International Seed Federation

08/06/2026

At , experts from the seed sector and international organizations explored how plant health, science-based regulation, and international cooperation can help ensure that innovation continues to reach farmers worldwide.

Our latest Congress blog revisits the messages from the session "From Belém to Lisbon: Plant Health, COP 30 and the Future of Seed Trade," including why harmonized phytosanitary frameworks and digital trade tools are becoming increasingly important in a changing global landscape.

Read the full article: https://bit.ly/4onfTR2
Watch the session: https://bit.ly/4xbo72J

06/06/2026

To mark this year's International Day of Plant Health, ISF hosted a Seed Talks webinar exploring how innovation can support healthier plants and more resilient agricultural systems.

The session featured a keynote presentation from the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, with David Guerena, Ellena Girma, Steve Mutuvi and Lennart Woltering, aligned with theme, "Plant Biosecurity for Food Security."

The discussion showcased how digital tools and AI-driven solutions are helping improve plant health monitoring, strengthen breeding programmes, and ensure that new crop varieties are better adapted to farmers' needs.

🎥 The recording is now available: https://youtu.be/azZER-gPRc4?si=Py_KkgNeDDbAMoOG

To celebrate International Day of Plant Health 2026, ISF hosted a S...

05/06/2026

We are pleased to welcome new members to the International Seed Federation following their admission during the General Assembly at .

A warm welcome to AI-Qawafel Ind. Agr., Almottahida, Alnakheel Agri, Alnour Co. for Import Export & Commercial Activities, Semillas Basso, Elfin Consulting GmbH, Esde Machinery - Next Level Seed Processing Machines, Fyteko SA, Golconda Asia Co., Ltd, Gutsaat Forst & Gehölzsamen GmbH, Innomentarium OY, Lim-Loges & Masters PTE Ltd, Misr Hytech Seed Int مصر هاي تك الدولية للبذور, Natucultura SA, Novaliance, Pat Horticulture Software GmbH, SEEDAN, Seed The North, Seeds Technologies D.M Ltd, Solynta - true potato seeds, The Quinta Group, Winall High-Tech Seed, Yield Systems OY, and Zenith Semillas.

We look forward to working together to advance innovation and sustainable growth across the global seed sector.

04/06/2026

At , the newly introduced Cultivation Corner—developed in collaboration with ELFIN Consulting—created a dedicated space for dialogue between the seed sector and value chain partners.

Through interactive exhibits, workshops, and discussions, participants explored how decisions made at the seed level influence the performance, resilience, and sustainability of food systems further down the value chain.

Highlights included the "Seed Innovation & Food Chain Perspectives" workshop and the "From Seed to Shelf" panel discussion, both designed to strengthen understanding and collaboration across the agricultural ecosystem.

Photos from the Cultivation Corner are available on Flickr: https://bit.ly/4dLRG1K

03/06/2026

Lettuce mosaic virus (LMV) is a seed-borne virus found globally that infects lettuce (Lactuca sativa) and other crops in the Asteraceae family. Since there are no seed treatments available, the most effective method to control the virus is through regular testing of seed production.

The current ISHI protocol uses Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) tests to detect LMV in lettuce seeds and seedlings. To improve efficiency, ISHI has validated a new seed-extract (SE)-qPCR assay, which can serve as an additional initial screening step alongside the existing tests.

This new test is highly sensitive and can detect even minimal levels of the virus in seed samples. It has also shown consistent results across various laboratories. Although it may occasionally identify samples as positive that are ultimately negative, it reliably detects all infected seed lots, making it an effective early warning tool. Positive results can subsequently be verified using standard ELISA tests.

Overall, the SE-qPCR assay provides a faster and more effective method to complement existing tests and helps ensure healthy lettuce seeds. The SE-qPCR validation report and the updated LMV protocol are available here:
https://bit.ly/46qWTa6
https://bit.ly/3LzT5v9

02/06/2026

Strengthening the dialogue between generations was a priority throughout .

From the Youth Sounding Board with the ISF Board of Directors ahead of the Congress to the Opening Ceremony, panel discussions, Channel World Seed sessions, and dedicated activities at the Future Generation Corner, youth representatives contributed their perspectives to conversations shaping the future of the seed sector.

Throughout the Congress, NGIN Ambassadors engaged directly with industry leaders during the "Walk the Talk" session with Jeff Rowe, CEO of Syngenta Group, expanded their networks through dedicated mentoring and networking activities, and explored the realities of farming and innovation through discussions with sector experts and practitioners.
The delegation also took the stage at Channel World Seed to present the NGIN Youth Advocacy Statement and share their vision for strengthening youth engagement across the global seed sector.
Watch the NGIN Youth Advocacy Statement: https://bit.ly/436Fiok
Watch the dedicated Channel World Seed session: https://bit.ly/4u8Xngi
Photos from the Future Generation Corner and NGIN activities are available on Flickr: https://bit.ly/43vG3qT

A special thank you to the NGIN Ambassadors and team:
Beate van de Poll, Carlota Bernal-Basurco, Daniel Wood, Earl White, Imran Shaik, Jade Sands, Mastura Bello, Michael Joseph, Nathaniel Oragbon, Pablo Manzano García, Prosper Fogwe, Srilekha Basarahalli, Vanessa Samulyata.

01/06/2026

At , the Family Business Luncheon brought together leaders from multigenerational seed companies to discuss succession, growth, leadership transitions, and the challenges of navigating an increasingly global and competitive marketplace.

Moderated by Albert Jan Thomassen (Family Business Network Netherlands), representatives from Indo-American Hybrid Seeds, Hortícolas Semillas Fitó España, Semillas Basso, and Gautier Semences shared their experiences and perspectives on what it takes to ensure continuity while preparing for the future.

📺 Watch the full session on Channel World Seed: https://bit.ly/4wWbzw1

01/06/2026

Congratulations to Polyfly, the winner of the Best Booth Award at 🇵🇹!

By focusing on alternative pollination methods, Polyfly supports seed companies and producers, reinforcing supply chain resilience against potential disruptions in pollinator availability.
Thank you to all our exhibitors for their commitment to advancing agricultural science and showcasing the innovations driving our industry forward.

30/05/2026

The final day of the brought the Lisbon gathering to a meaningful close, celebrating new connections, shared commitments, and the strength of the global seed community. Key moments included reflections on the outcomes of the Congress, continued dialogue on the sector’s role in supporting farmers and food security, and a forward-looking spirit as ISF and its members prepare for the next chapter — from Lisbon to Toronto 2027.

Photos are available on Flickr: https://bit.ly/4nV8zM5

Want to revisit the discussions? All sessions are available on Channel World Seed:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqS3dniUklKAgbfJYVxBLO_JPn-sNPnQb&si=dnEY7pBpkd3Ex1Hz

30/05/2026

Innovation Day showcased the depth and diversity of the global seed sector, with discussions focused on innovation, sustainability, seed movement, plant breeding, and the partnerships needed to respond to today’s agricultural challenges.

From panel sessions and Channel World Seed conversations to meetings on the trading floor and exhibition area, the day highlighted the sector’s shared commitment to resilient and inclusive food systems.

Photos are available on Flickr: https://bit.ly/4tUUZKd

Want to revisit the discussions? All sessions are available on Channel World Seed:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqS3dniUklKAgbfJYVxBLO_JPn-sNPnQb&si=dnEY7pBpkd3Ex1Hz