Science and progress in plant breeding are moving so rapidly that we wonder if producers – as well as consumers, and especially regulators – will be able to understand and embrace the changes. Misunderstanding the latest breeding methods will lead to a delay in acceptance and use, and with that, Europe will lose many wonderful opportunities to help humankind bring the much-needed improved varieties to the farmers, and eventually to the consumers. However, looking at the rapid progress, there is very little time to bring decision makers and the general audience up to speed and explain how plant breeding benefits multiple stakeholders and society as a whole. Going forward, it will be crucial to show how plant breeding helps to meet consumer expectations, to find natural solutions to meet the food demand, and how plant breeding supports resource efficient farming by safeguarding yields and reducing losses in the field.
