International Seed Federation

Last week, ISF Secretary General Michael Keller visited Washington D.C. for meetings with partners including CropLife International, the American Seed Trade Association, and The World Bank. The visit provided an opportunity to align on shared priorities for the seed sector. Discussions focused on how associations across the agri-food chain can foster policy coherence in supporting innovation and delivering seed choice to farmers. These engagements reflect ISF’s efforts to build bridges and to leverage the seed sector’s potential in advancing sustainable agriculture and global development. #SeedIsLife

Bremia lactucae, which causes downy mildew in lettuce, exhibits significant genetic diversity and can quickly evolve to bypass plant resistance. Multiple races often coexist within a single field, emphasizing the importance of continuous monitoring. In 2025, the International Bremia Evaluation Board (IBEB-EU), after analyzing 704 isolates from across Europe, found no indications of new races emerging. The recently designated races (Bl: 38–41) continue to be predominant. For full details on the monitoring results, read the official press release: https://bit.ly/4kF4tUY #SeedIsLife

  As we reviewed the overwhelmingly positive survey feedback from the International Seed Federation World Seed Congress 2025 in Istanbul, Türkiye, I visited the site of the ISF World Seed Congress 2027 with clear priorities in mind—not only for ISF as a federation, but also for our exhibitors, traders, and partners.   What I saw was impressive—and I can confidently say that the plans for ISF WSC 2027 are even more exciting and truly aligned with the needs of those joining the Congress to make business and build engagement. Can you guess where we’re heading next?   But first, let’s not forget: we’ll meet in the inspiring city of Lisbon from 18–20 May 2026 for the next year ISF World Seed Congress under the slogan “Joint Actions – Resilient Future.” Mark your calendars and stay tuned.

The International Seed Health Initiative (ISHI) has released an updated version of its Method Validation Guidelines (MVG). The MVG provide a standardized framework for the validation of seed health testing methods, based on six core validation characteristics. A recent review, initiated in response to varying interpretations of the guidelines, led to a revision of the document and a clarification of the procedures associated with each characteristic. The updated guidelines walks users through the process of validating seed health assays in line with ISHI standards and aim to support consistent application across laboratories involved in seed health testing. The document is available on the ISF website: https://bit.ly/46qWTa6 #SeedIsLife

The seed sector is dedicated to nurturing the next generation, encouraging them to develop solutions that enhance agriculture and food systems. The ISF Idea Bootcamp, launched at the #WorldSeed2025 Congress in Türkiye, reflects this commitment. Local youth innovators were invited to pitch early-stage ideas, using seed innovation as a catalyst for change. Congratulations to Conlus CropScience, the first-place team, now receiving personalized mentorship to develop a biological insecticide from natural ingredients to reduce the environmental and health impacts. We thank our partners and sponsors for enabling this competition and supporting the winning team’s next steps through mentoring, networking, and funding: Foodback, Impact Hub Istanbul, Indo-American Hybrid Seeds (India) Pvt. Ltd., NGIN, Rijk Zwaan, Tohum Sanayicileri ve Üreticileri Alt Birliği (TSÜAB). #SeedIsLife #YouthSkillsDay

Feeding a growing global population requires sustainable agricultural systems supported by innovation. Plant Breeding Innovation (PBI) plays a critical role in this transformation. Through improved crop varieties, it contributes to enhanced productivity, climate resilience, and resource efficiency. To unlock the full potential of PBI, including genome editing, we need science-based, transparent, and predictable regulatory frameworks. While national policies on PBI are evolving, greater international alignment is essential to foster innovation and facilitate market access. Learn more about ISF’s position on fostering plant breeding innovation: https://lnkd.in/djeRga29 #SeedIsLife

The season finale of ‘State of Seed' is out now, and here we unpack how negotiations at the FAO International Plant Treaty impact the future of food and agriculture. In this episode, International Plant Treaty Secretary Kent Nnadozie and industry experts Jasmina Muminovic and Dave Bubeck share how diverse perspectives in these high-level talks shape solutions to promote the conservation and sustainable use of plant genetic resources now and in the future.🌱 Listen now on your preferred platform: 🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/45ZFAQr 🎧 Spotify: https://bit.ly/3TyT7a7 🔗 Web: https://bit.ly/4eTCy2v State of Seed is a podcast from the International Seed Federation, with the support of Bayer | Crop Science and Corteva Agriscience. Production services by Foreign Policy's FP Studios. If you like what you're hearing, please follow and rate the show — it's the best way to spread the word! 🙏 #SeedIsLife

This week, ISF joined The Asia and Pacific Seed Alliance first-ever Plant Breeding Innovation (PBI) Consultation in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It brought together policymakers, researchers, and seed industry leaders from 14 countries across the region. ISF’s Khaoula Belhaj-Fragnière, Regulatory Affairs Manager, provided a global perspective on the evolving regulatory and policy landscape for PBI. In her presentation, she highlighted emerging trends, current challenges, and opportunities ahead. The consultation was a partnership between APSA, the American Seed Trade Association, CropLife Asia, Canada Grains Council, International Seed Federation, SEMAE, the National Seed Association of Malaysia, and the Mekong-US Partnership Project. Read here to get the highlights and key takeaways: https://lnkd.in/eknU5-av #seedIsLife

At 68th Annual IAAS (International Association of Students in Agricultural and Related Sciences) Congress held at ETH Zürich, ISF was delighted to join 50 young ag leaders and researchers from 25 countries. 🌏 At the Congress, ISF, represented by Ben Rivoire, officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding with IAAS, which aims to: 🌱 Strengthen collaboration and partnership between the two global organizations 🌱 Bring the youth voice into global discussions related to the seed industry, plant breeding innovation, and sustainable agriculture 🌱 Build capacity through a mentorship program and direct engagement with seed companies ETH was the perfect backdrop for rich discussions and exchanges on the transformation of sustainable agricultural and food systems, as well as the role and contributions of the seed sector. We wish all delegates the best for the remainder of their annual event! #SeedIsLife

Despite the global uncertainty that has marked 2025 so far, the seed sector remains optimistic, according to American Seed Trade Association's Dr. Sam Crowell. Find out why in Episode 2 of 'State of Seed', available wherever you get your podcasts! 🎧 🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/exFGCbeE 🎧 Spotify: https://lnkd.in/efPgHzPC 🔗 Web: https://lnkd.in/exceYptq State of Seed is a podcast from the International Seed Federation, with the support of Bayer | Crop Science and Corteva Agriscience. Production services by Foreign Policy's FP Studios. If you like what you're hearing, please follow and rate the show — it's the best way to spread the word! 🙏 #SeedIsLife