GermiNation

In this episode of GermiNation, we take you inside the 2025 World Food Prize Borlaug Dialogue — where innovation, legacy, and global collaboration take center stage. I sit down with three inspiring voices in agriculture: Dr. Manjit Misra, former Director of the ISU Seed Science Center and USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture; Julie Borlaug, President of the Borlaug Foundation, granddaughter of Nobel Laureate Dr. Norman Borlaug and passionate proponent of initiatives to end hunger; and

Dr. Vivian Bernau is a plant scientist, educator, and seed advocate whose work bridges the worlds of academic research and hands-on ecological stewardship. From prairie restoration to empowering communities through seed knowledge, she brings a unique perspective to how we grow, preserve, and connect with plants. Whether you’re a gardener, a grower, or just curious about what lies beneath the surface, you’ll love this conversation. So let’s dig in with Dr. Vivian Bernau!

In this episode of GermiNation, We explore the seeds that connect us -  we’re taking you to the Seed Savers Exchange annual conference and 50th anniversary celebration for conversations with leaders working to preserve and protect seed diversity:We talk to Bonnetta Adeeb – Founding member of Ujamaa Cooperative Farming Alliance and Ujamaa Seeds, on the importance of African Indigenous seeds. www.ujammaseeds.com Followed by Nicolas Enjalbert – CEO of SeedLinked, discussing groundbreaking

Today, we’re joined by Dr. Scott Heuchelin, the new director of Iowa State University’s Seed Science Center. An ISU alum with over 20 years of experience in seed health and global regulatory policy, Dr. Heuchelin returns to campus after leading international phytosanitary efforts at Corteva Agriscience. Now, he’s guiding the Center into its next chapter of innovation and global agricultural impact.Music courtesy of Let’s Roll Snowball. Find them on YouTube.