The International Seed Federation (ISF), in partnership with East-West Seed, Rijk Zwaan, and Corteva Agriscience, and in coordination with the African Seed Trade Association (AFSTA), will organize a panel discussion at the World Congress of Agricultural Journalists 2025 on 16 October 2025, 11 AM, in Nairobi, Kenya.
The Congress is co-organized by the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists (IFAJ) and MESHA – Media for Environment, Science, Health and Agriculture in Kenya, bringing together agricultural journalists to spotlight pressing issues in food and agriculture.
Roundtable Theme: “How Quality Seeds Uplift Farmers and Societies”
The ISF-led session will explore how seed choice shapes livelihoods and resilience, from smallholder farmers in East Africa to producers across the globe. Member company representatives will share real-world examples of how improved seed varieties drive yield, food security, and community wellbeing, while also underlining the critical role of information, training, and support beyond seed delivery.
“Quality seeds are the foundation of quality harvests,” emphasized ISF. “Yet, misconceptions about the seed sector often influence public perception and policy in ways that diverge from science and evidence. Through this dialogue, we aim to highlight how quality seeds benefit farmers and societies alike.”
A Platform for Dialogue and Impact
The roundtable will provide a platform to:
- Discuss the benefits of quality seeds in terms of impacting farmers’ lives and uplifting communities
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Address public misperceptions and strengthen trust in the seed industry
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Reinforce the role of partnerships in ensuring farmers have access not only to high-quality seeds but also to the knowledge and resources to optimize them
For more information about this event, please contact Airah Cadiogan, ISF Communications Manager.#
About ISF
ISF is a nonprofit, non-government organization advocating for the interests of the global seed industry since 1924. Its members span 75 countries. They currently account for 96% of the international seed trade. With official observer status in intergovernmental and international organizations and forums, ISF advocates for a world where quality seed is accessible to all. This supports food security and sustainable agriculture. www.worldseed.org
Contact: Airah Cadiogan, Communications Manager, International Seed Federation (ISF), a.cadiogan@worldseed.org
About East-West Seed
Founded in 1982 by World Food Prize Laureate Simon Groot, a sixth-generation Dutch seedsman, East-West Seed is a global leader in tropical vegetable seeds. It is present in 84 countries with 30 R&D centers in 9 countries, including in East Africa. Rooted in Asia and rapidly expanding in Africa and Latin America, we bridge knowledge between East and West. This helps deliver innovative, market-oriented varieties. In Kenya, we focus on high-quality seeds tailored to local conditions, helping farmers boost productivity and resilience. Additionally, we complement this with digital training and knowledge sharing. This ensures farmers can access practical guidance anytime, anywhere. www.eastwestseed.com
About Rijk Zwaan
Rijk Zwaan develops high-quality fruit and vegetable varieties for the professional agri-food sector. As an independent family-owned company, we operate globally in over 100 countries. With more than 30 different crops and over 2,000 varieties, we provide high-quality seeds to growers worldwide. Our aim is to offer a wide range of fruit and vegetable varieties. These are for high-tech greenhouse, protected cultivation, or open-field farming. By laying the foundations for healthy and appealing fruits and vegetables, we aim to actively contribute to the world’s food supply. Additionally, we stimulate fruit and vegetable consumption worldwide. www.rijkzwaan.com
About Corteva Agriscience
Corteva Agriscience is a global pure-play agriculture company that combines industry-leading innovation, high-touch customer engagement, and operational execution. It profitably delivers solutions for the world’s most pressing agriculture challenges. Corteva generates advantaged market preference through its unique distribution strategy. Together with its balanced and globally diverse mix of seed, crop protection, and digital products and services, Corteva leads the market. www.corteva.com
