Over the last five decades, there’s been significant improvement in the seed sector — ranging from the creation of the first GMO in 1973 all the way up to today, where new breeding techniques, such as gene editing, are coming into perspective commercially in the industry.
Technology adaptation in the seed sector has been remarkable, says Garth Hodges, and it’s something that’s not stopping.
“Think of all the different technologies that come our way, whether it be hybridization or herbicide tolerance — these really paved the way for breeding,” Hodges, vice president of North America Business Management Seeds at BASF, says during a Giant Views interview at the American Seed Trade Association’s CSS & Seed Expo. “One of the biggest challenges I see is how to explain the art and the science of this business.”
When it comes to innovation, Hodges likes to explain it with an analogy — would you like to drive a new Mercedes or BMW, or an older version? The newer one has additional features, like power steering and different power. All those new features you’d want in cars are similar to the new features growers look for in seed traits as well.
“That’s what breeding is — constant improvement,” he says. “It’s heartwarming to see that you can be part of the initiation of this technology, see it be acquired and then see it in the field.”
And, to maintain this constant improvement and the sustainability of the seed industry, Hodges says we need to focus on interdependency.
“We can only be successful if we do things together,” Hodges says. “It’s that interdependency that really helps to strengthen what we’re doing. Once you see that there’s an appreciation for what you do and the contribution that you’re making, you’re not alone.”
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