FAO-IAEA Project Sends Crop Seeds to Space to Develop Climate-Resilient Varieties

Apr 18, 2023

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have collaborated on a project that involves sending crop seeds to space to

develop climate-resilient varieties. The project aims to address the challenges posed by climate change to global food security.

The seeds, which include varieties of wheat, rice, and maize, were sent to the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Joint Experimental Project (JEP) in 2021. The seeds were exposed to cosmic radiation and microgravity, which may induce mutations that could lead to the development of new, climate-resilient traits.

Upon their return to Earth, the seeds will be planted and evaluated to determine if any of the mutations that occurred during their time in space resulted in useful changes. If successful, these seeds could lead to the development of new crop varieties that are better adapted to the challenges of a changing climate.

The FAO-IAEA project is an innovative approach to developing climate-resilient crop varieties. By harnessing the unique conditions of space to induce mutations, the project aims to accelerate the development of new crop varieties that can help feed a warming world.

The FAO-IAEA project highlights the importance of innovative approaches to addressing the challenges posed by climate change to global food security. By exploring new ways to develop crop varieties, we can ensure that we have the tools we need to feed a growing population in a changing climate.

Video: Fendt Testimonial | Fendt 726 Vario Gen7 | Peter Watson Jones Ltd.

What happens when a farm buys its first Fendt? For Peter Watson Jones Ltd, the Fendt 726 Vario Gen7 has exceeded expectations from day one. For Jack, Farm Manager at Peter Watson Jones Ltd in North Shropshire, UK, the Fendt 726 Vario Gen7 wasn't just another tractor purchase. It was the farm's first experience with the Fendt brand.

Operating across a 1,200-acre arable farm alongside a 250,000-head broiler enterprise, the business has evolved significantly over the last decade, moving to a straight arable system with fewer staff and machines. Since arriving on the farm, the Fendt 726 Vario has established itself as the main drilling and cultivations tractor, earning its place through performance, versatility and efficiency. Whether it's handling large-scale cultivations or working with a new 4.5m strip-till drill, the tractor continues to impress.

Jack highlights its excellent manoeuvrability, operator comfort and ability to deliver strong pulling power at low engine speeds. The result? Outstanding fuel efficiency without compromising performance. Reliability has also been a key factor, with dependable backup from the team at TR Machinery helping to keep the tractor working when it matters most.

?? Watch as Jack shares why the Fendt 726 Vario Gen7, the farm's first Fendt, has made such a strong impression and become an integral part of their operation.