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
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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
Euroseeds 2026 will bring seed industry leaders to Valencia, Spain, to explore plant breeding innovation, emerging technologies and global collaboration. Euroseeds Secretary General and CEO Garlich von Essen discusses the Congress's international reach, opportunities for emerging businesses and enga
Improved nitrogen management could reduce energy-related carbon emissions on English farms by up to 13%, according to Rothamsted Research. The study highlights the role of fertiliser production in agriculture’s carbon footprint and explores how green ammonia could support further emissions reduction
Plant-based proteins could create new opportunities for European farmers and the seed sector as the EU works to reduce its dependence on imported animal feed. A new European protein strategy aims to boost domestic production, support protein crops and strengthen agricultural sustainability.The post
The Svalbard Global Seed Vault received thousands of seed samples from 21 institutions in October 2026, including Ukraine's national genebank, six CGIAR research centres and a first-time contributor from Italy. The deposits strengthen global efforts to safeguard crop genetic diversity for future bre
A new study finds that European agricultural competitiveness is under pressure as crop production growth trails major global markets. The research highlights climate-related losses, regulatory barriers and slower access to seed technologies and agricultural innovations as challenges for European far
Wild peanut breeding has a remarkable global legacy. Researchers traced disease resistance from a single wild peanut collected in Bolivia in 1959 into 251 peanut lines and cultivars across 30 countries, revealing the enduring value of crop genetic diversity, pre-breeding and international seed excha
With 95% of UK P. biglobosus isolates resistant to two SDHI fungicides in laboratory tests, the discovery puts renewed focus on genetics, surveillance and fungicide stewardship working together to protect oilseed rape yields.Scientists have confirmed the world’s first cases of resistance to SDHI fun
The HelEx project is crossing wild sunflower material from arid regions into European breeding lines to develop drought tolerant sunflower varieties. Researchers are also targeting pollinator appeal and higher protein content for future markets.The post The Traits Sunflower Breeders Need May Already
