MAS Seeds is breaking ground with its new R&D department

Date:01-12-2024

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 corn 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 corn and sunflower, but we are now extending our focus to include crops like winter oilseed rape, soybean, alfalfa, sorghum, and mixed crops,″ says Colin Guillaume, head of diversification and agroecology product development at MAS Seeds.

Guillaume serves also as head of corn breeding at MAS Seeds, responsible for selecting the best parent lines and hybrids of corn to move through the breeding program and into farmers’ fields. He also pays attention to the changing environmental conditions and the crop’s response to them, such as drought and heat tolerance.

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 centers 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 at the core of the team’s strategy.

Some of the projects they are working on in this vein 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. 

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 growers.  

″Our team's forward-looking perspective aims to adapt farming systems 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 livestock farm protein autonomy 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 the carbon footprint reduction 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. 

Catering to the Market 

 

MAS Seeds’ diversification efforts span multiple regions to cater to market needs, according to Thibault Leclerc, product manager at MAS Seeds. 

″We’re particularly focused on Italy as we have already a strong experience as we are the leader in mixtures market. We want to develop our activities in France through our partnership with the Maïsadour group; we work with their agronomist team to design the best solutions for farmers,″ he says. ″Our goal is to revolutionize the market by offering a range of crop mixtures, catering to various segments from vineyards to cereal production.″ 

MAS Seeds has begun a shift away from the conventional annual approach to a more sustainable perennial one.  

″This fundamental change is a signal to the rest of the industry that our industry must rethink how we do things in the farming world,″ says Leclerc. ″Shifting from a single-crop focus to embracing proper rotations, our team is keen on evaluating the multi-criteria performance of rotations, including their multiple and integrated economic, technical, and environmental aspects.″ 

Need to Educate 

Of course, education is key to convincing growers to diversify rotations and is a key driver for 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.  

MAS Seeds formalized a strategic partnership last spring with Bordeaux Sciences Agro and Maïsadour revolving around three key areas: agro-ecology, 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, soy, 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.″ 

What is Agroecology? 

Agroecology is an interdisciplinary approach to agriculture that combines ecological principles with agricultural practices. It seeks to optimize the interactions between plants, animals, humans, and the environment to create sustainable and resilient farming systems.  

Agroecology emphasizes a holistic understanding of agricultural systems, viewing them as dynamic ecosystems rather than isolated components. 

The importance of agroecology to the seed industry lies in several key aspects: 

• Sustainability: Agroecological practices promote sustainable agriculture by reducing the reliance on synthetic inputs, minimizing environmental degradation, and fostering long-term soil fertility. This aligns with growing global concerns about the environmental impact of agriculture and the need for more sustainable food production. 

  
  

• Diversification: Agroecology often involves diversifying crops and planting systems, which can create a demand for a wider variety of seeds. Seed companies that adapt to support diverse crops and farming practices stand to benefit from the increased demand for a broader range of seeds. 

  
  

• Resilience: Agroecological systems are designed to be more resilient in the face of environmental challenges such as climate change, pests, and diseases. Seed varieties adapted to agroecological principles may be more resilient and better suited to changing environmental conditions. 

  
  

• Consumer Demand: As consumers become more environmentally conscious and aware of the impact of their food choices, there is a growing demand for sustainably produced and ecologically friendly products. The seed industry can respond to this demand by developing and providing seeds that align with agroecological practices. 

  
  

• Regulatory Landscape: Agriculture is subject to evolving regulatory frameworks that increasingly emphasize sustainability and environmental stewardship. Seed companies that embrace agroecological principles may find themselves better positioned to navigate and comply with changing regulations.