Leading breeders, crop scientists, policy movers, and industry players recently gathered at the International Conference for Crop Science and Breeding 2024, which was hosted by the Crop Science Society of the Philippines (CSSP) and the Society for the Advancement of Breeding Research in Asia and Oceana (SABRAO). The conference was co-organized by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) and the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA).
Held at the Crimson Hotel in Alabang, Muntinlupa City, the conference, themed, “Emerging Paradigms in Crop Science and Breeding: Cultivating Sustainable Solutions and Partnerships for a Resilient Future,” highlighted cutting-edge research and strategic partnerships in crop science and breeding, aimed at shaping the future of agriculture.
CSSP President Ann Mylalulex A. Magnaye, along with SEARCA Director and SABRAO President Glenn B. Gregorio, officially opened the event. Meanwhile, Academician Eufemio Rasco Jr. of the National Academy of Science and Technology, Philippines (NAST PHL) and a renowned figure in Philippine plant breeding, delivered the keynote address, sharing lessons from his 53 years of outstanding work in the field.
“Our goal is to enhance life, forests, and communities. Let us continue to embrace diverse knowledge, focus on impactful research, and advocate the broader conservation and utilization of genetic resources,” Dr. Rasco said.
Dr. Eufemio T. Rasco, Jr. during his keynote speech (left) and the plenary session on sustainable partnerships in crop science and breeding (right). (Image credit: Crops Research Division [CRD], DOST-PCAARRD)
DOST-PCAARRD Executive Director Reynaldo V. Ebora served as one of the resource speakers in the plenary session focused on sustainable partnerships in crop science and breeding, along with distinguished speakers Dr. Manuel L. Logroño of Maize Life and Farming Sciences, Dr. Eureka Teresa M. Ocampo of the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), Ms. Francine Sayoc of Asia and Pacific Seed Association, and Dr. Ramakrishnan M. Nair of World Vegetable Center-South and Central Asia. The session highlighted perspectives and collaborations among the government, private sector, academia, and international research organizations.
Throughout the conference, experts presented various research initiatives in crop production and management, crop physiology and biochemistry, postharvest handling, processing and utilization, health and nutrition, technology transfer and promotion, and socio-economics through seminars, technical presentations, and poster sessions.
Attendees from DOST-PCAARRD during the CSSP-SABRAO 2024 International Conference for Crop Science and Breeding with Mr. Fernando B. Aurigue (bottom row, leftmost) and Dr. Glenn B. Gregorio (bottom row, righmost). (Image credit: CRD, DOST-PCAARRD)
Outstanding achievements in crop science were also recognized, including UPLB’s DOST-PCAARRD-funded technology “BanaTech” that won the 2024 CSSP Achievement Award in Technology Development.
Incoming CSSP President and DOST-PCAARRD Crops Research Division (CRD) Director Leilani D. Pelegrina concluded the event with a call for continued advancements in crop science and breeding. The conference also featured the oath-taking of new members, newly elected officers, and board members of CSSP and SABRAO.
Staff members from DOST-PCAARRD’s CRD, Agricultural Resources Management Research Division (ARMRD), and Office of the Executive Director-Administration, Resource Management and Support Services (OED-ARMSS) attended the event.