Delegates from more than 70 countries across the world have gathered in Istanbul, Turkey, for what is described by the organisers as “the largest seed-industry event in the world” – the World Seed Congress 2025.
The event is being hosted by the International Seed Federation (ISF), in collaboration with the Turkish National Organising Committee, and takes place at a key time for the industry – amid disruptions to global trading systems.
The congress brings together more than 1,600 seed-industry professionals and seed sector insiders from around the world.
The theme for the 2025 event is ‘Discovering Bold Horizons’ and delegates at the congress will discuss pressing challenges in plant-breeding innovation, seed movement, food systems, and sustainable agriculture.
Among this year’s key issues is the impact of current global unrest in the area of trade policy and agreements.
This unrest could disrupt the international movement and supply of seeds, and threaten global food security in the face of ever-increasing challenges related to climate change and geopolitical conflicts.
Speaking at the official launch of the three-day event, Arthur Santosh Attavar, president of the ISF – who is also the managing chair of the international seed company Indo-American Hybrid Seeds – highlighted the crucial role of international seed trade in the stability of food systems globally.
The ISF president said: “As an inherently global sector that relies on the free movement of seeds across borders, the seed sector thrives on exchange and connection.
“But today, trade barriers like tariffs present a major challenge for all seed firms globally, in addition to the already highly fragmented regulatory landscape and trading systems.”
Michael Keller, secretary general of ISF, said: “Every day, seed companies worldwide must comply with various phytosanitary regulations, plant breeding innovation regulations, such as those related to the use of genome editing, and laws on intellectual property protection to bring new varieties to the market and transport seeds globally.
“The ongoing tariff discussion adds another layer of complexity – and unpredictability – which is not very helpful when running a business or making investment decisions.”
Keller added that all value chains need to be re-examined “in light of everything that’s happening in the world”.
“In the face of growing challenges to food systems, such as climate change and conflict, we must not forget that global food security is impossible without international cooperation.
“And this is what this congress is all about – bringing together the diversity of ISF members and partners to work together towards our vision of a world where quality seed is accessible to all, supporting food security and sustainable agriculture,” Keller said.
The congress will feature sessions on the contribution of improved seeds to climate-resilient food systems, the role of seed companies in biodiversity conservation, battling illegal seed practices, and misinformation in the seed industry, among others.
The choice of Istanbul as the host city underscores Turkey’s leading role in global agriculture.
The country has a commercial seed breeding legacy dating back to the 1880s and today ranks first in Europe and among the top-10 globally for agricultural production.
Burak Gönen, co-chair of the National Organising Committee, said: “We are proud to welcome the global seed community to Türkiye.”
“As a bridge between continents, cultures, and innovation, and a world leader in agricultural production, our country is a fitting venue for this prestigious event.
“This congress is a unique opportunity to share our strengths, foster new partnerships, and work together to advance solutions for a more secure and sustainable agricultural future.”
Yıldıray Gençer, co-chair of the Turkish National Organising Committee said that hosting the global seed community in Turkey was “both an honour and a shared responsibility”.
According to Gençer: “This Congress is not only a platform for knowledge exchange, but also a moment to strengthen international agreements and highlight the essential role of seed in building resilient food systems for the future – in Turkey and around the world.”
Agriland is in attendance at the global event. Stay tuned for further updates and coverage from the event.
