The innovation is in the seed – PSB 100 years of History

A good harvest depends on several different factors. Of course, the climatic and weather conditions are crucial to success. Yet, also the quality of the seeds plays an important role.” Società Produttori Sementi Spa” from Argelato - Bologna is a worldwide renowned specialist in the development and breeding innovative lines of seeds for Wheat types and one of two experts at all for Durum wheat.

The company`s activities focus on the fields of “Soft Wheat” for bread, “Durum Wheat” for pasta and cous-cous, ”Alfalfa” for seed for animal fodder. -“We are a research institution, so to speak, a genetic pool breeding and producing very special germplasm of wheat in order to develop better, more diseases resistant, high quality performances and more productive varieties”- General Director Dr. Tiziano Disarò explains the core competence of PSB. -“The basic seeds of this new varieties are sold to the Seed Partners and so-called “elevators” which, after the multiplication, in turn sell the commercial seeds to farmers for “industrial chain” and “agricultural businesses”- Today, Barilla, the world`s biggest producer of dry pasta is an important partner of the company. On the authority of Barilla, PSB exclusively researches new quality performing lines in improved raw materials and also produces several varieties of wheat which have been especially developed for Barilla and its premium brand Voiello.
At present, PSB offers clients in over 60 countries across the globe full-service packages. “In around 30 countries, we already have commercial activities,” says the general director. “In the other 30 countries, we are in the registration process. If you are well-acquainted with genetic research, you know that there are extremely strict regulations. Often, it is very complicated to be allowed to grow in certain countries due the state protection of their own breeding . Usually, you only get the permission for test fields for two to three years and If everything goes well, you might be allowed to cultivate on a larger scale.”
PSB develops different varieties for different countries and regions, for different soils and climatic environments. It is this customization know-how that distinguish the company from competitors. Currently, PSB offers around 20 different varieties. PSB is involved in structural cooperation with many national and international research Institutes, mainly related to the areas of applied genomics and genetics, plant pathology and physiology. In order to convoy to research adequate scientific and financial resources it is important to participate to European and other international projects. PSB plays a key role in connecting academic institution and industry. It promotes integration between different skills, obtaining technological innovation from scientific knowledge.
“Normally, the development of a new variety takes up to ten years,” says Mr. Disarò. “Yet, using state-of-the-art technologies , you are now able to reduce this time to around five years. In order to be at the forefront of technology we closely collaborate with different universities in Italy, such as the University of Bologna, Udine and Viterbo as well abroad as Montana State University in the USA and Cimmyt in Mexico.”
The company was founded by agricultural professor of Bologna University, Francesco Todaro in 1911. He developed the know-how to increase the wheat production and at the same time to improve the quality of the grain. Yet, the company was owned by Cassa di Risparmio di Bologna, which in turn belonged to the regional farmers and agricultural business men. Against the background of a new law in 1999, which forbid Italian banks to own shares of companies which were not directly involved in the financial sector, the company was sold to a foundation of “Cassa di Risparmio in Bologna”. As a result, the association now is a non-profit organization and re-invest its profits into research and expansion.
The general director, Mr. Disarò, has all rights to be optimistic about the future. In the last years, the company has been able to realize continuous growth rates.
Against the background of the growing world population and the insecure climatic conditions, the demand for resistant top quality wheat varieties will for sure continue to grow within the coming years.

published on: International Trade News - Journal of Economics - january 2012