By Farms.com
This July, the National Association of Plant Breeders (NAPB) will host its annual meeting in St. Louis, Missouri, presenting a unique opportunity for advancements in plant breeding. The event, organized in conjunction with Bayer and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, promises an agenda rich in innovation and collaboration.
The 2024 meeting is centered around three core themes - rethinking, reinventing, and revolutionizing plant breeding. These themes are designed to build upon the association’s historical successes while pushing the boundaries of traditional approaches. According to J.D. Rossouw, the incoming president of NAPB and head of vegetables research at Bayer Crop Science, the focus is set on integrating the next generation of plant breeders with current leaders through educational and networking opportunities.
A critical aspect of this year’s agenda is the engagement with local startups. These interactions aim to provide real-world insights into the commercialization of agricultural innovations, offering valuable lessons for attendees. The inclusion of field trips and thematic discussions will enhance the learning experience, blending theoretical knowledge with practical applications.
The NAPB meeting is not just about scientific discussions but also about fostering a sense of community among participants. Networking events planned throughout the conference will allow attendees to connect with peers and industry experts, facilitating collaborations that could last decades.
Hosted at the iconic St. Louis Union Station Hotel, the conference venue itself is a piece of history, providing a memorable setting for this significant gathering. With its comprehensive program and strategic partnerships, the NAPB meeting is poised to make a lasting impact on the future of plant breeding, both in the U.S. and globally.