Seeding Solutions: Key Takeaways from the ISF World Seed Congress 2024

The International Seed Federation (ISF) successfully concluded the remarkable World Seed Congress 2024, a timeless gathering steeped in tradition and innovation. This year, the vibrant city of Rotterdam, the Netherlands, served as the host, marking a century of ISF's relentless endeavors in standardizing commercial seed exchanges and promoting worldwide cooperation. The commemorative event took place from May 27 to 29, 2024 at Rotterdam Ahoy.

Under the theme "Navigating into the Next Century," #WorldSeed2024 embraced the potential of seeds in shaping a food-secure future. Anchored in the spirit of exploration and progress, the Congress offered discussions and exchanges, both physical and virtual. Let's look at what notable people said at this mega-event: 

Willem-Alexander, King of the Netherlands

He said, "Ladies and gentlemen, it's a pleasure to see you all here in Rotterdam! I hope you've had the opportunity to discuss the significant challenges that lie ahead. Climate change poses a major threat to farmers worldwide, necessitating changes." He highlighted the vital importance of international connections for the seed industry, stressing their role in driving growth and innovation.

“I often meet plant breeders to see what’s happening on the ground, and everywhere I go, I hear the same thing. International connections are absolutely vital in your sector, just as routes and vessels are vital for our plants; without them, there would be no growth and no life,” he expressed.

Marco van Leeuwen, President of the International Seed Federation

Leeuwen highlighted ISF's century-long commitment to shaping the global seed industry by advocating for harmonized regulations, promoting innovation, and ensuring farmers worldwide have access to quality seeds. He emphasized the importance of technological advancements, including artificial intelligence, in plant breeding to improve accuracy, efficiency, and data utilization.

“Today, plant breeders leverage cutting-edge tools, including AI, to enhance plant characteristics, creating varieties that are even more resilient, productive, and adaptable to evolving environmental challenges,” said Leeuwen.

He added, “Whatever technology comes, it will not work without the thousands of breeding and seed companies, hundreds of thousands of seedsmen and women who are dedicated to plant breeding, seed production, trade, and marketing. Supplying farmers worldwide with the best quality seed of their choice, these companies have contributed to feed the world and will be ready for the challenges ahead.”

Beth Bechdol, FAO Deputy Director General

Bechdol emphasized the pressing challenges ahead, including the climate crisis, economic downturns, conflicts, and the growing global population. She stressed that seed security is fundamental to food security, with quality seeds being central to FAO's response strategies, enabling farmers to achieve food self-sufficiency beyond immediate aid distribution.

“I would go as far as to say that – seed security is food security. Seeds are central to FAO’s commitment to help countries transform their agrifood systems. They enable farmers to grow food where it is needed most, re-start food production, and pave the way for self-sufficiency,” added Bechdol.

Michael Keller, Secretary General, ISF

Keller highlighted, “The whole world is my home,” as he celebrated the 100th ISF Congress. Reflecting on the Congress' origins, he noted, “In 1924, around 30 seed traders from six countries came together in Cambridge to establish mutual understanding and coherent business practices and seed quality standards.” Keller underscored the significance of seeds in global food security, stating, “Eighty percent of our food is plant-based, and most of it comes from seeds. Over the past 20 years, the seed trade has grown substantially. Seed movement must be paired with research and development. Companies are continually unlocking the genetic potential of seeds, resulting in harvests up to 50 times greater than in 1924. This progress demands forward-thinking and investment of up to 30 percent of annual turnover, along with cross-border collaboration. This year is not only the centenary year for ISF but also a pivotal year for global food systems, in which seeds are the very starting point.”

“Now is the time to build bridges on the ground. The private seed sector is a solution provider, an employer, and a partner at local, national, and international levels. We are uniquely positioned to support the sustainable transformation of food systems. Quality seeds provide climate resilience, higher yields, and improved nutrition, all of which are critical to delivering the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals for ending poverty, hunger, and climate vulnerability,” Keller added. Concluding his speech, he poignantly remarked, “Seed is Life—Life is Seed.”

Jaap Mazereeuw, Chair of the National Organizing Committee (NOC)-Plantum

Mazereeuw said, “This centennial ISF Congress is a significant milestone in the history of global agriculture and the seed sector. It’s not just a commemoration of our past but a showcase of the seed industry’s pivotal role in food security and sustainability.”

To know more about who said what at the ISF World Seed Congress 2024, click here to read the continuation.