Solynta, an industry leader in the realm of hybrid potato breeding, is fundamentally changing how potatoes are developed and cultivated. Leveraging cutting-edge non-GMO technology, Solynta is revolutionizing potato breeding by making the process faster, more precise, and more sustainable.
At the forefront of this innovative shift is Charles Miller, Director of Strategic Alliances and Development, who brings decades of experience in global agriculture and seed innovation.
In an exclusive interview with Potato News Today, Miller provides an in-depth look into Solynta’s groundbreaking approach and how it is set to reshape potato farming across the globe.
A Vision Shaped by Global Experience
Miller’s career in agriculture has been both diverse and impactful. Growing up in Texas, where his father worked as a sorghum breeder for Texas A&M University, Miller was exposed to the role that innovation can play in transforming agriculture at a young age. “Hearing stories about how different countries approached agriculture, and how innovation could change lives, shaped my thinking from the start,” Miller explains.
With degrees in Agricultural Economics from Texas A&M University and experience in roles at Mars Inc., MMR Genetics, NuFarm, and Chromatin, Miller’s career trajectory has been driven by a passion for agricultural development. His work across Asia, Africa, and the Americas has focused on bringing cutting-edge hybrids to new markets and improving food security worldwide. Today, at Solynta, he applies this expertise to one of the most important staple crops on the planet: the potato.
Today, as the Director of Strategic Alliances and Development with Solynta, Charles continues his passion for agricultural development. His in-depth experience in the international seed industry will help bring Solynta’s revolutionary developments in potato breeding technology to the world market, while also enhancing the lives of farmers and decreasing the environmental footprint of the potato supply chain.
In addition to his role at Solynta, Miller serves as a Board Member of the African Seed Trade Association and on the International Executive Committee of the American Seed Trade Association.
The Science Behind Hybrid Potato Breeding
Potato breeding has traditionally been a slow and cumbersome process, often taking over 15 years to develop a new variety. This is largely because traditional potatoes are tetraploids, meaning they have four sets of chromosomes, which makes breeding more complex and less predictable. Solynta, however, uses diploid potatoes, which have just two sets of chromosomes, making it easier to control the desired traits.
“At Solynta, we discovered the self-incompatibility genes in potatoes, which are the key to developing sterile male and female plants. By working with diploid potatoes, we can breed stable and uniform hybrids with remarkable speed and precision,” Miller explains. This discovery forms the backbone of Solynta’s hybrid breeding technology, which combines diploid breeding with molecular selection tools and genome mapping to create high-performing potato varieties.
One of the most impressive examples of this is Solynta’s hybrid potato with resistance to late blight. “Using our system, we developed a hybrid with multiple genes resistant to late blight in just 18 months—a process that traditionally would have taken over 15 years,” says Miller. Late Blight, the disease responsible for the Irish potato famine, still devastates potato crops globally, causing an estimated $6.7 billion in annual losses. Solynta’s new hybrids represent a potential turning point in this battle.
Faster Breeding for a Changing World
Speed is essential in modern agriculture, where climate change, population growth, and shifting consumer demands put enormous pressure on the global food system. Solynta’s ability to produce new varieties quickly gives it a critical edge over traditional breeding techniques.
“Our use of molecular tools and bioinformatics enables us to make targeted decisions about which parents to combine in order to produce hybrids that meet market needs. We can respond to consumer preferences much faster than traditional breeders, and we are continually improving traits such as yield, tuber shape, disease resistance, and even taste,” Miller explains.
This technology also allows Solynta to scale up new varieties quickly, something that is particularly important as the global population grows and the demand for resilient, high-yield crops increases. “In traditional potato breeding, it can take 10+ years to scale a new variety to commercial availability,” says Miller. “With our true potato seeds, we can ramp up seed supply to large commercial volumes in as little as six months.”
Tackling the Global Food Security Challenge
Potatoes are the third-largest food crop in the world, and with over 20 million hectares of potatoes grown globally, they play a critical role in food security. Solynta’s hybrids are designed to not only increase yields but also to make potato farming more sustainable.
“One of the most important advantages of our hybrids is their ability to reduce the need for chemical inputs,” Miller notes. In tropical countries, farmers often spray their potato crops up to 30 times per season to control diseases like Late Blight. Solynta’s Late Blight-resistant varieties have the potential to dramatically reduce the need for such interventions, lowering costs for farmers and minimizing environmental impact.
An example of this is Solynta’s work in Kenya, where its hybrids are helping farmers grow potatoes without the need for fungicides. “We’ve been working with farmers at Mlango Farm in Kenya, and for the first time in 15 years, they’ve been able to grow potatoes organically. They’ve been doing so successfully for two years now,” Miller reports. For smallholder farmers in Kenya and other regions, these kinds of breakthroughs can be life-changing, providing a reliable source of income while improving food security.
Adapting to Climate Change and Harsh Conditions
As climate change continues to alter growing conditions around the world, farmers need crops that can thrive in increasingly unpredictable environments. Solynta’s hybrids are uniquely suited to meet these challenges.
“In places like Burundi, where the climate and economic conditions are extremely harsh, our hybrid true seeds have already doubled the availability of disease-free starting material,” says Miller. Solynta’s work in Burundi is part of a broader effort to bring high-quality potato seeds to some of the world’s most food-insecure regions. By introducing disease-resistant, climate-adapted hybrids, Solynta is helping countries like Burundi improve food security and build a more resilient agricultural system.
“Although we are only in our third year of testing, we are already seeing significant benefits from using our True Seeds. The country has a well-organized seed system for potatoes but is greatly affected by soil and water-borne diseases due to its climate and economic situation.
“However, by introducing true seeds from hybrids with resistances, we have more than doubled the available starting material while keeping it disease-free. Once we have completed the local approval processes and implemented this, we aim to scale what we have accomplished on a limited stage to all the seed producers in the country. This could significantly enhance the overall availability of potatoes, which is a staple crop in the country, and have a positive impact on the economy and food security.”
This adaptability is crucial not only for food security but also for sustainability. By reducing the need for chemical inputs and producing more resilient crops, Solynta’s hybrids are contributing to a more sustainable future for agriculture.
Consumer-Centric Breeding
Solynta’s commitment to innovation extends beyond agronomy; it is also deeply focused on meeting consumer preferences. Whether it’s improving the taste, texture, or cooking qualities of potatoes, Solynta is able to quickly adjust its hybrids to align with changing consumer demands.
“Our product management teams stay closely connected with global markets to understand the needs of the entire value chain. We run product development trials in multiple countries, where we test factors like taste and cooking qualities. The feedback we get from consumers helps guide our breeding programs,” Miller explains.
Recent trials in Kenya have shown that Solynta’s new hybrids are being rated highly by consumers for their taste, a key factor in the company’s development process. “We’ve focused on making ‘tasty’ potatoes from the start, and it seems like we’ve achieved that with our newest hybrids,” Miller adds.
The Future: Processing Sector and Direct Sowing Innovations
Looking to the future, Solynta is expanding its focus into the potato processing sector, which is crucial for markets in North and South America. “Having hybrids tailored for the processing industry will be game-changing for the potato value chain,” Miller predicts. With hybrid potatoes that are optimized for processing, Solynta is poised to make a significant impact on the global potato supply chain.
One of the most exciting upcoming innovations at Solynta is the development of “direct sowing” techniques for potato seeds. “Once we can demonstrate that farmers can use machinery to sow our true seeds and yield a successful crop, it will change the entire industry,” Miller says. This project is still in its early stages, but trials in Europe and Asia have already produced promising results. Direct sowing would simplify the planting process, reduce labor, and make large-scale potato farming even more efficient.
Strategic Alliances: Building a Global Network
Solynta’s ambitious plans to revolutionize potato farming would not be possible without strong partnerships. “We know we can’t achieve a global reach alone,” Miller acknowledges. “That’s why we’re constantly building alliances with partners like Bayer and other research institutions.”
This collaborative approach strengthens Solynta’s ability to bring its innovations to market faster and on a larger scale. By working with like-minded organizations, Solynta ensures that its hybrids reach farmers and markets around the world, contributing to the transformation of the global potato value chain.
Overcoming Challenges: Regulatory Hurdles and Global Expansion
While Solynta’s technology holds immense promise, it also faces challenges, particularly in navigating complex regulatory environments. “True potato seeds aren’t mentioned in most official customs documents, and we often need special permission to import them into different countries,” says Miller. However, he remains optimistic that as governments and regulatory bodies become more familiar with Solynta’s innovations, these hurdles will become easier to overcome.
Looking ahead, Solynta is focused on expanding its reach into new markets, particularly in North and South America. “We expect to expand our presence significantly over the next five years, especially in regions that are crucial for processing and large-scale potato production,” Miller says.
A Commitment to Education and Sustainable Agriculture
Solynta’s success relies not only on technological innovation but also on education. “Farmers have been using the clonal system for decades, and switching to true potato seeds is a big change for them. That’s why we work closely with our partners to educate farmers on the benefits of hybrid breeding,” Miller emphasizes. By providing hands-on training and support, Solynta is helping farmers adopt new techniques and reap the benefits of hybrid potato farming.
This educational approach is vital to achieving Solynta’s larger mission: building a more sustainable and food-secure world. “We believe that growing potatoes from true seeds is the way forward to achieve better nutrition and sustainable farming practices worldwide,” Miller says.
A New Era for Potato Farming
As Solynta continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in potato breeding, the company is leading the way into a new era of agriculture—one that emphasizes sustainability, speed, and adaptability. Through their non-GMO hybrid breeding approach, they are addressing some of the most pressing issues facing global agriculture today, from climate change and food security to the reduction of chemical inputs.
Charles Miller’s vision, combined with Solynta’s technological advances, points toward a future where potato farming is not only more efficient but also more resilient. “Hybrid breeding is the only way forward to counter the effects of climate change and meet the growing demand for sustainable agricultural practices,” Miller asserts. Potatoes, the world’s third-largest food crop, will continue to play a critical role in feeding a growing global population, and Solynta is at the forefront of ensuring that this crop can thrive in a changing world.
The company’s focus on robust, disease-resistant varieties that are tailored to different climates and consumer preferences is transforming the way potatoes are bred and grown. Whether it’s boosting yields in Kenya, reducing chemical use in tropical climates, or developing potatoes that are perfectly suited for the processing sector, Solynta’s hybrids are offering farmers and consumers alike new solutions to age-old agricultural challenges.
Collaborative Efforts for a Sustainable Future
Solynta’s collaborative efforts are a key part of its success. The company’s partnerships with organizations like Bayer and its commitment to working alongside research institutions underscore its belief that global challenges require global solutions. “We can’t go it alone,” Miller states. “We’re building a network of like-minded organizations and partners who share our vision for a more sustainable potato value chain.”
These partnerships allow Solynta to expand its reach and make a lasting impact on potato farming around the world. The company’s success stories, such as the achievements in Kenya and Burundi, demonstrate the power of combining cutting-edge technology with local knowledge and support. The transformation of farming systems in these regions shows that even the most difficult challenges—such as harsh growing conditions and disease pressure—can be overcome with innovation and collaboration.
The Road Ahead: Driving Disruptive Innovation
Looking to the future, Solynta’s projects—such as direct sowing and expansion into the processing sector—promise to further disrupt the potato industry. The potential to directly sow hybrid seeds with machinery represents a massive leap forward in terms of efficiency and scalability for potato farmers. As trials continue to show positive results, this development could significantly reduce labor costs and time, making large-scale potato farming more accessible than ever.
Moreover, Solynta’s focus on expanding its product line to cater to the potato processing sector is another bold step. Processing potatoes are a key driver in many regions, particularly in North and South America, and by providing tailored hybrids for this sector, Solynta is positioning itself as a leader in meeting both farmer and market demands.
A Revolution in Potato Breeding
Ultimately, Solynta’s hybrid potato breeding technology represents more than just a scientific breakthrough—it marks the beginning of a new chapter in the history of potato agriculture. The company’s dedication to sustainability, efficiency, and global food security is setting a new standard for the industry. By producing potatoes that are more resistant to disease, adaptable to harsh climates, and aligned with consumer preferences, Solynta is ensuring that potatoes will continue to be a vital and versatile food source for generations to come.
Charles Miller’s closing message encapsulates the essence of Solynta’s mission: “Access to seeds anytime, anywhere. This should be our joint goal, but we need to align it with the types of products the market needs. We are here to stay!”
As Solynta moves forward, the company’s hybrid technology and true potato seeds will undoubtedly continue to shape the future of farming, offering new solutions to some of the most critical challenges faced by farmers and food systems across the globe. Together with its partners, Solynta is unlocking the true potential of potatoes and revolutionizing agriculture one seed at a time.
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