b'I N D U S T R Y N E W S Delivering the news you need to know. Submissions welcomeemail us at news@seedworldgroup.com. Pairwise has licensed its Fulcrum gene editing platform, including the SHARC CRISPR enzyme, to CIMMYT. This partnership aims to speed development of improved crop varieties for smallholder farmers in 20 countries. The platform offers advanced gene editing tools to precisely adjust traits for optimal plant performance.Syngenta opened a new biologicals production facility in Orangeburg, South Carolina, capable of producing 16,000 tons of plant biostimulants annually. The plant uses automation and safety systems and operates with zero wastewater discharge. Cibus has completed the FDAs Plant Biotechnology Consultation for its altered lignin alfalfa trait, receiving USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins has announcedconfirmation that the agency has no further questions a major reorganization to align the agencysregarding its use in food or feed. Developed with S&W Seed Company, the trait may improve nutrient structure and staffing with its core mission ofavailability for livestock and offer farmers more flexible supporting farmers, ranchers, and foresters.harvest timing.Driven by budget constraints and service deliveryA June 18 Nature study warns that climate change goals, the plan includes reducing the workforce,threatens the global food system. Each 1.8F rise could reduce food availability by 120 calories per person relocating up to half of its Washington, D.C., staffdailyabout 4.4% of current intake. U.S. agriculture, (about 2,600 employees) to five regional hubs,especially the Midwests Corn Belt, faces severe losses. Lead author Andrew Hultgren questions if the streamlining management, and consolidatingCorn Belt will remain productive in a high-warming support functions. future. You do start to wonder if the Corn Belt is going to be the Corn Belt in the future.University of Tennessee researchers, led by assistant Spearhead Bio, a biotechnology startup revolutionizingprofessor Emin Fidan, received a $275,000 USDA crop genome engineering through the use of plantsgrant to study the impact of flooding and sedi-own natural DNA, has been awarded a Small Businessment deposits from Hurricane Helene on Tennessee Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I grant from thecroplands. The 2024 flooding caused over $1.3 billion U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF). The fund- in agricultural damage. The team is investigating soil ing will support efforts to reduce the time and costeffects and sharing findings with affected farmers.required to generate improved corn varieties capable of addressing emerging agricultural challenges. Norway unveiled a new jersey inspired by the Svalbard Global Seed Vault ahead of the 2025 ADQ has agreed to acquire a stake in LimagrainWomens European Football Championships. The Vegetable Seeds and will establish a research centerdesign features bold triangular graphics echoing in Abu Dhabi. The center will focus on developingthe Vaults entrance and uses colors reflecting the vegetable seeds suited for desert and arid climates,Arctic landscape. Created by Nike, the kit celebrates aiming to improve crop resilience and yield under highNorways architectural creativity and commitment to temperatures and limited water conditions. The collab- global crop diversity and sustainability.oration involves applying genomics, phenotyping, and digital technologies to vegetable crops in the UAE.University of Florida AI scientist Nikolaos Tziolas is The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals. developing a ChatGPT-like tool to help farmers assess 54/ SEEDWORLD.COMOCTOBER 2025'