Centennial World Seed Congress marks historic success for the global seed sector
June 5, 2024
The 2024 ISF World Seed Congress in Rotterdam has broken records: 2,091 participants representing more than 600 companies and organizations from over 80 countries attended the centennial edition of the global seed industry's flagship event. Every corner of the Ahoy convention centre was buzzing with activity, and the social events were filled with positive energy to welcome ISF’s next century.
Royal Recognition and Global Collaboration
His Majesty King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands' presence at the opening ceremony underscored the vital role the Dutch and the international seed sector play in global food security and sustainable agriculture. “Everywhere I go, I hear the same thing: international connections are absolutely vital in your sector. Just as roots and vessels are vital for a plant. Without them, there would be no growth and no life,” he said.
The presence of the FAO Deputy Director-General Beth Bechdol was a further testament to ISF’s role as the voice of the private seed sector at the international level. “We want to collaborate more with ISF and other partners to better leverage science and innovation. You are investing in R&D. You are leading advancements in crop genetics, data analytics, seed testing, and more. All of this should result in crop varieties that are more productive, resilient and nutritious,” Bechdol stated.
The King took a tour of the congress, co-hosted by Dutch seed association Plantum, visiting the Plantum pavilion in recognition of the country’s contribution to the global seed sector. The Netherlands is among the world’s leading exporters of vegetable seeds and planting material, sector valued at €5 billion last year.
The King also took the opportunity to meet representatives from the youth delegation who are part of the Next Generation Agriculture Impact Network (NGIN), composed of young professionals and studentsin the seed and agriculture sector. He also met with representatives from the national seed associations of Chile, Australia, the Philippines, and South Africa.
ISF as a Beacon of Collaboration and Innovation
In his speech, ISF Secretary General Michael Keller urged members to continue collaborating and innovating to address increasing hunger amid the climate crisis and geopolitical conflicts. “You all, the seed people of today and tomorrow, are dedicated and responsible actors with long-term vision, patience, and perseverance. You are a crucial pillar in transforming agriculture over the next 100 years.”
Marco van Leeuwen, ISF President, also emphasized the central role that plant breeders will continue to have in the next century.
“Whatever technology comes, it will not work without you: thousands of breeding and seed companies, hundreds of thousands of seedsmen and -women who are already for centuries dedicated to plant breeding, seed production, trade and marketing,” van Leeuwen shared.
A clear message emerged: the seed sector, as the starting point of the food value chain, has a central role to play in addressing the world’s most pressing problems. It must, however, also do its part to be a key player in international discussions on achieving food security and climate resilience.
Empowering the Future Generation
The presence and active participation of the Next Generation Agriculture Impact Network (NGIN) at the Congress showed that the future of agriculture and the seed sector is bright. Led by Lian Biar Kuoirot, who spoke on behalf of the youth at the Opening Ceremony, NGIN delegates gave life to this year’s Future Generation corner — even getting the chance to meet His Majesty King Willem-Alexander!
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