Periodically, Verdant professionals are asked to make presentations or write news articles on topics of special interest to the seed, crop agribusiness, and agricultural inputs industries. Our perspective and expertise in these markets often leads to additional requests for such opinions, and these Strategic Insights are included here for general reference purposes.

Interview with Mr. Eduard Fitó

By: Alan Williams

October 13, 2011

Mr. Eduard Fitó, Director Operations & Development, Semillas Fitó, is interviewed by Alan Williams, Director of Verdant Partners Europe. Topics discussed include:

an overview of the fifth-generation family owned seed company,

the evolution of the business through its 130 year existence,

changes during the last ten years as a result of technological advancements,

challenges faced by management while growing the business, and

achieving continuity between generations.

Interview with Mr. André Goig

By: Alan Williams

August 24, 2010

Mr. André Goig, Global Head of Vegetable Seeds for Syngenta, is interviewed by Alan Williams, Director of Verdant Partners Europe, regarding the recent growthh in Syngenta's vegetable seed business, which vegetable species has been critical to its growth, consolidation in the vegetable seed industry, acceptance of transgenic vegetables, acceptance of non-transgenic advancements in vegetable, retailer's influence on fresh produce genetics, and genetics provider's participation in the value chain at the retail level.

Archived Insights

Developing the Seed Industry in Central and Eastern Europe — By: Lajos Zubek and Alan Williams - April 12, 2010

The Grass Seed Industry – A Race to the Bottom — By: Gary Whiteaker, Ph.D. - September 11, 2009

Trends in the European Seed Industry — By: Alan Williams - August 7, 2009

Have I Got A New Trait For You! — By: Alan R. Gould, Ph.D. - August 5, 2009

Crop Genetics and the Ethanol Industry of Tomorrow — By: Thomas F. (“Bud”) Hughes - July 10, 2009

Farm Level Credit Availability — By: Garrett L. Stoerger - May 5, 2009

How to Survive in the Current Economy — By: Gary G. Wackerlin - April 30, 2009

A Time of Challenge — By: Dean V. Cavey - February 1, 2009

Revision date: 12/05/11

Interview with Mr. Arjen J. van Tunen

By: Alan Williams

October 15, 2010

Mr. Arjen J. van Tunen, CEO of KeyGene NV, is interviewed by Alan Williams, Director of Verdant Partners Europe, regarding:

an overview of KeyGene's business and the markets in which it is active,

the technology platform for trait research and development,

the importance of intellectual property to KeyGene and other ag-biotech companies, the "Green Gene Revolution",

the utilization of KeyGene's technology in field crops, and

the use of new technology to improve traits in the future.

Interview with Dr. Christoph Amberger

By: Alan Williams

June 29, 2010

Dr. Christoph Amberger, President of the European Seed Association, is interviewed by Alan Williams, Director of Verdant Partners Europe, regarding future priorities for the European seed industry, including GMO acceptance in Europe, royalties collected on farm-saved seed, and policies to be pursued by the ESA through 2012.