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Michigan State University Unveils $35 Million Plant Research Greenhouse Complex

Seeds, Intellectual Property and Innovation: Brazil Faces a Soybean Trust Crisis

Brazil's cultivar protection law, deemed outdated by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAPA), needs revision to address the rising issue of soybean seed theft. At the ENSSOJA 2026 conference, experts highlighted the economic impact of illegal seed use and the necessity for better intellectual property protection to support agricultural innovation. Currently, 28% of soybean lands in Brazil use uncertified seeds, threatening the agricultural innovation ecosystem.

Biotechnologies: Brazil Approves New Transgenic Sugarcane with Dual Resistance

The CTNBio (National Technical Commission on Biosafety of Brazil) has approved a transgenic sugarcane developed by CTC (a Brazilian research company specializing in sugarcane), which incorporates resistance to borers and herbicides like glyphosate. This technological advancement, set for commercialization across 14 varieties by 2026/27, aims to enhance productivity and sustainability in the Brazilian sugar sector while reducing economic losses from infestations and weed management costs, estimated at 14 billion BRL annually.

Agri-biotech: Elicit Plant Strengthens Its International Offensive Against Water Stress

GMOs/NTGs: EPP MEPs Warn of Seed Patent Concentration Risks

As the vote on the deregulation of GMOs/NTGs (new genomic techniques) approaches, German MEPs from the EPP (European People's Party) are urging the European Commission to reconsider Directive 98/44. They emphasize the importance of ensuring free access to genetic resources to prevent control by major seed companies, a stance that could influence the EPP's vote on the future NTG regulation.

Seeds: Canada Reforms Breeder Rights to Boost Innovation

The update of the Plant Breeders' Rights Regulations by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) aims to enhance innovation and competitiveness in Canada's agricultural, horticultural, and ornamental sectors. Changes include limiting farmers' rights to save seeds for certain crops, ensuring fair compensation for breeders, and extending breeder rights duration for certain plants to 25 years.

United States: Novin AgriTech Secures Funding to Develop Nitrogen Use Efficiency Trait in Wheat

Novin AgriTech has secured $174,906 in funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for an eight-month project aimed at developing a nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) trait in wheat cultivars. Utilizing its InPACT platform, which enables direct genetic manipulation without tissue culture, the company aims to validate this trait and extend the technology to other cereal crops.

European Hackathon "Youth for Bioeconomy": 4 Student Projects on Circular Economy and Biosolutions

The Youth for Bioeconomy Hackathon, organized by AgroParisTech, brought together students and companies to develop innovative solutions to environmental challenges. Four projects were awarded, highlighting the importance of bioeconomy in agriculture, water, and biodiversity sectors, including TerraLoop for circular bioconversion and BioKube for water sanitation using biochar.

Dispute in Alternative Proteins: Patent Tensions Between Every and Onego Bio

Amid rising tensions in the alternative protein sector, Every accuses Onego Bio of abusive litigation and false claims regarding the bio-identity of its products. Onego Bio contests Every's statements, asserting that independent analyses show Every's products are not identical to natural egg proteins. This conflict, centered on ovalbumin production via fermentation, could impact investments and innovation in the plant protein industry.

Brazil: Biological Solutions Could Account for 50% of Brazilian Crop Protection Market by 2050

At BioSummit 2026, Wagner Bettiol from Embrapa announced that biological protection technologies could represent half of the Brazilian market by 2050. The rapid adoption of these solutions, driven by the growing demand for residue-free food and regulatory challenges, could transform the agricultural landscape. In 2025, the use of biological products increased by 12%, while the chemical pesticide market continues to grow slowly.