b'FROM OUR DESKBlooms, Bourbon and BeesIF YOURE INOrlando for the ASTA Flower andwith accessibility for growers and breeders alike.Vegetable Seed Conference, I want to say hello! TheAnd then theres the obvious new world we are flower and vegetable seed industry might not alwaysliving it with a new president, Congress, and Senate. get the flashy headlines, but its importance is undeni- The seed industry is no stranger to change, but ablerooted (pun intended!) in the essence of lifethe challenge and opportunities of shifting political itself. From the dinner table to pollinator habitats, thislandscapes demand our attention. From trade policy sector fuels our food systems, sustains biodiversityto environmental regulations, the decisions made in and adds beauty to our world. I love flying over theWashington ripple across every seed we sow. As an warmer states in the winter and getting a chance toindustry, we need to stay nimble, informed and ready BY AIMEE NIELSON see all the colorful fields where our flower and vegeta- to advocate for the issues that matter most.Editor, Seed World U.S. ble producers are hard at work to make sure we havethose important items on our tables. As we dig into the February issue of Seed World U.S., I cant help but get excited about the stories were bringing to the forefront this month. Lets start with bourbon. Yes, bourbon. You might not think about it much while sipping your OldFrom trade policy to environmentalFashioned, but corns journey from seed to sip is noth-ing short of fascinating. Bourbon isnt just an Americanregulations, the decisions made intraditionits an agricultural marvel, deeply reliant onWashington ripple across every seed we sow. high-quality seed, innovative plant breeding and the farmers and distillers who steward it all. This issues deep dive into bourbons seed origins reminds us how interconnected agriculture is, even with something as iconic as whiskey.But agriculture isnt just about the big cropsits also about the ones that bring color, nutrition and vibrance to our lives. Flowers and vegetables may notWhat ties all of this together is the incredible dominate the field acreage of corn or soybeans, butbreadth and depth of the seed industry. Its not just they occupy a vital space in our economy. This month,about what we growits about how we grow, who we take a closer look at climate-resistant flowers,benefits and what the future holds. Whether were talk-which are pushing the boundaries of plant breeding toing about bourbon, bees or climate-resilient flowers, bring beauty to an unpredictable world. With extremethe threads of innovation, sustainability, and persever-weather testing the limits of horticulture, these innova- ance run through it all.tions arent just pretty, theyre essential. So, as you turn the pages of this issue, take a Speaking of essentials, did you know that tinymoment to appreciate the stories behind the seeds. alkali bees are powering alfalfa seed production inTheyre not just seedstheyre solutions, ideas and the Pacific Northwest? These unsung heroes are aopportunities. Theyre hope for a more resilient, sus-reminder that agriculture thrives when we pay atten- tainable world. And in times of uncertainty, isnt that tion to the little things, whether thats pollinator health,exactly what we need?soil microbes or the intricacies of plant patents. OnCheers to that.that note, this issue also explores how horticulturalAs always, its an honor to partner with you,plant patents shape the industry, balancing innovationAimee4/ SEEDWORLD.COMFEBRUARY 2025'