Plant breeders are essential for ensuring the success of crops in the long term. However, recent research conducted across three continents has highlighted a shortage of skilled plant breeders that could have serious implications for global food security. The study, conducted by Australia’s CSIRO, Lincoln University in New Zealand, and McGill University in Canada, emphasizes the importance of addressing this skills gap to maintain the production of food, feed, fuel, and fiber on a global scale.
Lead author Dr. Lucy Egan from CSIRO warns that the shortage of highly skilled plant breeding specialists, coupled with the retirement of a generation of experts, could have dire consequences for agricultural production worldwide. As university graduates are increasingly focusing on other areas of plant science such as molecular biology, there is a growing gap in the field of plant breeding that needs to be urgently addressed.
Dr. Rainer Hofmann from Lincoln University echoes these concerns, emphasizing the critical role that agriculture plays in the economy and the need to develop strategies to combat the skills shortage. The report also emphasizes the importance of a coordinated approach between the public and private sectors to address this issue effectively.
One key recommendation from the research is the establishment of dedicated training facilities in different countries to support graduate programs in plant breeding. Additionally, increased private sector involvement is crucial to keeping pace with advancements in the sector. The report emphasizes that funding and research in plant breeding education should be prioritized to ensure the long-term success of agricultural industries.
The paper, titled “Cultivating Success: Bridging the Gaps in Plant Breeding Training in Australia, Canada, and New Zealand,” underscores the urgent need to address the shortage of skilled plant breeders to safeguard global food security. By taking proactive measures and investing in training and research in plant breeding, countries can mitigate the potential risks associated with the skills gap in this critical field.
