b"INDUSTRY NEWSTAILORED TO SEED PROFESSIONALS, INDUSTRY NEWS DELIVERS THE PEOPLE, RESEARCH, BUSINESS AND PRODUCT NEWS YOU NEED TO KNOW. SUBMISSIONS ARE WELCOME. EMAIL US AT NEWS@SEEDWORLDGROUP.COM.On Aug. 28, Norfolk Plant Sciences released a statement that theyBioceres Crop Solutions Corp. has received approval from the U.S. are aware that an individual who is offering what he claims to beDepartment of Agriculture (USDA) for its HB4 wheat technology. their bioengineered Purple Tomato seeds for sale on his FacebookThe USDA's Regulatory Status Review (RSR), conducted by the page in Europe. The variety has not been registered or approvedAnimal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), concluded for use in Europe, and Norfolk has not authorized its sale or dis- that HB4 wheat does not present a higher plant pest risk compared tribution outside the United States, where it is legally permitted.to conventional wheat. This decision allows for the production of The company reached out to the seller, demanding that he immedi- HB4 wheat in the United States, one of the world's leading wheat ately stop offering their seeds, and have reported this unauthorizedproducers. The United States now joins Argentina, Brazil, and activity to the U.S. government and the European Commission.Paraguay in permitting the production of HB4 wheat.Professor Ian Toth, Director of the National Potato InnovationThe University of NebraskaLincoln has received $1.7 million in Centre, has been appointed President of the European Associationfederal funding for research on sustainable agriculture as part of for Potato Research. He will lead the 200-member organizationthe USDAs $90 million Conservation Innovation Grants program. over the next three years, focusing on enhancing global scientificA portion of the grant, $1.1 million, will fund research on sustain-and technical knowledge in potato research. able nitrogen management for sugar beet production in Nebraska and Colorado, in collaboration with the Western Sugar Cooperative Breeders Trust settled with a Belgian farmer from Gembloux,and 50 growers.Wallonia, who used farm-saved seeds of the protected Innovator potato variety without paying royalties. Although the farmer reg- A Rutgers University-New Brunswick-led study found that pollina-istered as required, he refused to pay, prompting legal action. In thetor shortages are limiting crop yields in over 1,500 fields across six settlement, the farmer admitted to violating plant breeders' rights,continents. Published in Nature Ecology & Evolution, the research agreed to cease further infringements, and paid the owed royaltiesshows that essential crops like fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes along with legal costs. are underproducing due to insufficient pollinators. The study high-lights that one-third to two-thirds of farms are affected by pollina-The UK Government will introduce a new deal for farmers totor limitation, amid growing concerns about global insect declines.boost confidence and stability in the sector. Recent data from the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs shows that halfAustralias Grains Research and Development Corporation is of farmers are pessimistic about the future, with a quarter planningrevamping its national Faba Bean Breeding Program to produce to downsize and 14% considering exiting farming within the nextbetter varieties for Australian growers. Starting in 2025, a new three to five years. three-year investment will streamline the program, currently run with the University of Adelaide, to enhance breeding efficiency. Faba beans are a key cool-season legume grown across various Rothamsted will participate in the UK and Europes first trials ofregions in Australia.gene-edited (GE) crops on conventional farms. These farmer-led trials, known as PROBITY, aim to assess GE traits across vari-ous field conditions and produce grain for real-world food testing.New Zealand's Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment Coordinated by the British on-Farm Innovation Network (BOFIN)announced that revisions in their gene technology rules are being with several partners, the trials could involve up to 25 farms. made to catch up with the advancements in science and technology, particularly gene editing. Similar with Australia, New Zealand will establish a regulator that will ensure the health and safety of people Research conducted by The James Hutton Institute indicates thatand the environment. MBIE leads the task of updating the regula-Scotlands climate has already undergone significant changestions, together with the Ministry for Primary Industries, Ministry since 1960. Temperatures have risen by over 1C, and in some areas,of Health, the Ministry for the Environment, and the Department by nearly 2C. Rainfall, particularly in the western regions, hasof Conservation.increased during November, December, and January, surpassing the projections made by climate models for the period between 2020 and 2050. Scientists from the Danforth Plant Science Center and the University of Illinois are launching a multi-year study to assess how diverse cover crops can improve soil health and corn production. 56ISEED WORLD EUROPEISEEDWORLD.COM/EUROPE"