The U.S. is trailing China in federal ag research and seed-breeding investments. China has outspent the U.S. in those categories for the past ten years. To help combat the low spending, House Democrats Mark Pocan of Wisconsin and Darren Soto of Florida introduced the Seeds for the Future Act earlier this year. A Farm Journal report quotes a release from …
Saving Tomato Seeds for Next Year’s Garden
Are you interested in saving a little money, and, growing beautiful tomatoes next growing season? Cathy Isom has the solution. She lets you know how to save those tomato seeds for next year’s garden. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Saving Tomato Seeds for Next Year’s Garden If you’ve never done it before, or want to try your …
European Union Approves Bayer Takeover of Monsanto, with Conditions
German chemical company Bayer was given conditional European Union approval in its acquisition of Monsanto. A Dow Jones report says the takeover bid, which is worth more than $60 billion, was only approved after both companies agreed to divest themselves of assets worth more than $7.3 billion dollars, in order to ease antitrust concerns. As a large part of the …
Exchanging Seeds at a Seed Library
Cathy Isom fills you in about how you can start a garden by exchanging seeds like library books. That story’s ahead on This Land of Ours. Exchanging Seeds at a Seed Library Whether or not your new to gardening or looking for a new way to grow your own flowers and produce – a seed library may be worth looking …
Progeny Bringing the Best Possible Products to Your Farm
Progeny. That’s the name of innovative, high-performing seed products. And they do it all with one goal in mind: to bring the best possible products to your farm. And when it comes to corn seed, Progeny Agronomist John Rocconi says they recently received some great news about one of their hybrids. Progeny Bringing the Best Possible Products to Your Farm …
Discussing Industry Changes at ASTA Conference
The American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) wrapped up their annual Vegetable and Flower Seed Conference earlier this week in San Diego, California. AgNet Media’s Gary Cooper talked with Don Goodwin, owner of Golden Sun Marketing based in Minnesota, about some of the changes in the industry. Discussing Industry Changes at ASTA Conference Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Funding For …
ASTA Supports USDA Action
Calls for Clarity on Plant Breeding Innovation Policy The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) announced it was withdrawing its proposed rule to revise and update the agency’s biotechnology regulations for the purpose of soliciting additional stakeholder input. The American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) is encouraged that USDA is taking steps to consider …
Ireland Could be GMO-Free Haven
Ireland Minister of State for Agriculture Andrew Doyle says the island nation should have a status as GMO-free to maintain biodiversity. The Irish Times reports that the comments by Doyle were expressed as his personal opinion, and not that of the nation’s Agricultural and Food Development Authority, which takes the “follow the science” approach. Doyle claims the island could be …
ASTA Testifies before House Ag Committee on Plant Breeding Innovation, Farm Bill
American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) President & CEO Andrew W. LaVigne testified at a U.S. House Agriculture Committee hearing on the Farm Bill and innovation in specialty crops. LaVigne stressed the importance of promoting a climate of innovation through the funding of critical Farm Bill research programs, and the enactment of clear and consistent, science-based policies across the government. “As our …
Syngenta Announces Goals Following Merger with ChemChina
Syngenta is striving to strengthen its leadership position in crop protection and to become an ambitious number three in the agriculture seeds sector. In a news release this week, the company announced its priorities now that the takeover deal by ChemChina is complete. The company aims to profitably grow market share through organic growth and collaborations and is considering targeted …