Osijek, Croatia – On 19 September, ISF took part in the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists (IFAJ) World Congress 2026 in Croatia, represented by ISF’s Legal Director on Intellectual Property & Genetic Resources, Dr. Lorelei Garagancea. In coordination with the Croatian Agency for Agriculture and Food (HAPIH) and the Global Crop and Diversity Trust, ISF
Geneva, Switzerland – Trade, innovation and sustainability were at the heart of discussions at the WTO Public Forum 2026, held under the theme “Powering the Future,” at the WTO headquarters on 15-17 September 2026. The event brought together representatives from governments, business, academia, civil society and international organizations to explore how trade can support economic
ISF at the WTO Public Forum 2026 in Geneva Read More »
Galicia, Spain – From September 8-11, 2026, members of ISF’s Tree & Shrub (TAS) section gathered in Galicia, Spain, for their Annual Meeting, hosted at the Parador de Santo Estevo. ISF’s Ben Rivoire, Director of Sustainable and Crop Value Chain Engagements, represented ISF at the meeting. The TAS Group brings together ISF members involved in
ISF Tree & Shrub Group Holds Annual Meeting in Galicia Read More »
Norwich, UK — On September 7, 2026, ISF took part in a meeting hosted by Prof. Sophien Kamoun of the Sainsbury Laboratory at Assembly House in Norwich, UK, where ISF’s Director of Innovation, Trade and Market Access, Dr. Khaoula Belhaj-Fragniere, was invited to speak on global Plant Breeding Innovation (PBI) policy. Norwich sits at the
ISF Speaks on Plant Breeding Innovation Policy in Norwich Read More »
Beijing, China — On September 4-9, ISF’s Dr Rosineide Souza Richards, Director of Phytosanitary Affairs and Seed-Related Innovation, appeared at three events to bring the global seed sector’s practical experience into conversation with Chinese regulators, researchers and industry, underscoring the importance of proportionate, evidence-based phytosanitary regulation. A joint seminar on international seed trade On 7–8
Beijing, China — As China develops guidelines for essentially derived varieties (EDVs) and establishes an administrative process to determine EDV status, ISF’s participation in the Beijing Seed Industry Association Congress on 4 September offered a timely opportunity to explain the international seed industry’s approach. Dr. Lorelei Ana Garagancea, ISF Legal Director, presented ISF’s position on
ISF brings the international seed industry’s perspective to developing EDV frameworks Read More »
Kigali, Rwanda — From September 1–3, 2026, ISF Secretary General Michael Keller participated in the African Food Systems Forum, one of the continent’s leading platforms for advancing food systems transformation. Michael represented the global private seed sector on a panel on investment in crops, highlighting the importance of quality seeds in the broader food systems
ISF Highlights Role of Seeds in Food Security at African Food Systems Forum 2026 Read More »
Gwangju, Republic of Korea – Dr. Khaoula Belhaj Fragnière, ISF Director of Innovation, Trade & Market Access, represented the International Seed Federation at the prestigious Korean Society of Plant Biotechnology Conference held under the theme “Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation & Plant Biotechnology” from 12-14 August 2026 at the Kim Dae-jung Convention Center. Speaking during
ISF Brings Global Seed Industry Perspective to Korea Plant Biotechnology Conference Read More »
Guatemala City, Guatemala — The Guatemalan Seed Association (ASEG) celebrated its tenth anniversary under the theme “Seeds for a Better Future,” reaffirming Guatemala’s position as a leader in quality seed production. ASEG President Byron Cuéllar, in his opening remarks, highlighted the country’s agroecological, productive and human capacities, as well as the strategic value of seed
ASEG Marks 10 Years Connecting Guatemala to the Global Seed Sector Read More »
The International Seed Federation welcomes the European Parliament’s final adoption of the new EU Regulation on New Genomic Techniques (NGTs). In a world where innovation is essential to strengthen food and nutrition security amid worsening climate change and increasing geopolitical uncertainty, plant breeders must have access to the broadest possible toolbox in Europe and elsewhere. Michael Keller, ISF Secretary-General, shared:
At World Seed Congress 2026, a panel moderated by Julie Borlaug of the Borlaug Foundation examined how to build seed systems that are truly inclusive and responsive to farmers’ needs. Bringing together researchers, industry experts and a farmer from the Philippines, the discussion focused on a simple reality: innovation only succeeds when farmers can access
Inclusive Seed Systems: From vision to reality Read More »
At the World Seed Congress 2026 in Lisbon, a panel discussion on international trade, climate change and plant health explored how the seed sector can help deliver food security in an increasingly complex global environment. Featuring Enrico Perotti, Secretary of the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC), Lloyd Day, Deputy Director General at the Inter-American Institute
