Vegetables are an essential for all of us. But it’s easy to forget that the big, bright and beautiful produce that fills our shopping bags, all starts with a tiny seed. The key to growing veggies all year round in different climates comes back to genetics. It’s the kind of science that gives cauliflowers UV protection or even turns them orange or purple. To learn more, I’m interviewing someone who doesn’t just develop seeds to suit every climate in Australia, she’s even transplanted herself from Darwin to Melbourne to pursue her career in agronomy. Plant scientist Eliza Seymour joins me now to discuss:

• Eliza’s favourite vegetable or seed.
• She works in genetics and hybrid vegetables, providing examples of what that entails.
• The Australian climate is so varied, and Eliza explains how the breeding process works.
• The role of field trials before making these seeds available to farmers across the nation.
• How long it takes to develop a variety from concept to commercialization.
• The difference between genetic modification and hybridization.
• It all starts with tiny seeds, and the importance of getting it right to ensure supply all year round.
• As consumers, we learn how much work goes on behind the scenes with genetics to ensure our vegetables are consistent.
• On her fabulously named ‘Need for Seed’ account on TikTok, she shares interesting facts about the growing process.
• Eliza studied an intriguing combination of plant science and accounting, both of which have been useful.
• What she loves most about working in the agriculture industry.
• The most unexpected thing to happen since she started in this field.
• Common misconceptions about the world of seeds.
• Eliza’s ultimate dream for the future.

We hope to see you back on the road soon, to learn more about how Australia grows on the next episode of Australian Farmers with Angie Asimus.

Links:

Angie Asimus

Connect with @angieasimus on Instagram

Partnered with Australian Farmers

Follow @australianfarmers on Instagram

Need for Seed on TicTok

Need for Seed on Instagram

Produced by Pretty Podcasts