“With the increase in the number of large scale growers, the choice of seed becomes more sensitive. Over a lot of acres seed can be a significant cost. Large scale growers have hit the point where it goes two ways. As growers increase acreage they can divide into two separate types of customers. One: they have their own expertise, application services and other added value and just buy on price. Or the other: they need extra support and services, and want added value from retailers. They need to be sold completely differently. retailers need strategies to identify which category a customer falls into and to market to their needs.”

– Jim Blome of Agricapital

Recession Takes Toll on Fruit and Veggies

reported fruit consumption has dropped ¹² from last year and vegetable consumption is down 6%, according to an annual survey of moms conducted by the Produce for Be^tte^r

Health Foundation. The survey points to the nation’s current economic recession for the decrease – as families cut bac^{k on} purchases they are also cutting back on fruits and veggies.

Only the Best

“cross the best with the best and hope for the best!” This is the breeder’s mantra according to canadⁱan wheat breeder rob Graf. There is always some art in the science of plant breeding, he adds. The hope is to find a line showing transgressive segregation so that the progeny outstrip the performance seen in the parental lines and it is a “eureka” moment!