ISF World Seed Congress 2024- Day 3 Highlights: Seeds4Food Coalition, Seed Resilience, and Business Opportunities in Seed Applied Technologies

The third day of the ISF World Seed Congress 2024 dawned with an energetic registration process, signaling the start of a day brimming with promise and pivotal discussions. Amidst bustling activity, participants engaged in vibrant trading table discussions, setting the stage for a series of insightful dialogues. Key topics included the Seeds for Food Coalition, the seed sector's role in boosting agricultural productivity and environmental stewardship, and the impactful ISF Seed Resilience project in Rwanda. Against the backdrop of a polarized and fragmented world, delegates delved into the pressing challenges confronting the seed sector. Moreover, attention was drawn to emerging business opportunities in Seed Applied Technologies, showcasing the industry's ongoing innovative advancements.

The session titled “Seeds4Food Coalition” focused on how this multi-institutional engagement started and has grown into multi-stakeholder dialogues at national, regional, and global levels. Gigi Manicad moderated the session. A short video titled "From Recommendations to Actions on Seeds for Food" showcased the case of Zimbabwe. It highlighted how Andrew Mushita from the Community Technology Development Trust Zimbabwe led a dialogue series on the role of seeds in healthy food systems as part of his work as an ambassador to the UN Food Systems Summit 2021.

Next, in his address, Mushita noted the importance of supporting the complementarity between farmer seed systems and the seed sector. "Instead of polarizing this area, we need to identify opportunities for collaboration and cooperation, pinpoint gaps on both sides, and find common solutions. On a global scale, we recognize that smallholder farmers are predominant. These farmers depend on agriculture, and we must support them to enhance their productivity. It's time to focus on farmer-led agricultural research because farmers know best what they need and what is ecologically adaptive in their own conditions and situations. We need to move towards agricultural research that is farmer-driven,” Mushita stated.

He further highlighted the necessity of creating a framework for collaboration. "In some cases, smallholder farmers cannot afford the cost of hybrid seeds. However, this should not prevent them from accessing good-quality seeds. Alternative choices need to be developed," Mushita added. "We need to support and strengthen the farmer seed systems so that farmers can actively participate in agricultural research."

Morgan Nzwere, CEO of Seed Co Zimbabwe highlighted his company's efforts, stating, "At Seed Co, we develop, breed, and supply certified seed species, focusing on hybrid maize, wheat, soybeans, beans, rice, potatoes, sorghum, cotton, and vegetables. Our business model prioritizes research, enabling us to create new varieties that tackle the challenges farmers face, such as climate change, shifting rainfall patterns, and the need for affordable, improved seed varieties."

Furthermore, the Channel World Seed session titled "Sowing Social Responsibility: Unveiling the Seed Sector’s Impact on Rural Communities" delved into how the seed sector supports agricultural productivity while also promoting environmental stewardship and social equity. Experts shared insights and concrete examples of effective implementation of good practices with clear social impact on rural communities.

Bas Gorissen, Global Program Manager at BASF- Nunhems, highlighted their commitment to sustainability through various projects. Collaborating with research efforts in production areas across Maharashtra and Karnataka for vegetable seeds, they engage with the entire supply chain, including growers, laborers, seed companies, labor organizations, schools, and communities.

Kanokwan 'May' Chodchoey, Group Head of Public Affairs at East-West Seed, emphasized the company's pivotal role in developing and enhancing tropical vegetable varieties tailored to tropical markets and growing conditions. Their mission focuses on providing innovative products and services to uplift the livelihoods of vegetable farmers. Additionally, East-West Seed is dedicated to empowering vegetable farmers through training initiatives aimed at maximizing yield and income through improved knowledge and farming skills.

Addressing the global issue of child labor, Chodchoey informed that 70 percent of affected children are involved in the agricultural sector due to financial constraints preventing their access to education. In response, the company conducted thorough studies and investigations into school facilities, leading to initiatives aimed at improving school environments to ensure children's happiness and well-being. These efforts involve raising awareness among farmers and collaborating with activists to address this pressing issue.

Sandra Claassens, Director of the Arisa Foundation, highlighted the organization's work to improve respect for human rights and labor rights within global supply chains. Collaborating with civil society partners across India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and other nations, Arisa sheds light on human rights and labor abuses in various industries, including garments, leather, natural stone, and vegetable seed production. Claassen emphasized the urgency of addressing not only child labor but also the critical issue of wages.

She stressed that seasonal fluctuations often prevent workers from earning minimum or living wages, perpetuating the cycle of exploitation. Claassen underscored the importance of involving civil society organizations at the grassroots level to address wage-related challenges effectively. She advocated for a multi-stakeholder approach, praising the ISF platform for facilitating the integration of policies into practical measures. Claassen urged companies to invest in social responsibility initiatives, including support for agricultural and workers' unions, to foster positive change within the industry.

Courtney Davies, NGIN Ambassador, New Zealand, delved into the multifaceted concept of environmental sustainability, emphasizing key components such as Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria, Carbon Credits, and offsetting strategies. Davies shed light on the importance of integrating these practices into business models to mitigate environmental impact, promote social responsibility, and ensure long-term viability. By exploring innovative approaches like carbon offsetting, she underscored the significance of proactive measures in addressing climate change and fostering a sustainable future for generations to come.

The "Seed Resilience Project: Updates from Rwanda" session in Channel World Seed shed light on the ISF Seed Resilience project in Rwanda. Launched in 2023, the project aims to improve local food systems with quality seeds as the cornerstone. Experts provided insights into the progress made, lessons gleaned, and forthcoming steps in this impactful initiative.

Khaoula Belhaj Fragniere, Regulatory Affairs Manager at ISF, highlighted the importance of building seed resilience to support sustainable food systems. She noted, "We need systems that can withstand geopolitical shifts, unpredictable weather conditions due to climate change, and potential supply chain disruptions from pandemics. At ISF, our Seed Resilience initiative is vital to our vision of providing high-quality seed choices to all farmers, ensuring no one is left behind.” Fragniere highlighted various ISF initiatives, such as global seed partnerships and Public-Private Partnerships with CGIAR, which aim to strengthen seed resilience.

Alon Haberfeld, Technology & Operation Manager of Fair Planet shared, "Our organization is dedicated to addressing the shortage of quality seeds for smallholder farmers in developing countries. By providing access to high-quality vegetable varieties tailored to these regions, we enable farmers to achieve substantial yields, enhancing food security and fostering economic growth. Through this initiative, seeds become a powerful and responsible tool for alleviating malnutrition, creating new opportunities, and improving quality of life. Looking ahead, we are excited to expand our efforts with additional partners next season."

He pointed to Rwanda as a shining example of how robust seed systems can drive significant improvements in food security, demonstrating the transformative power of resilient seed initiatives.

Arthur Santosh Attavar, Vice President of ISF and Chairman & Managing Director of Indo-American Hybrid Seeds (India), shared insights into the company's longstanding commitment to smallholder farmers in India. "Since the early 70s, we have been working with smallholder farmers, focusing on extension work to update outdated cultivation techniques," Attavar stated. "Our research-driven approach has produced a variety of products such as hot pepper, sweet pepper, and numerous others suited for tropical and subtropical regions."

Discussing seed resilience, Attavar added, "We develop products with high output per unit area to meet the needs of smallholder farmers who require higher yields and quality seeds. Currently, we are trialling our products with several partners and are seeing promising results. We will soon compile and publish these findings, which will significantly improve the situation for smallholder farmers."

Namuhoranye Innocent, President of the National Seed Association of Rwanda, highlighted the importance of partnerships in his address. “We are collaborating with both local and international organizations to align our efforts and achieve common goals. Our focus is on improving the lives of Rwandan farmers, enabling them to earn more profits from their produce. It is essential that local and international laws foster a common understanding to facilitate market expansion,” he stated. Innocent concluded by highlighting the significance of long-term sustainability, stressing that it is crucial for securing a better future for everyone.

A thought-provoking panel discussion titled “Whither the Seed? The Seed Sector in a Polarized and Fragmented World” delved into the complexities of global debates surrounding sustainable agriculture and food systems transformation. Amidst increasing polarization between stakeholders—such as producers and consumers, food sovereignty advocates and corporate entities, and global versus local interests—the seed sector emerged as a crucial intermediary. Grounded in science, it offers nuanced solutions and serves as a bridge amidst divergent viewpoints, potentially paving the way for productive discourse and tangible progress. The panel featured Hans Hoogeven, Independent Chair of FAO; Robynne Anderson, CEO of Emerging Ag; Michael Hoevel, Founder & Director of Marchmont Communications; and Michael Keller, ISF Secretary General. (Watch Full Panel Discussion Here)

Following this, a session sponsored by Corteva Agriscience titled “A Discussion with Leonardo Costa from Corteva Agriscience on Business Opportunities in Seed Applied Technologies” was held. The discussion centered on the promising business opportunities within Seed Applied Technologies. Leonardo Costa emphasized that Corteva Agriscience’s Seed Applied Technologies provide superior protection for crops from the very beginning, enhancing productivity and profitability to achieve a successful harvest. Costa noted that today’s farmers face numerous challenges in producing abundant, healthy crops, and seed treatments are a crucial tool for enabling more sustainable and economical farming. These treatments ensure seeds have the best start to becoming healthy plants that reach their full genetic potential.

"In the past, we discussed fungicides and insecticides, but today, the focus is on making production more sustainable and protecting crop value," Costa explained. "We remain committed to investing in new technologies aimed at boosting yields, enhancing livelihoods, and ensuring long-term food security."

Finally, the Channel World Seed session titled “NGIN Science2Seed Launch” featured speakers Johannes D. (J.D.) Rossouw from Bayer and Ebunoluwa Ajobiewe from NGIN. Johannes emphasized the benefits of biotechnology for both public and private seed companies in addressing growers' challenges. He highlighted the critical role of bridging scientific advancements with public understanding and technology endorsement. Ebunoluwa discussed the importance of science communication in biotechnology, stressing that better public understanding is essential for achieving a prosperous and sustainable future. She concluded by inviting everyone to partner with and support the NGIN and Science2Seed initiatives.

The event wrapped up with the ISF General Assembly, where key resolutions and future strategies were discussed. The three-day congress concluded on a high note with a Farewell Get-Together, leaving attendees with a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose as they look forward to the next steps in advancing the seed industry.