46 / SEEDWORLD.COM OCTOBER 2026 A look at seed industry developments around the globe. UK approves first precision-bred potato, China implememnts EDV system, Austria starts construction of crop research station. STATUS UK The United Kingdom has approved its first precision- bred potato, bringing disease- resistant PiperPlus closer to commercial production. Developed at The Sainsbury Laboratory, the modified Maris Piper resists late blight, Potato Virus Y and Potato Leafroll Virus. Its enhanced natural immune system could substantially reduce fungicide and insecticide use, cutting costs, tractor journeys, emis sions and soil damage. Virus resistance may also enable more seed potato produc tion in England. DEFRA confirmed that two lines meet the Precision Breeding Act’s requirements because their genetic changes could occur naturally or through conventional breeding. Food Standards Agency approval is still required before PiperPlus can reach consumers. STATUS CHINA China has implemented its essentially derived variety system, strengthening plant breeders’ rights. On July 27, 2026, China’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs published its first EDV implementation catalog, covering 10 crops, along with determination guidelines, crop-specific thresholds and testing requirements. It recommended 28 institu tions to conduct molecular or phenotypic assessments. The framework preserves the breeder’s exemption, allowing protected varieties to be used for research and breeding without permission. However, commercially using a result ing variety deemed essentially derived requires consent from the initial variety’s rights holder. The measures directly affect European breeders operating, licensing or pro tecting varieties in China. STATUS AUSTRIA Austria has begun construc tion of a research station designed to advance climate- resilient crop development and variety testing. Located in Großnondorf, within Austria’s dry Pannonian region, the AGES facility will evaluate drought stress without artifi cial irrigation. Trials will include cereals, soybeans, corn, sun flowers, potatoes and sugar beets. Researchers also will study plant nutrition, fertilizer use, irrigation, soil manage ment and crop protection. AGES operates eight stations representing Austria’s main soil and climate conditions. Results will support variety registration, crop research, risk assessments and production recommendations. Only varie ties offering clear benefits to Austrian agriculture and consumers are approved for cultivation and commercial use. STATUS BRAZIL Brazilian agricultural research agency Embrapa is urging farmers in southern Brazil to prepare for heavier rainfall, increased disease pressure and other El Niño impacts through early 2027. A techni cal note prepared by seven Embrapa units recommends early planning across grain, fruit, forage, forestry and livestock systems. Farmers should improve drainage, pro tect soil from erosion, monitor crops and official forecasts, follow climate-risk zoning and consider rural insurance. Fruit growers face particular threats from saturated soil, wind, hail and erosion. Embrapa also encourages watershed planning, soil conservation, agroforestry and integrated production systems to reduce losses and strengthen long- term agricultural and climate resilience. STATUS PARAGUAY Paraguay’s seed industry is 800-873-3321 sales@ernstseed.com Since 1964 Restoring the Native Landscape
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