This week, the city of Istanbul became the epicenter of the global seed industry as more than 1,800 delegates from over 70 countries convened for the ISF World Seed Congress 2025.
Hosted at the Istanbul Congress Center, the three-day event, organized by the International Seed Federation (ISF), marked a historic milestone in its centennial year, rallying experts, policymakers, and innovators around the theme: “Discovering Bold Horizons.”
Addressing the Pressing Questions of Tomorrow
As climate change, food insecurity, and population growth continue to challenge global agriculture, the congress served as a strategic platform to address the pivotal role of seeds in ensuring a sustainable and resilient food future.
In her opening remarks, ISF Secretary General Michael Keller emphasized, “Seeds are more than the starting point of agriculture—they are the cornerstone of food systems, livelihoods, and biodiversity. This congress comes at a time when global cooperation is not just needed, it is essential.”
Key Discussions and Strategic Priorities
1. Building Climate-Resilient Crops
One of the dominant threads across the sessions was the urgent need for seeds that can withstand harsher climates.
Breeding for drought tolerance, pest resistance, and shorter growing cycles featured prominently in presentations from companies and research institutions around the world. The call for deeper investment in R&D echoed strongly in a session titled “Seeds for a Warmer Planet.”
2. Leveraging Innovation in Genetics and AI
Breakthroughs in genomics, gene editing, and artificial intelligence in seed breeding stole the spotlight. From faster trait selection using machine learning to precision agriculture powered by AI, speakers showcased how technological leaps are transforming how seeds are developed and deployed.
3. Global Trade, Local Challenges
Delegates addressed challenges in the international seed trade, particularly around regulatory discrepancies and customs delays.
Many stakeholders advocated for greater harmonization of phytosanitary standards to reduce trade bottlenecks—especially in Africa and Asia, where seed access is often hindered by policy fragmentation.
4. Protecting Farmers and Consumers from Counterfeit Seeds
A sobering session focused on the proliferation of fake and substandard seeds in many developing regions.
With counterfeit seeds posing threats to yields, incomes, and food safety, experts discussed the expansion of digital traceability systems and regional quality assurance frameworks.
A Spotlight on Türkiye
Hosting the congress for the first time, Türkiye used the opportunity to highlight its fast-growing seed sector and its ambition to become a regional innovation hub.
The Turkish Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, İbrahim Yumaklı, called the event “a testament to Türkiye’s rising role in global food security.”
He added, “Our geography, research capabilities, and agricultural heritage place us at the crossroads of innovation. Türkiye is committed to strengthening seed quality, access, and technology not just at home but across neighboring regions.”
Industry Collaboration and Global Impact
Beyond presentations and panels, the congress fostered critical networking through its renowned Trading Floor, where hundreds of seed companies explored new partnerships, licensing deals, and market entry strategies. The digital Channel World Seed also streamed select sessions globally, broadening access to key insights.
The Crop Trust, CGIAR, and leading universities used the event to unveil collaborative initiatives to preserve plant genetic diversity and support smallholder farmers through seed innovation.
Looking Forward
As the ISF World Seed Congress 2025 draws to a close, the resounding message is clear: the future of agriculture begins with better seeds.
From policy shifts and cutting-edge science to farmer-focused solutions, this congress planted the seeds of global change—seeds that will determine how the world eats, survives, and thrives in the decades to come.
For more information and post-event resources, visit: https://congress.worldseed.org
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