NEWS
August 11-14, 2017
University of California, Davis
The Student Organic Seed Symposium (SOSS) is an annual event organized by and for graduate students focused on organic seed systems (http://www.soseeds.org/events/). The symposium aims to facilitate collaborations among graduate students, plant breeding professionals, and organic farmers in the public, private, and non-profit sectors. The four day symposium typically includes scientific presentations, breeding plot evaluations, panel discussions, and tours of organic farms and businesses. Vitalis has been a sponsor of SOSS since its inception in 2012.
This year, SOSS participants toured the Enza research station in San Juan Bautista as well as the headquarters and seed warehouse in Salinas. The day included presentations on various aspects of Enza Zaden, including breeding, seed production and conditioning, and post-harvest research. Participants visited broccoli breeder Barry Farrara’s greenhouse, toured the new seed warehouse, heard from Vitalis NAFTA Business Manager Erica Renaud about the leading role of Vitalis in the organic seed industry, and learned about the myriad of job opportunities available through Enza Zaden. The students were inquisitive and engaged and we hope to welcome them as colleagues in the future!