In the heart of the agricultural world, a quiet revolution is underway. Dr. Jovan Djordjevic, Director of the UC Davis Plant Breeding Academy, is spearheading an initiative that bridges the gap between academia and industry, training plant breeders to tackle the challenges of modern agriculture. With a passionate belief in practical education, Dr. Djordjevic and his team have crafted a program that’s transforming the field, one graduate at a time.
Addressing a Global Shortage
Dr. Djordjevic’s journey with the Academy began when he was still part of the seed industry. “There was a study, a Delphi study, done back in the early 2000s that highlighted a global shortage of plant breeders coming out of universities,” he recalls. The problem wasn’t just the number of graduates—it was the lack of commercial-ready plant breeders capable of making an immediate impact.
In response, the UC Davis Plant Breeding Academy was born.
“The program is tailored to professionals in the industry,” says Dr. Djordjevic. “It’s designed to be intensely focused on plant breeding, addressing both academic and practical needs.”
The results speak for themselves: over 436 graduates from Europe and the U.S. have gone on to lead breeding programs and drive innovation in their organizations.
Why Invest in the Academy?
For companies in the seed and agriculture industries, sending employees to the Academy is more than just an educational opportunity; it’s a strategic investment. Dr. Djordjevic explains, “You get an instant return. You’re developing your people, motivating them, and retaining them. The curriculum is practical, covering everything from traditional breeding methods to cutting-edge molecular tools, biodiversity management, and program efficiency.”
The program’s hands-on approach ensures that students don’t just learn — they apply. Dr. Djordjevic emphasizes the importance of actionable knowledge.
“We recommend students create a list of action points during the course. Choose the top five and start implementing them the day you return to work.”
Photo: Euroseeds
Learning by Doing
The curriculum spans two intensive years, with six sessions held in Europe. Topics include statistical modeling for decision-making, breeding program design, and managing genetic diversity — all tailored to meet the demands of the industry. Students balance a full-time job with assignments and a final project, which integrates their learning into real-world applications.
“It’s not as demanding as a PhD thesis,” Dr. Djordjevic notes, “but it’s practical and directly relevant to solving their workplace challenges.”
Past participants consistently praise the program’s immediate impact. One former student shared how lessons learned during the Academy could be applied within a week of returning to work. This focus on practicality and real-world application is what sets the Academy apart.
Looking Ahead
The next class of the European Plant Breeding Academy is set to begin in March 2025 in Enkhuizen, The Netherlands. With only a few slots remaining out of 20, the demand reflects the program’s stellar reputation.
“If you’re considering enrolling your employees, don’t wait,” advises Dr. Djordjevic.
The registration deadline is Feb. 1, 2025, and interested parties can learn more at pba.ucdavis.edu.
Cultivating a Sustainable Future
As the agricultural sector faces growing challenges, from climate change to food security, the need for skilled plant breeders has never been greater. The UC Davis Plant Breeding Academy isn’t just an educational program; it’s a beacon of innovation, empowering professionals to lead the charge in sustainable agriculture. With leaders like Dr. Djordjevic at the helm, the future of plant breeding looks bright, practical, and data driven.
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