News

In an era defined by climate change and the urgent call for sustainable practices, agricultural innovation is paramount. This interview with Javier Sanchez Molina, R&D Manager at Pinto Piga Seeds in Chile, delves into the critical role of Research and Development (R&D), the transformative power of predictive models, and the paradigm-shifting potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in shaping the future of farming. Discover how these technological advancements are empowering growers to overcome challenges, optimize resource use, and cultivate a more resilient and environmentally conscious agricultural landscape.

The Philippine Seed Industry Association (PSIA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Alex Rigor as its new Executive Director.  

Bangkok, Thailand – The Asia and Pacific Seed Alliance (APSA) is proud to collaborate as a key partner for VIV Asia 2025, Horti Agri Next Asia (HAN Asia), and Meat Pro Asia, bringing the seed sector’s pivotal role in sustainable agriculture to the forefront. Francine Sayoc, APSA’s Executive Director, highlighted the importance of seeds in driving innovation and resilience within the food system during the official press conference held on January 15, 2025.

​The Asia and Pacific Seed Association (APSA), the region’s premier seed trade association, is seeking a dynamic Communications Officer to join its Secretariat in Bangkok, Thailand. This full-time position offers a unique opportunity to shape the narrative of sustainable agriculture in the Asia-Pacific region by enhancing APSA’s digital presence and promoting its key programs and events.

In Brief

• Record-Breaking Attendance: More than 1,800 delegates from over 50 countries and territories joined the 2024 Asian Seed Congress in Sanya, China.
• Leadership Transition: Koh Teck Wah assumed the presidency of APSA, with Takahiro Ando elected as Vice President and Dr. Chua Kim Aek appointed as Treasurer.
• Mumbai and Antalya Announcements: The 2025 Congress was officially confirmed for Mumbai, India, while Antalya, Turkey, was announced as the host for 2026.
• 30 Years Milestone: APSA celebrated its 30th anniversary with the launch of its new Strategy 2025–2027 and the unveiling of the slogan, "Seed Comes First."
• Engaging Technical Themes: Discussions spanned innovation, sustainability, and international seed trade under three core themes, with vibrant networking events rounding out the week.

At the recent conference of the New Zealand Grain & Seed Trade Association (NZGSTA), aptly titled “Seeds of Tomorrow”, members of the association voted in favour of a change to the current registered name and logo for the association.

Bangkok, Thailand — As new breeding technologies evolve rapidly to meet growing global challenges, the Asia-Pacific seed industry welcomes science-based regulatory approaches by regional policymakers to secure the future of food production. Thailand's newly implemented gene editing regulations have been hailed as a crucial step toward driving innovation in crop development, addressing urgent issues like climate change and food security.

The Asia and Pacific Seed Alliance (APSA) and the International Seed Federation (ISF) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during the centennial ISF World Seed held in Rotterdam.

It is with great sorrow to announce that APSA’s ‘Founding Father’, Mogens Lemonius has passed away

He left this realm on June 30, which was his 85th birthday.

A pioneer and visionary in the field of agriculture, Mogens was born in 1939 as the eldest of three children to a Danish farming family.

Officers from 15 National Plant Protection Organizations (NPPOs) are gathered in the Philippines’ capital this week to collaborate in harmonization and implementation of measures to ensure smooth seed trade regionally and globally.

IN BRIEF:

• APSA’s big return to China: Celebrating 30 years, APSA and CNSTA welcome 1,500+ delegates to the 29th Asian Seed Congress in Sanya, Hainan.
• Seed powerhouse: The Asia-Pacific region leads the global seed market, accounting for 40% of seed volume, with field crops and vegetable seeds leading the way
• Cutting-edge plant breeding: Advances in gene-editing and new breeding techniques drive APAC’s push for resilient crops and food security.
• Evolving biotech rules: China, Japan, India, Philippines, Thailand and others adopt flexible regulations to fast-track next-gen seeds for market.
• APSA’s future roadmap: New strategy focuses on policy, member support, and operational excellence to empower the industry as APSA aims to boost regional impact
•  

Bangkok, Thailand — As new breeding technologies evolve rapidly to meet growing global challenges, the Asia-Pacific seed industry welcomes science-based regulatory approaches by regional policymakers to secure the future of food production. Thailand's newly implemented gene editing regulations have been hailed as a crucial step toward driving innovation in crop development, addressing urgent issues like climate change and food security.

Representives of seven international seed industry and plant breeders ortganizations are praising a move by the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV) to adopt new Explanatory Notes (EXN) on Essentially Derived Varieties (EDVs).

Tainan and Bangkok: Some 208 participants,  representing 31 member seed companies of the 2021 APSA-World Vegetable Center Vegetable Breeding Consortium met online May 11-12 to discuss and diliberate on promising vegetable R&D progress.

Bangkok, Thailand: The Asia and Pacific Seed Alliance (APSA) has been granted a Foreign Private Organization (FPO) license to operate in Thailand.

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APSA gets new Office Bearer

Rahul Pagar and Sanjay Bisht appointed to APSA’s Working Group of Integrated Vegetable Seed Companies (WIC) a new Chair and Co-Chair 

The Asia and Pacific Seed Alliance (APSA) and the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)

In response to reports of mysterious, illegal and/or unsolicited packages of seeds mailed

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Welcome to the APSA July 2020 newsletter. We hope all of you are staying safe and well during this time.

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APSA is pleased to welcome as the newest member of the Secretariat, Muhammad Moazzam

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