Sanya, China — ISF Secretary General Michael Keller was invited to join the 2025 China Seed Congress and Nanfan Silicon Valley Forum, a landmark event that gathered over 2,500 participants from across the global seed sector held on 19-23 March 2025. Michael co-opened the forum with a keynote address, alongside distinguished leaders from China’s public and private sectors, provincial and ministerial officials, academics, breeders, and senior executives from seed companies worldwide.
This year’s Congress featured the first-ever fireside chat during the International Cooperation Forum, where Michael, together with Dr. Yang Yashen of the Chinese Seed Association (CSA) and Tian Weihong of the Chinese National Seed Trade Association (CNSTA), explored a broad range of shared priorities, from harmonizing regulations on plant breeding innovation and reinforcing intellectual property rights, to tackling illegal seed practices and advancing the implementation of international phytosanitary standards.
According to Michael, “These are not just technical topics—they are pillars of global food security. Effective seed trade and innovation are indispensable in ensuring farmers everywhere, including in China, have access to high-quality seeds. The seed sector is, by nature, international and interconnected. Our ability to respond to the challenges of sustainable agriculture relies on strong and consistent cooperation across borders.”
At the Congress, ISF and representatives from the Chinese seed sector signed a framework agreement to collaborate further on key areas, such as germplasm exchange, plant breeding innovation, seed technology, IPR protection, seed marketing services, and international trade.
During a visit to Yazhou Bay Science and Technology City, Michael joined colleagues from the Chinese associations and the Asia Pacific Seed Association (APSA), where they learned more about China’s impressive efforts to optimize breeding, production, and create an enabling business environment. These efforts have greatly contributed to the innovative development of the seed industry and the movement of seeds around the globe.
“As we look ahead, one message is clear: collaboration is more vital than ever. Joint actions will drive progress in increasing seed choices for farmers, facilitating the movement of quality seeds, and contributing meaningfully to global food security,” said Michael.
ISF would like to thank CSA and CNSTA or their hospitality and their continued partnership.
