Seed Systems, Genetics, Breeding & Biotechnology

Everything a crop can become begins with the seed. The genetic potential packed into each variety determines its yield ceiling, its tolerance of drought or disease, its nutritional value, and its suitability for a particular environment. Yet genetics is only half the story — the systems that multiply, certify, distribute, and conserve seed decide whether that potential ever reaches a farmer's field. The Seed Systems, Genetics, Breeding & Biotechnology session spans this entire journey, from the laboratory and breeding plot to the seed supply chains that connect innovation with growers. It looks at how conventional breeding, marker-assisted selection, genomic tools, and biotechnology are accelerating the development of varieties suited to changing climates and demands, while keeping farmer access and genetic diversity firmly in view.

Who decides which traits are prioritised, and how is diversity preserved as breeding intensifies? How can smallholders gain reliable access to quality seed of well-adapted varieties? Such questions of equity and resilience run alongside the technical material throughout the programme. Delegates at this Agriculture Conference will explore how crop breeding and seed systems intersect with biotechnology, gene-bank conservation, and intellectual property to shape what gets grown. The discussion covers breeding methods, genetic resource management, regulatory frameworks for new technologies, and the informal and formal channels through which seed moves. By linking cutting-edge science with the realities of seed supply, the session helps researchers, breeders, and policymakers build systems that deliver better varieties to more growers.