Seed World LATAM sat down with Luis Vivas, APESemillas’ executive director, to ask him three critical questions about today’s seed sector.
1. Professional Contributions: What skills do today’s plant breeders need to succeed?
Today’s plant breeders must combine advanced technical skills with strategic and adaptive capabilities. On the technical side, proficiency in biotechnology tools, data analysis, and precision phenotyping systems is essential. These skills enable the design of crops that address not only productivity demands but also global challenges such as climate change and food security.
Additionally, breeders need project management skills, interdisciplinary collaboration, and effective communication abilities, as they increasingly work in multidisciplinary teams that include agronomists, economists, and technology experts. Finally, the ability to adapt to emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, will be critical for staying competitive in a constantly evolving sector.
2. Support for the Next Generation: How should the seed industry support a new generation of professionals?
The seed industry should take a proactive approach, providing close support for the development of new professionals through educational programs, immersion in scientific and workplace activities, and other opportunities to strengthen their skills. Initiatives like scholarships for advanced studies in breeding, plant health, agricultural technology, and other fields are essential to attract young talent.
Furthermore, continuous training programs should include practical skills, such as the use of precision technologies, artificial intelligence, and sustainable agricultural techniques. Building partnerships with universities and research institutions is also crucial to ensure future professionals receive training that addresses real-world sector needs. Additionally, promoting inclusion and diversity in these programs broadens perspectives and strengthens innovation within the sector.
3. The Impact of AI: How do you foresee AI transforming the sector in the next decade?
Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the seed industry by optimizing processes and improving decision-making. Over the next decade, AI is expected to transform the sector by accelerating plant breeding through the analysis of large volumes of genetic and environmental data, enabling the development of crops with desirable traits in a shorter time frame.
Moreover, AI will facilitate the customization of agricultural solutions tailored to specific soil, climate, and market conditions. Lastly, AI-based platforms for strategic decision-making and resource management will allow seed companies to operate more efficiently and sustainably, strengthening the industry as a whole.
