Euroseeds, the single voice of the European seed sector, in collaboration with its national associations ANOVE, Plantum, ANSEME, Assosementi and Limagrain seed company, have been hosting live and online events since mid-May to highlight the crucial role of plant breeding methods in developing a more sustainable agriculture and nutritious food production. The events aim at raising awareness of the benefits of seeds, innovation and plant breeding activities and the pivotal role they have in developing a more sustainable agriculture and production of nutritious food, as well as for horticulture, forestry and other sectors.
The events will offer attendees the opportunity to participate in workshops, seminars, and exhibitions and interact with experts in the field. According to Garlich von Essen, Secretary General of Euroseeds:
These events will be an excellent opportunity to showcase the latest advances in plant science and their practical applications for a more sustainable agriculture and food production chain.
Plantum, representing the Dutch breeding sector, arranged ‘Planten Peepshow’ as the centerpiece of their event from 23rd to 24th May. It’s a greenhouse with six cubicles showcasing plants’ solutions to problems and their benefits. The greenhouse was located on Anna van Buerenplein for the two days. Additionally, there was a masterclass in Nieuwspoort, led by Nelleke Kreike and Paulus den Hollander, exploring the fascination with plants and technology. Following that, the ‘Planten Peptalk’ in Nieuwspoort, with speakers from various fields discussing their views on plants’ future in food supply, including Sjaak van der Tak, Adri Bom-Lemstra, and Sijas Akkerman.
Moreover, ANOVE, representing the Spanish breeding sector, organised an event to promote the importance of plant breeding innovation using a new campaign concept entitled ‘Somos vida’. Assosementi, the Italian seed association published a press release focusing on research on plants, mainly genetic improvement techniques, and its importance in addressing global agricultural challenges and developing sustainable production models for healthy food. The French seed company Limagrain arranged an event targeting the French national authorities for showcasing plant breeding activities, and on the same track, ANSEME, representing the Portuguese breeding sector will arrange an event on 7th June entitled ‘Da Semente ao Prato: inovação e sustentabilidade na ajuda ao agricultor‘ to promote New Genomic Techniques (NGTs), their environmental benefits and economic values for farmers and the rest of the society. The event will aim at alerting to the need of the European Commission to advance NGTs with a proper and adequate regulation, based exclusively in science, so that these new technologies can be used without the current limitations.
