2 / SEEDWORLD.COM FEBRUARY 2019 CONTENTS/FEBRUARY2019 Features, continued What’s So Complicated about a Cantaloupe? Researchers from around the world are working to bolster the hardiness and quality of cucurbits. The Netherlands: Creating a Food Ecosystem Explore what’s new, what’s the future and what’s nuts with Seed World’s editor as she traverses the land of canals, visiting many unique companies. Q&A with Chris Zanobini The California Seed Association CEO discusses collaboration and what the seed industry should be lobbying for. Q&A with Anthony Stevenson Johnny’s Selected Seeds international wholesale sales representative spotlights the benefits and value of customer service. Farm Bill Breakdown President Trump signed a farm bill. ASTA breaks down what it means for the seed industry. Russia to Up its Seed Game With the goal of reducing its dependence on seed imports, the Russian government invests in plant breeding centers. Passing the SeedGrowth Baton For more than a decade, Martin Gruss has carried the Bayer SeedGrowth baton as head. Now, he’s passing it to Boualem Saidi, and Seed World finds out what’s top of mind. 2020: International Year of Plant Health A global initiative aims to increase awareness and helps protect plants from pests. 30 45 56 58 60 62 68 72 45 Columns 10 42 88 Seed Innovation Protection Alliance Bethany Roahrig looks at how innovation seeds our future. NAFTA Demolition Better for PBI Time will tell if the newly-signed U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement will reduce trade tensions. Giant Views Can the seed industry play a key role in changing the future of West Africa? Bruno Tinland says “Yes!” Special Section INSIDERS Experts from around the seed industry and those who service it share their perspectives and provide recommendations on everything from seed treatments to equipment and from engineering to content marketing — with the goal of helping you make better, more informed business decisions. 23 In Every Issue Strategy With the first wheat genome sequence complete, plant breeders and researchers look to usher in a new era of wheat genetics. Cross Pollination Regulatory Roundup World Status Industry News Since 1915 36 74 76 78 80 86 42