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MAS Seeds® Is Breaking Ground with its New Diversification R&D Department
Researchers are doing a deep dive into diversification and agroecology and taking customers along for the ride.
In the ever-evolving landscape of agriculture, companies that take sustainability seriously — the ones that treat sustainability as fundamental to their success and part of every aspect of their operation — are at the forefront of innovation.
With a rich history in maize and sunflower crops, MAS Seeds® recently made a significant leap by establishing a dedicated research and development department focused on diversification, agroecology and product development.
‘The diversification aspect of that title is crucial. MAS Seeds® is known for maize and sunflower, but we are now extending our focus to include crops like winter oilseed rape, soybean, lucerne, sorghum and mixed crops,’ says Colin Guillaume, Head of Diversification and Agroecology Product Development at MAS Seeds.
Guillaume also serves as Head of Corn Breeding at MAS Seeds®, making him responsible for selecting the best parent lines and hybrids of corn to move through the breeding programme and into farmers’ fields. He also pays attention to changing environmental conditions, such as drought and heat, and the crops’ response to them.
His experience has made him the perfect person to work on the agroecology team, whose members work on developing innovative solutions for sustainable farming. They are based in different research centres across Europe, and collaborate with farmers, agronomists and other experts to improve the environmental and social performance of agriculture.
Agroecology, the R&D department’s second pillar, signifies MAS Seeds®’ commitment to bringing ecologically sound solutions to the market. The goal is to integrate agroecology into the core of the team’s strategy.
Some of the projects they are working on in this area include:
- developing cover crop mixtures to enhance soil health, biodiversity and crop productivity.
- evaluating the impact of intercropping maize and sunflower with legumes on nitrogen fixation, weed control and yield stability.
- testing the potential of conservation agriculture practices, such as no-till, mulching and crop rotation, to reduce soil erosion, water use and greenhouse gas emissions.
‘Our objective is clear: to support the portfolio construction for these diversification crops, as they are going to play an even more important role in the farming of the future,’ says Guillaume.
Act Together For A Changing Agriculture
Product development
The department’s third pillar – product development – underlines its commitment to practical outcomes, including delivering varieties, mixtures and solutions that make a tangible difference on farms.
The structure of the new R&D team offers crucial insight into its goal. With members dedicated to specific aspects like agroecological solutions, product evaluation and collaborative projects, MAS Seeds® ensures a holistic approach to its research.
‘Our team’s collaborative governance structure, where we bring together members from various departments to tackle issues collectively, fosters innovation and enables informed decision-making,’ notes Marie Boncompain, Agroecological Solutions Designer at MAS Seeds®.
She is involved in several projects that aim to improve the environmental and social performance of agriculture, such as cover crops, intercropping and conservation agriculture.
Guiding their work
The team has identified four main areas to guide its work: soil fertility and carbon, protein and energy autonomy, climate resilience and water and biodiversity. These all reflect MAS Seeds®’ commitment to addressing the evolving challenges faced by farmers.
‘Our team’s forward-thinking perspective aims to help farming systems adapt to water scarcity, improve genetic tolerance and integrate biodiversity into landscapes,’ says Boncompain.
One of the team’s major efforts is on cover crops.
‘Why cover crops? They play a pivotal role in achieving multiple objectives, ranging from improving protein autonomy on livestock farms to enhancing soil fertility and structure, and even contributing to the development of the biofuels industry,’ adds Boncompain.
Cover crops can also help address crucial issues such as reducing the carbon footprint of farming.
The team is actively engaged in trials, collecting data on various species, and contributing to carbon-sequestration efforts. Its dedication to sustainable solutions aligns with the global movement towards regenerative agriculture, responding to the challenges posed by climate change.
The need for education
Of course, education is key to convincing farmers to diversify crop rotations, and is a key driver for the successful implementation and adoption of agroecological solutions. MAS Seeds® is not just focused on selling seeds; it wants to truly collaborate to get the job done.
Last spring, MAS Seeds® formalised a strategic partnership with Bordeaux Sciences Agro and Maïsadour revolving around three key areas: agroecology, digital advancements in agriculture and human resources. The scope of these projects will encompass the diverse crop productions within the group, including grain maize, waxy/waxy pro, sweet maize, sunflower, soybeans and vegetables.
‘We have a strong desire to engage in participative research, involving farmers directly in the innovation process. This shift toward collaborative innovation aims to ensure that solutions align with the practical needs of those working the land,’ says Guillaume.
MAS Seeds® is not only innovating in the field but also challenging the perception of what agriculture stands for and how it is done, he adds.
‘We envision a future where agriculture is not only about productivity, but also about fostering positive relationships between farmers and their communities.’
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What is Agroecology?
Agroecology is an interdisciplinary approach to agriculture that combines ecological principles with agricultural practices.
It seeks to optimise the interactions between plants, animals, humans and the environment to create sustainable and resilient farming systems.
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