LAST EVENTS – ISF WORLD SEED CONGRESS 2025 IN ISTANBUL : A LOOK AT THE FUTURE OF SEEDS

From May 19th to 21st, Istanbul played host to an event that truly felt like a pulse-check on the global seed industry.

The atmosphere was vibrant from the get-go.

About n. 1600 participants from 80 countries animated the 3-days-Congress .

This truly global presence underscored the universal importance of seeds and the interconnectedness of our industry.

Innovation in plant breeding was a dominant topic, with discussions ranging from CRISPR technology and gene editing to more traditional breeding techniques adapted for modern challenges.

There was a strong emphasis on how these advancements can contribute to food security and sustainability, particularly in the face of climate change.

It was clear that the industry is deeply committed to developing resilient varieties that can thrive in varying and often unpredictable conditions.

Another major talking point was the ever-evolving landscape of intellectual property and its regulations. There was a considerable debate around the harmonization of regulations and ensuring fair access to innovation.

Beyond the formal sessions, there was a common sentiment among participants of optimism and realism .

The tone of the B 2 B meetings was quite high , confirming the high request on quality seeds and service .

However, there was also an acknowledgment of the significant hurdles ahead – geopolitical instability, trade barriers, and the need for greater public understanding and acceptance of modern breeding techniques.

The increasing focus on digitalization and data analytics in seed production and supply chains was an other recurring theme.

It seems clear that leveraging big data will be key to optimizing processes and making more informed decisions.

The ISF Congress provided a crucial platform for dialogue, collaboration, partnerships and learning.

It reinforced the concept  that the global seed industry is not just about commerce, it’s about feeding the world, sustainably and innovatively.