b'Diversity in the MarketplaceWhile consolidation continues to reshape the seed industry, partnerships like these sustain diversity and innovation at the same time. By bridging the gap between large-scale R&D and regional expertise, they give farmers options and preserve competition.For Graham, its proof that agriculture continues to evolve even under pressure.Agriculture keeps finding new ways Since formation, Corteva has launched over 2,000 new products globally to help farmersto thrive, he says. When you look increase yields.PHOTO: CORTEVAat productivity per acre over the last century, its incredible. Even with climate ogy has compressed decades of trial andIndependent Voices, Shared Goals challenges, output has gone up, not down error into just a few years, giving scientistsFor independent companies like Rob-and thats because innovation keeps a clearer roadmap for discovery. See-Co, collaboration opens doors with- pushing whats possible.out losing their identity. Jim Robinson,Srnic agrees, noting that the next wave Opening the Pipeline who will take over as CEO in January,of breakthroughs will happen faster than While research accelerates, businesssays the companys strength lies in stay- anyone expects.models are evolving to keep up. Foring local while plugging into major R&DWere combining AI, genetic modi-Scott Schulz, who leads Cortevas U.S.pipelines. fication, gene editing and global data seed licensing and distribution business,Our model is built on simplicity, rela- networks with human expertise and local innovation isnt just about internal break- tionships and technology, Robinson says.testing. The opportunities are only limited throughsits about access. Working with Corteva gives us access toby imagination.Were now able to out-license traitshigh-performing genetics and traits that and germplasm to companies that reachwe can tailor to our customers environ- The Future Is Collaborativegrowers we havent historically served,ments. But were still focused on localFor Schulz, the most exciting part isnt he says. That gives independent com- data and how those products interactjust what happens in labs, but what hap-panies new options and farmers morewith biologicals and nutritionals on realpens when technology reaches the field.choice. farms. At the end of the day, (our stakehold-Licensing, often seen as transactional,That emphasis on simplicity and trusters) have to see value. If we deliver that becomes a platform for shared progressresonates deeply with growers who valueclearly and make it easy to do business when done strategically. Schulz says part- long-term relationships over short-termwith us, then everyone wins, he says.nerships with independent brands ensuresales. Robinson says his team buildsThe future of seed innovation, it technology doesnt remain siloed within acredibility by combining local testing withseems, wont be defined by size or few global players. cutting-edge inputs. geography but by connectionbetween We invest about $4 million a day inWe create our own local data thatdata and biology, between science and R&D, but the real question is where andreflects what our customers actually seesoil and between companies once seen how we invest itand how that invest- in their fields. That information is valuableas competitors now working toward ment creates value at the farm level.to Corteva, too. Its a two-way exchangea shared goal: feeding the world with Thats what drives lasting relationships. that helps both sides learn faster. smarter, stronger seed.This shift marks a subtle but importantHe adds that for independent compa- As the boundaries between research, evolution: innovation no longer stops atnies, balance is key. business and farming blur, one truth discovery. It extends through distributionYou never want to lose what makesstands out: progress in agriculture and into the farmers experience, makingyour brand unique, but partnerships candepends on those willing to share ideas as high-end genetics and trait packagesstrengthen what you do best, he says.readily as they share results. And in that more broadly available than ever before. The goal is to deliver profitability andexchange, the next great chapter of the trust back to the farmer. seed industry is already being written.SW10/ SEEDWORLD.COMDECEMBER 2025'