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Meet the
SUPER-SEEDERS

MILES HILLMANN

The Super-Seeders are the scientists, gene bank curators and managers, treaty negotiators and crop breeders – indeed all those involved with creating the seven pillars on which the plant genetics revolution is based and in breeding crops that can withstand the challenges of a changing world and provide food security.

This book is their story told in their voices. This is the story of the Super-Seeders.

Discover

The People Powering a Quiet Revolution

Some are global leaders in their field. Others are smallholder farmers in remote regions, trialling new varieties in the harshest conditions. What unites them is a shared mission: to protect and adapt our crops in the face of climate change, disease, and food insecurity. This page introduces just a few of the voices and stories featured in The Super-Seeders — each one helping to bring the Seven Pillars to life.

Nikolay
Vavilov​

black and white photo of a man
Visionary Scientist​

In the 1930s, Vavilov and his team collected tens of thousands of crop varieties from around the world — many of which are still used in breeding today. During the Siege of Leningrad, his scientists chose to starve rather than eat the seeds in their vault. Vavilov’s legacy is the moral and scientific foundation of every gene bank today.

Dr. Simon
Griffiths

Group Leader, Delivering Sustainable Wheat (DSW) Programme
- John Innes Centre, UK

A wheat geneticist at the John Innes Centre, Simon’s work focuses on unravelling the complexity of plant immunity and yield traits. His lab links old wheat varieties with cutting-edge genomics to breed stronger, more resilient crops — all without losing the traits that farmers depend on.

Dr. Jean Claude
Rubyogo

The Global Bean Program Leader and Director of the Pan-Africa Bean Research Alliance (PABRA).

From personal tragedy to Pan-African transformation, JC’s market-led approach to seeds and sustainability has empowered millions of smallholder farmers—especially women—across Africa.

JC’s model has had an impact across Africa resulting in soaring rates of adoption of new varieties of beans (6% to 65%), and yields per acre of beans trebling.

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Dr. geoff
Hawtin OBE

Global Policy Leader, World Food Prize winner 2024​

A former Director General of CIAT and co-founder of the Crop Trust, Geoff has spent decades fighting to secure funding and policy frameworks for global seed sharing. His leadership helped cement the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources — making genetic diversity a shared global asset.

DIVE DEEPER

Discover in depth articles on topics relating to the people behind the story.

Market-Led Sustainable Seed Systems: The Jean Claude Rubyogo Approach

October 20, 2025

When farmers adopt new seeds, it’s not just about better yields — it’s about market demand. Jean Claude Rubyogo, leader of the Pan-Africa Bean Research Alliance (PABRA), reshaped seed systems across Africa by listening to traders, breeders and farmers alike. His market-led model turned seed distribution into sustainable business, linking science with profitability, and helping millions of smallholders grow crops that truly sell themselves.

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The Arms Race – The Fight Against Pathogens

July 24, 2025

The International Plant Treaty helps ensure the world’s most essential crops remain accessible for breeding, research, and climate resilience. In this post, we explore the story behind the treaty, from a boy collecting melon seeds in Spain to today’s digital battles over genomic data.

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close-up of madagascar periwinkle

Biopiracy and the Battle Over Seeds

July 7, 2025

The International Plant Treaty helps ensure the world’s most essential crops remain accessible for breeding, research, and climate resilience. In this post, we explore the story behind the treaty, from a boy collecting melon seeds in Spain to today’s digital battles over genomic data.

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