Researchers Say New Method Speeds Up Crop Editing
But traditional plant transformation methods are often inefficient, expensive and incompatible with many important species. A new study led by UCLA and published in Nature Plants introduces a simpler approach: a heritable, transgene-free genome editing technique using a compact CRISPR system delivered by a common plant virus. The method could streamline crop improvement and expand genome editing to a wider range of plants.
Garth Hodges — the Man Behind Some of Ag’s Most Game-Changing Deals — has a New Home
Calgary’s Osborne Interim Management has announced the appointment of Garth Hodges as a senior advisor, bolstering its strategic capabilities with one of agriculture’s most seasoned global leaders. The company offers […]
Researchers Explain Why Corn’s Cell Secrets Matter More Than DNA
New Research Links Corn’s Cellular Gene Activity to Better Crop Traits A new study led by the University of Michigan (U-M) reveals how gene activity in specific maize cell types […]
Ensuring Progress for European Agriculture
How seed companies partner to provide access to innovation and plant breeding materials. WHY IT MATTERS: After two years of existence of the ACLP, more than 95% of the patented […]
Study Finds Molecular Breakthrough in Soybean Cyst Nematode Research
Scientists have identified a new vulnerability in cyst nematodes’ communication with plant roots that could reduce the damage these parasites cause in soybeans and other crops, according to a study co-authored by an Iowa State University professor.
Rational Research in a World Gone Mad
There are a variety of definitions of science: as a methodology, a tool, a process of discovery… Since the time of Copernicus, scientists have always challenged their own theories and […]
Acosemillas Marks 55 Years of Innovation and Sustainability in Colombian Agriculture
The Colombian Association of Seeds and Biotechnology (Acosemillas) is celebrating 55 years of leadership in advancing quality seeds, biotechnology, and sustainable agriculture in Colombia. Founded in 1970, Acosemillas has played […]
Strengthening Africa’s Seed Certification: A Collaboration for Food Security
The G7 and OECD embark on a project to boost seed quality. Why It Matters Africa faces some of the most pressing food security challenges in the world. While the […]
Regenerative Agriculture Boosts Soil Health and Carbon Sequestration, Study Finds
A recent study by researchers from the University of São Paulo highlights the benefits of regenerative agriculture practices — such as crop rotation, direct sowing, and cover crops—in improving soil […]
Preserving Seed Diversity in Europe
How genetics are best preserved in an era of concentration. Preservation of genetic diversity has long been on the agenda of the European seed sector, as it has been for […]
Crop Trust Launches the Power of Diversity Funding Facility
The Crop Trust has launched the Power of Diversity Funding Facility (PDFF) to support the long-term conservation and availability of crop diversity. This multi-donor initiative will focus on promoting opportunity […]
Who is Afraid of a Global Trade War?
The seed sector is highly regulated in most countries with variety registration, seed quality controls and phytosanitary rules. It has been increasingly affected by policies that are not directly focused […]
Cover Crops Help Prevent Soil Carbon Loss from Erosion, Study Finds
Although cover crops tend to increase soil carbon modestly — an average 14% gain in the top six inches, according to this new meta-analysis—there was no link between that gain and how much erosion was reduced. That’s why Huang said carbon market incentives should treat erosion reduction as a separate environmental service.
Agri-Food Leaders Urge Action in Washington as Cross-Border Trade Faces Growing Pressures
There’s an urgent call to protect integrated supply chains and keep food prices stable across North America. With economic uncertainty looming and food affordability top of mind for consumers, a […]
ASTA Responds to Trade Tensions
The U.S. seed industry is raising red flags following news of additional tariffs imposed between the United States and its global trading partners. Leaders across the agricultural supply chain are […]
Penn State Says AI Making Ag Smarter
Artificial intelligence is no longer just a tech-world buzzword — a study from Penn State shows it’s already making waves in agriculture. From improving yields to conserving resources, AI has […]
Report Highlights Benefits of Minimizing Bare Soil in Regenerative Agriculture
A new report from the British Ecological Society combines the insights of over 40 academics, practitioners, and farmers across the UK to evaluate the evidence that regenerative agriculture practices can […]
Seeding Türkiye’s Future: The Growth and Challenges of the Turkish Seed Sector
How TÜRKTED is driving innovation, overcoming challenges, and strengthening Türkiye’s position in the global seed market. The main crops in the Turkish seed sector include cereals, particularly wheat and barley, […]
ABCSEM Forms Anti-Piracy Committee to Protect Brazil’s Seed Industry
Recognizing the significant harm caused by seed piracy across various sectors, the Brazilian Association of the Trade of Seeds and Seedlings (ABCSEM) has established a dedicated Committee to Combat Piracy. […]
Türkiye: A Rising Power in the Global Seed Sector
How Türkiye’s thriving seed sector is shaping agriculture through innovation, trade, and policy. The Turkish seed sector has experienced significant growth in recent decades. Türkiye, with its diverse climatic zones […]
Plant Breeding Faces New Challenges in the EU
In light of the new European Commission and Parliament configurations, as well as fresh strategies for the agricultural sector, intensified and collaborative efforts are crucial moving forward. The National Association […]
Ready to Lead: How One Young Breeder is Cultivating the Next Generation of Innovation
At the 2024 National Association for Plant Breeding (NAPB) meeting in St. Louis, MO, the spotlight was on science, strategy, and the future of food. But in the quieter corners […]
Early Bird Deadline Approaching for NAPB Conference
Plant breeders, researchers, and students from across North America and beyond are gearing up for the 2025 National Association for Plant Breeding (NAPB) Annual Meeting, set to take place May […]
FAO Photographs the Global Agri-Food Industry
At the end of 2024, FAO published its Statistical Yearbook about World Food and Agriculture, referring to facts updated to 2022. It is a very rich collection, a valuable tool for commercial […]
The Rules for Using the “Common Enemy” Strategy
Leadership is about mobilizing people toward a shared goal that unites and inspires them. One of the most powerful ways to rally a team is by defining a common threat, […]
Report: Food as the “Silent Weapon”— Russia’s Gains and Ukraine’s Losses
A report from the Center for Strategic and International Studies reveals that agriculture and food security are central to Russia’s war strategy. Ukraine’s agricultural sector has been a major target […]
Uruguay Approves National Bioinsums Plan: A Strategic Step for Agricultural Sustainability
Uruguay officially approved the National Bioinputs Plan with Decree No. 042/025, signed on Feb. 20, 2025. Developed by the Ministry of Livestock, Agriculture, and Fisheries (MGAP), the plan responds to […]
“Think in Decades, Not Quarters”: The Quiet Revolution Happening at Western Crop Innovations
Sajid Rehman didn’t plan on ending up in Alberta, helping steer one of Alberta’s most important cereal breeding organizations through a time of transformation. But in many ways, it’s exactly […]
How CSGA and Seeds Canada Found Common Ground on the Advisory Body Concept
Inside the months-long negotiations that led the Canadian Seed Growers’ Association and Seeds Canada to unite around a shared vision — and why the timing couldn’t be better. For years, […]
No April Fool’s: U.S. is Sowing A Lot of Corn
Corn acres exceed soybeans again. U.S. farmers are shifting crop strategies in 2025, with corn once again taking the lead. According to USDA’s March Prospective Plantings report, total corn planted […]
Euroseeds 2025 Registrations Open Now
The seed sector stands at a crossroads, shaped by evolving regulations, technological breakthroughs, and shifting global trade dynamics. As challenges grow, so do opportunities for innovation and collaboration. Euroseeds 2025 […]
Europe’s Vision: Building a Sustainable Agri-food System for Future Generations
Mid-February, the EU Commission presented its Vision for Agriculture and Food, an ambitious roadmap on the future of farming and food in Europe. This roadmap sets the stage for an […]
What Happens When Farmers Lead a Global Seed Business?
In an industry dominated by global giants, decisions are often made that are far removed from the realities of farming. But when farmers are the ones leading the discussions, a […]
Mapping the Future with Machine Learning
As agricultural research becomes increasingly intertwined with advanced computing, the term smart farming is now commonplace in ag labs across the country. At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (U. of […]
Hitting the Road to Reclaim U.S. Ag Trade
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins will visit six international markets in her first six months to open new doors for American agricultural exports. With the agricultural trade deficit nearing […]
CSGA, Seeds Canada Agree That a Seed Sector Advisory Committee Should be Formed
The Canadian Seed Growers’ Association (CSGA) and Seeds Canada have announced that they’ve jointly recommended the establishment of a seed sector advisory committee to help guide seed policy and regulatory […]