b"CULTIVATING TOMORROW'S BY MARCEL BRUINS INNOVATORS A LOOK INSIDE THE UC DAVIS EUROPEAN PLANT BREEDING ACADEMY. BY: MARCEL BRUINS, SEED WORLD EUROPE EDITORIAL DIRECTORI n the heart of the agricultural world, a quiet revolution is under- In response, the UC Davis Plant Breeding Academy was born. way. Dr. Jovan Djordjevic, Director of the UC Davis PlantThe program is tailored to professionals in the industry, says Breeding Academy, is spearheading an initiative that bridges theDr. Djordjevic. Its designed to be intensely focused on plant breed-gap between academia and industry, training plant breeders to tackleing, addressing both academic and practical needs. the challenges of modern agriculture. With a passionate belief inThe results speak for themselves: over 436 graduates from practical education, Dr. Djordjevic and his team have crafted a pro- Europe and the U.S. have gone on to lead breeding programs and gram thats transforming the field, one graduate at a time. drive innovation in their organizations.ADDRESSING A GLOBAL SHORTAGE WHY INVEST IN THE ACADEMY?Dr. Djordjevics journey with the Academy began when he was stillFor companies in the seed and agriculture industries, sending part of the seed industry. There was a study, a Delphi study, doneemployees to the Academy is more than just an educational oppor-back in the early 2000s that highlighted a global shortage of planttunity; its a strategic investment. Dr. Djordjevic explains, You get breeders coming out of universities, he recalls. The problem wasntan instant return. Youre developing your people, motivating them, just the number of graduatesit was the lack of commercial-readyand retaining them. The curriculum is practical, covering everything plant breeders capable of making an immediate impact. from traditional breeding methods to cutting-edge molecular tools, biodiversity management, and program efficiency.The programs hands-on approach ensures that students dont just learnthey apply. Dr. Djordjevic emphasizes the importance of actionable knowledge. Students assessing tomato trials.Photo: Jovan Djordjevic.10ISEED WORLD EUROPEISEEDWORLD.COM/EUROPE | FEBRUARY 2025"