The Borlaug Blog

Seeds are wondrous.  They come in all sizes, shapes, color, luster and texture.  They grow in the sun, sleep in the night and even under Iowa snow, and they dream what they will become next spring. Quality seeds not only can feed the world, they can clothe the world, heal the world, and fuel the world for better living and learning.

As a seed scientist, I believe seeds are a miracle of nature and a product of science. Coiled within a tiny seed is the powerhouse of genetics with the urge of life waiting to express itself. There is a saying that the all the flowers of tomorrow are in the seeds of today. We may modify this saying to “All the foods of tomorrow are in seeds of today”, because seeds are not just the beginning but also the renewal of agriculture, of all life, of civilization.

In the words of famous writer and philosopher David Henry Thoreau,

“I have great faith in a seed. Convince me that you have a seed there, and I am prepared to expect wonders”.

Seeds were central to the green revolution and will be instrumental to every future green revolution. A tiny seed is not only a genetic powerhouse but of carrier of new technology for growing crops in drought, in flood, to provide renewable energy and to provide nutrition for mothers and children in their first 1000 days. There are so many possibilities.

But 80 percent of the farmers in the world do not have access to quality seed. We must bring to fruition the words of Dr. Norman Borlaug “Take it to the farmer,” and ensure access of quality seeds for all farmers, whether they are in eastern Iowa or in East Africa. This is why the Seed Science Center has worked diligently in many countries in the world in reforming seed policies and regulations, in developing effective seed and biosafety systems, reforming seed laws and facilitating seed industry development. We are also focused on developing the next generation of future seed industry leaders through seed technology and business education.

However, one university does not have the answer. Even one nation does not have the answer.  Inadequate supply of quality seed is a global problem. Therefore, the solution must also be global, without borders of discipline or geography. We must invest in science, in agriculture, and in the development of the seed industry. We must also dedicate ourselves to the spirit of collaboration, cooperation, and working together to help meet the needs of agricultural systems around the world.

In summary, to feed the future, we must first seed the future. We must ensure availability, access and affordability of quality seed for all farmers. Let us commit to this grand vision, so that when people 50 years from now will look back, they will say that we anticipated well, that we seeded the future and helped those who need our help most—the women, children and the smallholder farmers all around the world.