News
From the world of KWS
Overview
Tree planting campaign
Positive energy
A hundred of our colleagues planted a wood fuel hedge on our Wiebrechtshausen monastery estate in December 2022. It consists of 300 oaks and hornbeams and is basically a traditional coppice-with-standards in the form of a hedge almost 200 meters in length. The campaign’s objective: It has been scientifically proven that rows of tree hedges have positive effects for agricultural cultivation and, for example, protect against erosion in the face of increasingly heavy rainfalls. Moreover, the hornbeams can always be cut back to the ground, supplying fuel for the estate’s own wood chip heating system. |
Platinum member
KWS has been awarded the platinum certificate of honor in token of its 75 years as a member of the German Agricultural Society (DLG). KWS’ membership enables it to benefit from the DLG’s international networking and many exhibitions and events that promote dialog on breeding and agriculture. DLG President Hubertus Paetow (center) presented the certificate to Bas Blijdorp (Regional Manager Sugarbeet for Germany and Austria) and Dirk Gerstenkorn (Head of Sales Corn/Oilseed Rape/Sorghum, right) at the DLG Winter Conference. |
of all respondents in the Agri EXPERTS Agricultural Index in Germany know KWS. That makes KWS one of the best-known breeding companies in the field of agrochemicals/seed. KWS came first in terms of brand assessment, i.e. in terms of customers’ attitude toward the brand and brand entrenchment, scoring 10.21 out of a possible 12.5 points. Only one other company broke the 10-point mark. The Agri EXPERTS Agricultural Index uses an online survey of more than 650 farmers to rank 55 established companies from the agricultural sector. |
Olivier Cottet new on board the R&D Leadership Team
Olivier Cottet started at KWS as Head of Global Product Development Corn, Sunflower, Oilseed Rape and Sorghum on October 1, 2022. The 57-year-old lives with his family near Toulouse and brings with him a lot of experience in plant breeding: He holds a master’s degree in genetics, breeding and plant physiology and began his career in 1993 as an oilseed rape breeder at Eridania. He was later in charge of the global sunflower breeding program at Syngenta before taking over as Head of Global Seeds Development Operations, Research and Development there in 2019. Here he was responsible for the global breeding infrastructure, trait introgression and the DH programs.
Olivier Cottet has already settled in well at KWS. “The first few months were very intensive. But that also gave me the opportunity to familiarize myself quickly with my new tasks. I’m pleased that I’ve already been able to get to know so many of my colleagues – the expertise and commitment at KWS are truly impressive!”
Connected Seeds: From an idea to a digital solution
We use the term Connected Seeds Pipeline to denote the development process that turns a mere idea into a final and integrated digital tool for farmers using the company’s own data and modeling capacities. This joint cross-departmental project covers the Business Units, Research and Development, Breeding, Global Marketing and Communications and many others besides. One of the first projects is the CONVISO® SMART Spray Timer. It is based on an idea that came directly from the market (you can read more on the subject in one of the next issues of insideKWS). Many other projects are being developed. More information on the pipeline process can be found on the intranet. |
The highest standard
KWS has tested its own seed in Wohlde since 2008 – at one of only two private laboratories in Germany to be officially certified for that. Now the location has also received accreditation from the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA). This organization’s criteria are regarded as the highest standard for seed testing worldwide. “We’re delighted to be the only private laboratory awarded this accreditation,” says Antje Witte, Head of Seed Testing at KWS. The authorization applies to cereals and legumes. In addition to being a mark of product quality, ISTA accreditation also attests to the fact that samples can be processed quickly. |
© KWS SAAT SE & Co. KGaA 2025
