As the world faces the challenges of food security and climate change, innovation in agriculture has never been more crucial. New Breeding Techniques (NBTs) are emerging as powerful tools that enable precise and efficient genetic improvements in crops, offering new possibilities for enhancing productivity, strengthening resilience to environmental stresses, and reducing the sector’s ecological footprint.
CIHEAM Zaragoza and the University of Lleida (UdL) organise a webinar on 26 March 2025, from 3.00 to 4.30 pm CET to explore the transformative potential of New Breeding Techniques (NBTs) and their role in shaping a more sustainable and climate-resilient agricultural future.
New Breeding Techniques are a set of advanced genetic tools that allow for precise and efficient crop improvements. Unlike traditional breeding methods, NBTs offer targeted genetic modifications that enhance resistance to pests and diseases, improve crop yield and quality, and reduce the environmental impact of agricultural production. By integrating these innovations, farmers and researchers can contribute to a more climate-resilient and sustainable food system.
Meet the Experts
A panel of leading scientists and experts will share their insights on how these cutting-edge breeding technologies can help address global food security challenges and drive the future of sustainable farming. The panel includes Elena Caro from the Centre for Plant Biotechnology and Genomics (CBGP), Polytechnical University of Madrid, who specialises in the study of the role of epigenetics, and more specifically of small RNAs and DNA methylation, in the response to abiotic stresses, José Miguel Soriano from the University of Lleida (UdL), with extensive expertise in molecular biology and plant genetics, Diego Orzáez from the Institute for Plant Molecular and Cell Biology (IBMCP-CSIC), a leading researcher in synthetic biology and genome engineering, and Erica Fadón from the Centre for Agri-Food Research and Technology of Aragón (CITA – Government of Aragón), who has wide experience in plant breeding and biotechnology. The discussion will be moderated by Ramzi Belkhodja, administrator of the training area ‘Plant Production, Health and Breeding’ at CIHEAM Zaragoza, and coordinator of the MSc programme in Plant Genetics, Genomics and Breeding.
Advancing education in agriculture
As a leading international educational centre that promotes research and cooperation to address the main challenges facing agriculture in the Mediterranean, CIHEAM Zaragoza organises high-level training programmes and knowledge-sharing events that connect students, scientists, policymakers, and industry professionals. The University of Lleida (UdL) is one of Spain’s premier institutions for agricultural research and education. With a strong focus on innovation in plant breeding, UdL collaborates with national and international partners to develop cutting-edge solutions for modern agriculture.
This webinar is a must-attend event for students, recent graduates, agronomists, and anyone interested in the future of sustainable agriculture. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with leading experts, ask questions, and gain valuable insights into how NBTs can transform food production systems worldwide.
Don’t miss out! Register now for this webinar on new breeding techniques, and be part of the conversation.