b'Growers are at the centre of everythinggermplasm more complex. Yes, ABS hasthrough partnerships, says Steentjes, to we do. Our breeding, product supply, andadded bureaucracy, says Yanchuk, butdeliver improved varieties faster and with commercial teams collaborate globally towe continue to strengthen our geneticsgreater precision.align short- and long-term strategies. through partnerships with universities,At BASF, molecular breeding is Fasola highlights Bejos boots-on-the- gene banks, and licensing agreements. becoming standard. Shahin confirms, ground approach: Our local representa- At Bayer, Maupin points to one ofThese tools dont replace classical tives and crop specialists gather feedbackthe worlds strongest carrot gene pools:breeding, but they make it much more from growers and processors worldwide.Our germplasm builds on the legacyefficient.Cooperation with research institutes likeof Asgrow, Petoseed, and Royal Sluis. Wageningen University supports studiesWe also regularly introduce new mate- Looking Aheadon taste and nutrition. rial from the USDAs Carrot Genetics andCarrot breeding is changing rapidlyTheriez adds that the companysBreeding Program and collaborate withand yet its core mission remains the strong on-the-ground network of carrotUC Davis and the Foundation for Food &same: delivering healthy, high-performing experts ensures daily connection withAgriculture Research to tap wild carrotvarieties that make life easier for growers growers to stay aligned with their needs.diversity for disease and drought toler- and more colorful for consumers.She notes that Vilmorin-Mikado placesance. From the seedbeds of Tanzania its breeding trials directly in growersThese collaborations not only ensureto the high-tech greenhouses of the conditions and adapts its strategy to thecontinued genetic progress but also sup- Netherlands, todays breeders are bridg-specific requirements of each market,port the wider industry through opening tradition and technology to prepare whether Nantes, Kuroda, Chantenay, orcontributions to public collections. the crop for tomorrows challenges: others. hotter summers, fewer pesticides, and a This constant dialogue keeps breedingIntegrating New Breedingmarketplace hungry for color, taste, and programs responsive to evolving produc- Technologies sustainability.tion systems, mechanisation trends, andAdvanced tools are accelerating pro- As Wittink sums up, Whether were consumer preferences. gress. Bejo employs marker-assistedbreeding for Africa or Europe, the essen-selection for disease and quality traits,tials dont changestrong roots, vibrant Access to Germplasm digital phenotyping via drones, andcolor, and resilience. Thats what defines a New regulations on Access and Benefithybrid purity control for consistentgood carrot.SWSharing (ABS) have made sourcingperformance. Were always innovating Carrot breeders evaluate varieties in a demonstration field, with Rudie Steentjes pictured in the middle.PHOTO: BEJOFEBRUARY 2026SEEDWORLD.COM /43'