Seed World U.S. is delighted to introduce our new editor, Aimee Nielson.
A veteran and award-winning agricultural journalist with nearly three decades of experience, Aimee holds a bachelor’s degree in agricultural communications and a master’s degree in agricultural education from Oklahoma State University. She also earned a certificate in distillation, wine and brewing studies from the University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, where she served as a communications and media relations specialist for nearly 25 years. Aimee is based near Lexington, Kentucky.
SW U.S. – Aimee: why are you passionate about agriculture and, specifically, the seed sector?
Aimee Nielson (AN): My passion for agriculture began with a simple desire to make sure people know the origins of their food. The predictable rhythm of the planting and harvest seasons has always grounded me. The challenges of weather, climate and economics keep everyone connected to agriculture humble. Playing a crucial role in food production and biodiversity, the seed sector is the foundation of agriculture. Everyone eats. Being able to tell stories about the seed sector that make a meaningful impact in the world is a big responsibility, but also a great privilege.
SW U.S. – What are some of the big, hot-button topics you’re keen to bring to SW U.S. readers?
AN: The world is in quite a state of flux right now, with many major political, environmental and financial factors stirring up uncertainty on a global scale. That uncertainty extends right into the seed sector. My main aim is to help shed light on how these big-picture factors directly affect our industry.
Beyond that, we need to talk about the importance of science-based decisions, especially when it comes to things like new breeding technologies. There’s also a lot of innovation happening with new technologies that we should explore. Plus, the growing opportunities in microbiologicals and the crucial role of plant breeding in supporting climate resilience are essential topics.
The situation affecting Syngenta in Arkansas is one our industry may be facing more often as at least half of the United States have or will soon have legislation restricting foreign ownership and leasing of U.S. land. It will be vital to keep our industry players informed about issues that may affect the way they operate and serve the agricultural community.
SW U.S. – What are your top goals as Seed World U.S. editor?
AN: Through an informed, relational writing style, my aim is to provide the seed sector with valuable insights and comprehensive coverage.
I’m most interested in helping redefine the seed sector’s critical place in our local, national and global food supply systems. We’re a key piece of agriculture, but the reality is that agriculture tends to be unfortunately easy for policymakers to overlook. The seed industry needs to work consistently and effectively towards positioning ourselves as the cornerstone of a functional food supply system. Doing so is the key to moving key seed industry priorities forward and — yes — feeding ourselves and the world. I’m excited to be part of that by telling the stories of the incredible people, innovations and issues that shape the seed sector and all of agriculture.
In the near future, I look forward to building relationships with the great people within the seed sector. I hope to meet many at the ASTA Field Crop Seed Convention in Orlando in December.
SW U.S. – When you’re not crafting articles, chasing down sources, and digging into big topics, how do you spend your time?
AN: I love music, art and photography. I’m always trying to one-up myself with a great sunset or landscape photograph. I’m also a dog mom to a small herd of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. Beyond that, we spend a fair amount of time shuttling between our old Kentucky home and our cozy Airbnb on the Alabama Gulf Coast.
Have a story idea? Reach out to Aimee at anielson@seedworldgroup.com
