and innovation. Watch the video recap highlighting key conversations, emerging technologies and industry connections from this year's Congress.The post Euroseeds 2026
Researchers at Sweden's KTH Royal Institute of Technology have identified Rubisco enzyme mutations that could improve photosynthesis efficiency by reducing unwanted oxygen reactions. The findings offer new possibilities for crop improvement, although further testing is needed to determine whether th
Svalbard Seed Vault partners will direct €50,000 from the 2026 Princess of Asturias Award toward protecting vulnerable seed collections. The funding will help genebanks safeguard crop diversity and preserve valuable genetic resources for future plant breeding and global food security.The post Svalba
PEWAS Innovative Chemistry claimed the top prize at the Euroseeds 2026 InnovAction Stage in Valencia, Spain, for its Aquaholder seed coating technology. SeedForward and Ensemo earned runner-up honours for innovations supporting crop establishment and seed performance.The post 3 Game Changers: InnovA
As Euroseeds Congress 2026 draws to a close in Valencia, the conversations point to challenges and opportunities that extend far beyond the event. From seed sector resilience and InnovAction finalists to the NextGen Forum, the focus turns to translating promising ideas into practical progress for pl
Vylor is entering a new chapter as an independent seed and genetics company. At Euroseeds 2026, Jean-Philippe Riffat discusses its ambitions for gene editing, hybrid wheat and industry partnerships, and how Vylor plans to compete and collaborate across the seed sector.The post Live at Euroseeds: Wha
Alexander Döring, Secretary General of FEFAC, explains how plant breeding can better meet the nutritional needs of Europe's animal feed sector. Speaking at the Euroseeds Congress 2026, he highlights protein digestibility, amino acid composition, anti-nutritional factors and crop resilience.The post
At Euroseeds Congress 2026, two very different discussions revealed a shared challenge for Europe's seed sector. From patent transparency and access to new genomic techniques to policy contradictions affecting oil and fibre crops, the question remains whether Europe is making innovation easier or ha
Plant breeding technology is advancing rapidly, but keeping up with AI, genomic data and new tools can strain breeding programs. Gene-G co-founder and CEO Dagan Mor explains how specialized technology partners can help seed companies make better breeding decisions without adding complexity.The post
The post Seed World Europe is Live From Euroseeds appeared first on Seed World.
Swedish Seed Trade Association Secretary General Malin Nilsson discusses collaboration, innovation and her priorities for the country’s seed industry.Sweden’s seed sector may be relatively small, but its high use of certified seed, constructive regulatory relationships and openness to innovation off
The Uruguay seed sector is seeking closer cooperation with European breeders as discussions around New Genomic Techniques, market access and intellectual property evolve. URUPOV Executive Director Diego Risso explains what both regions can learn from each other, particularly about plant breeders' ri
At Euroseeds Congress 2026 in Valencia, the conversations between sessions can be just as valuable as the official programme. From InnovAction Stage pitches to video interviews and informal meetings, Seed World Europe explores the people, ideas and relationships that make the Congress special.The po
Ahead of Euroseeds 2026 in Valencia, ANOVE Director General Antonio Villarroel discusses how Spain's plant breeding sector is responding to climate pressures, rising research costs and regulatory challenges, and what its experience means for innovation across Europe.The post Antonio Villarroel on Sp
Seed treatment regulations are creating challenges for European seed companies serving international markets. Euroseeds' Amalia Kafka discusses the risk of production shifting outside the EU, the need for pragmatic legislation and emerging innovations in biologicals, biostimulants and seed-applied t
Sorghum could become an increasingly important crop in European agriculture as climate change alters growing conditions. New research from INRAE projects higher sorghum yields and expanded suitable growing areas, highlighting its potential to replace maize in livestock feed and reduce pressure on wa
As genome editing transforms plant breeding, essentially derived varieties are becoming a critical intellectual property issue. From UPOV's EDV rules to the 2026 Nadorcott ruling, this Seed Sector 2045 analysis examines how breeders can balance innovation, genetic ownership and licensing.The post Se
Growing field beans before spring barley could reduce environmental impacts by approximately 25%, according to long-term Scottish research. The study found that bean–barley rotations reduced nitrogen fertiliser requirements and improved barley yields in most years, highlighting the benefits of inclu
Pieter van Kesteren spent more than four decades helping shape the international vegetable seed industry. From Cold War markets and early trade with China to California seed enhancement and the rise of global breeding companies, his remarkable career reflects the transformation of a once largely fam
The EU-funded BIOCRAFT project will combine artificial intelligence, biotechnology and soil microbiome research to develop more resilient potato and rice varieties. The four-year, €3.81 million initiative will also explore plant-based biomanufacturing and technologies to support sustainable crop pro
