The National Association for Plant Breeding (NAPB) is commencing its annual conference in St. Louis, MO this week and will honor Corteva's Tabare Abadie with the Private Sector Plant Breeding Impact Award. Tabare Abadie, a visionary in plant breeding, is a strong advocate for the transformative capabilities of artificial intelligence (AI). He unequivocally advises young professionals entering the field: "Embrace AI, learn how it can benefit you, and maintain control. While every technology comes with risks, blocking them is not the solution. We need to be proactive and optimistic. " Abadie's journey from Uruguay to global influence underscores the importance of embracing new technologies. This week, he will officially be recognized as the recipient of the National Association for Plant Breeding (NAPB) Private Sector Impact Award at the annual conference in St. Louis, MO. Despite initial reluctance, he has successfully integrated AI into his work, particularly for text generation. "Initially, I was concerned it would remove the personal touch, but I was pleasantly surprised by the quality. I now recommend it to others. AI can solve problems faster and interactively. It's a powerful tool, " he explains. Abadie's career exemplifies meticulous planning and visionary leadership. One of his notable achievements was the establishment of a global technology network during his tenure at Pioneer. "Our objective was to ensure equal access to technology for everyone, regardless of their location—be it China, Africa, South America, North America, or Europe. With dedication, we built that network, allowing everyone to benefit from the technologies we developed or acquired. " Another highlight of his career is the success of the Corteva Symposia Series. Despite initial suggestions to limit its scope, Abadie pursued a broader vision.

"We forged ahead, and now people from all over—Africa, Mexico, Argentina, Chile, India—are as connected as anyone else. The pandemic has accelerated this trend, but the groundwork was already laid. " Abadie's impact extends beyond his own work through his ability to influence others. "I recall a time at Pioneer when a region hesitated to adopt new technology. After understanding their resistance, I identified an individual with high potential who transformed the group's approach. They transitioned from skeptics to leading adopters, receiving recognition for their success. " The lasting impact of the Symposia Series is also evident. "During my visit to Makerere University in Uganda, I met young professors who had connected with me through the Symposia Series. These connections are invaluable. Recently, a leader in Argentina mentioned they were hiring someone who became interested in Corteva through the Symposia Series in Colombia. " When asked about the most disruptive change in plant breeding over the next 20 years, Abadie acknowledges the unpredictable nature of long-term forecasts. "Every five years, new disruptive factors emerge. However, artificial intelligence (AI) is a technology we discussed over a decade ago, and now it has taken center stage. The potential of AI to facilitate decision-making and accelerate progress is immense. It is transforming the roles of scientists and breeders. " Having experience in both the public and private sectors, Abadie sees significant potential for collaboration, particularly in the field of education. "There is so much happening outside academia that students can miss if they remain confined to campus. More experiential learning opportunities could better equip them for successful careers. The private sector, with its targeted and goal-oriented approach, moves swiftly. "