Chairman of the Asia-Pacific Seed Association: China is an important force in the transformation of the global seed industry

China News Service, Beijing, September 4 (Reporter Chen Hang) Teck Wah Koh, Chairman of the Asia-Pacific Seed Association (APSA), said at the opening ceremony of the 33rd China Beijing Seed Industry Conference on the 4th that the global seed industry faces challenges such as climate pressure, emerging pests and diseases, and changing market environments. Scientific and technological progress has opened up new possibilities for cultivating, producing and supplying better-quality seeds. China is an important force in this changing pattern.

Xu Dehua said that China continues to invest in seed science, breeding technology and digital agriculture, and scientific researchers and seed companies are collaborating more closely with foreign counterparts. Beijing has become an important center for seed research, technology development and industrial exchanges, and high-quality local varieties continue to emerge.

Xu Dehua said that artificial intelligence, digital technology and new breeding tools are changing the seed industry and can help leaders make better decisions, accelerate research processes, and respond to complex changes more effectively. While technology alone cannot determine the future, the true measure of progress will be whether the world can translate these advances into better seeds, more resilient agricultural systems, and tangible benefits for farmers.

Xu Dehua said that with the rapid development of new technologies, the challenges faced by the global seed industry cannot be solved by one company, one institution or one country alone. Countries need to strengthen technical exchanges, formulate corresponding regulations, and create an environment conducive to innovation from research to application. Responsible germplasm resource exchange and effective intellectual property protection are crucial to maintaining breeding investments and promoting the development of excellent new varieties.

Xu Dehua said that everything begins with seeds. The work of breeders and researchers, the livelihoods of farmers, the resilience of food systems, and ultimately the food on our tables, all depend on seeds. It is the collective responsibility of all countries to ensure that the seeds cultivated today are ready to meet the challenges of tomorrow.

This two-day conference, with the theme of "AI empowers smart breeding and digital intelligence leads the future of the seed industry", highlights internationalization, intelligence, and marketization. It will hold an opening ceremony, a seed industry achievement exchange and experience release event, 8 parallel forums, and 10 variety display and observation special activities.