Reflections from the ISF World Seed Congress – Istanbul 2025

Just back from three incredible days at the International Seed Federation Conference in Istanbul, with HRA’s Director of Agrifood, Jeffrey Verpaalen – and what a brilliant event it was! A packed agenda, inspiring discussions, and so many great opportunities to connect with people across the seed, crop protection and agri-tech world.

What really stood out was how well the event balanced formal forums with more relaxed networking – from trading tables and one-to-one appointments to exploring the exhibition stands from seed producers, technology providers and everyone in between. There was a real energy in the room and a shared sense that we’re all facing into the same big challenges together.

• Funding the Conservation of Crop Diversity Worldwide – such an important topic and great to see it getting real focus.

• Resilient and Nutritious Food and Feed Value Chains – this really emphasised the seed sector’s critical role in global food security, and how the vegetable seed sector seems to be a bit more resilient than the field crops segment.

• The discussion on Illegal Seed Practices was fascinating – and honest. Lots of talk around the need for dialogue, incentives, enforcement, and ultimately, building goodwill through the value chain.

• I also really enjoyed the session on Biologicals – so many exciting innovations coming through that could really change the game.
• Many vegetable seed companies doing well in countries like Spain and Turkey, but many having to go through multiple rounds of price increases due to inflation.
• There are noticeable headwinds in the Asian region, with geopolitical volatility, and growth in the seed sector is more in terms of value than volume.

• And finally, Plant Breeding for Climate Resilience – vital work that shows just how forward-thinking and essential this industry is.

Overall, it was a hugely worthwhile few days – plenty of new insights, lots of food for thought, and a real sense of momentum in the industry. Istanbul was a fantastic host city too! Already looking forward to the next one. 

If you’d like to continue the conversation, have questions, or explore opportunities in the evolving agri-food landscape, feel free to get in touch with us!