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Seed industry welcomes USDA support for germplasm system
The president and CEO of the American Seed Trade Association says USDA’s latest investment in the National Plant Germplasm System is a major step forward for agricultural innovation.
Andy LaVigne tells Brownfield the collection provides researchers and plant breeders access to genetic resources that help drive future crop improvements.
“It really is the base of all the research and breeding we do,” he said. “To further bolster it through this kind of influx of funds and resources is phenomenal.”
On Tuesday, October 6th, Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins announced the agency is investing $180 million into the NPGS, a move she said will help ensure the United States remains a world leader in seed, genetics, and germplasm preservation and research. She made the announcement during a visit to a farm in Prairie City, Iowa, which Brownfield attended.
LaVigne says the gene banks house and maintain some of the most valuable plant genetic resources available anywhere in the world.
“It’s what we can breed from and to in the future as we look to create diversity in our populations,” he said, “and also address issues of pest and disease, changing climate, and all of those things farmers face on a daily basis.”
He says a secure and accessible supply of publicly available plant material drives more affordable innovation and expands the range of choices to farmers.
Andy LaVigne:
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