b'PARTNER CONTENTSeeds Are at the Heart of FarmingBy: Fermin Azanza, Global Head of Research, Limagrain Field Seeds A t Limagrain, we believe that seeds are at the heart of agriculture and are committed to bringing innovation to farmers through genetic improvements to our seeds. As a plant breeder with a strong interest in how genetics help plants overcome challenges, this focus perfectly aligns with my own vision for how I can best contribute to the industry. Most companies look at agriculture as a whole, addressing multiple elements that can contribute to farmers yields. These can include seed improvements, but also crop protection, seed treatments, digital tech-nologies and many other components. As a pure seed specialist, Limagrain Field Seeds doesnt sell chemicals or digital packages, and we dont package our seeds with other services. We focus on what we do best: plant breeding and improving seed genetics. Farmers are free to plant our seeds while also choosing the other components they need for successful crops from chemical companies.Throughout my 30-year career, Ive man- I also lead the sustainability strategy forHumans have been breeding plants aged research activitiesfrom biotech toLimagrain Field Seeds. For me, agriculturesince the beginning of agriculture, saving plant breedingfor a variety of field seedis truly sustainable when it allows farmersseeds from their best plants to grow the crops and Im passionate about how ourto successfully grow crops in an ever- following years crop. The pace at which research efforts create value for farmers.changing climate while at the same timewe improve crops has accelerated in As global head of research for Limagrainrespecting the environment.recent decades. These days, plant breed-Field Seeds, I manage a team of over 1,000There is no question the challengesing is a fast-evolving field that requires scientists working on multiple crops at 60farmers face due to climate change aremany different technologies, and we research stations on six continents.complicated due to drought, diseasesinvest heavily in the development of those If you want to be competitive in thisand more. Plant breeding carries with itthat help plant breeders access new diver-business, your infrastructure, mission andthe huge potential to deliver sustainablesity and do their work quicker and more vision must be global. Crops like wheat,solutions and yield stability in increasinglyefficiently. Many of those advanced breed-maize, barley or sunflower are not limitedcomplex environments.ing technologies are crop independent, so by geography. The germplasm can moveLimagrain is a cooperative and we getonce theyre developed in one crop, were easily along the same latitudes around thea significant amount of direction from ourin an excellent position to implement them globe. Thats why we reinvest a significantfarmers, whose agricultural practices arein the next one, accelerating speed to percentage of our turnover in researchbeing impacted by a changing climate.market.and have established a presence in mostTheir guidance allows us to continuallyUltimately, farmers buy seeds, not agriculturally important countries. We arechallenge and refocus research targetstechnologies. So, the success of any tech-selective about the crops we improve tofor crops grown in France and around thenology we implement is measured by how ensure that our seeds have value across aworld. Every technology that can deliver onmuch value our seeds bring to the people broad range of countries.this mission is a priority for us.who grow them.MARCH 2025SEEDWORLD.COM/CANADA 9'