The International Seed Federation (ISF) wishes to extend its deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Mr. Simon Nanne Groot, who passed away yesterday. A sixth-generation seedsman, Mr. Groot was a true pioneer in the seed industry, leading the way for commercial vegetable breeding for smallholder farmers in tropical countries. More than 40 […]
ISF Mourns the Passing of Mr. Simon Nanne Groot Read More »
ISF’s Rose Souza Richards, Phytosanitary Affairs Manager, and Ben Rivoire, Sustainability and Crop Value Chain Manager, participated in discussions on food security, innovation, and trade at the International Grains Conference 2025 held in London, UK, on 10-11 June 2025. Rose spoke on a panel addressing Africa’s food system, where she highlighted the potential of digital
ISF at the International Grains Conference 2025 Read More »
From 9–13 June, ISF participated in the OECD Seed Schemes Annual Meeting held in Hyderabad, India. The meeting brings together government officials, industry leaders, and representatives of international organizations such as the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) to discuss the future of the global seed trade. Representing ISF were Khaoula Belhaj-Fragnière, ISF Regulatory Affairs Manager;
From 16-20 June, over 65 members of the International Seed Health Initiative (ISHI) gathered in Sapporo, Japan, for the annual Technical Meeting. This year’s meeting featured a new structure that allowed project leads to present progress and challenges on their projects in a plenary format, as well as make progress towards key milestones in the
ISHI Technical Meeting 2025: Advancing Seed Health in Sapporo, Japan Read More »
At the recent FAO Global Conference on Biotechnologies for a Sustainable Future, ISF Secretary General Michael Keller and Regulatory Affairs Manager Khaoula Belhaj-Fragnière contributed to dynamic panel discussions alongside global leaders and policymakers. Under the theme “Driving Agrifood Systems Transformation,” the conference spotlighted the power of biotechnologies—from gene editing to AI-driven breeding tools—in building resilient,
State of Seed—the Webby-nominated podcast from the International Seed Federation (ISF) and produced by FP Studios—returns for a second season on Friday, 27 June 2025! In State of Seed, host Laura Rosbrow-Telem explores how seeds feed and sustain the planet. More than half of what we eat comes from seeds, yet most of us know
‘State of Seed’ Podcast Returns for a Second Season! Read More »
ISF is delighted to welcome Thessa Dupeyron as our new Events and Administrative Coordinator. With a background in hospitality and a passion for delivering meaningful event experiences, she brings a fresh perspective and global mindset to the ISF team. From the Olympic Museum to the ISF World Seed Congress in Istanbul, her journey reflects both
Meet Thessa Dupeyron, ISF’s Events and Administrative Coordinator Read More »
PUBLIC VOTING POSSIBLE UNTIL 17 APRIL Nyon, Switzerland – “State of Seed,” a podcast from ISF produced by Foreign Policy Magazine‘s FP Studios, has been nominated for Best Podcast – Limited Series (Health, Science & Education) and Best Branded Podcast or Segment (with Foreign Policy) in the 29th Annual Webby Awards. Hailed as the “Internet’s
‘State of Seed’ Nominated for 2 Webby Awards Read More »
The ISF Secretariat is in discussion with Besso, an AI-for-Trade startup based in Switzerland, to explore a strategic collaboration benefiting ISF and its member companies. Besso specializes in optimizing international food and beverage supply chains by simplifying compliance with complex trade regulations, particularly through Free Trade Agreement (FTA) preferences. The proposed partnership focuses on two
ISF explores collaboration with AI for Trade Startup Read More »
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
ISF Strengthens Global Collaboration at the 2025 China Seed Congress Read More »
Paris, France — ISF Regulatory Affairs Manager Khaoula Belhaj-Fragnière joined the OECD Working Party meetings on the Safety of Novel Foods and Feeds (SNFF) and the Harmonization of Regulatory Oversight in Biotechnology (HROB), held at the OECD Headquarters from March 24 to 28, 2025. The meetings convened a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including government officials, industry
ISF Supports Global Policy Alignment on Plant Breeding Innovation at OECD Meetings Read More »
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam — On March 4-5, representatives, ISF joined other representatives at the ePhyto Capacity-Building Workshop, which is part of the STDF-funded project “Strengthening Phytosanitary Compliance to Boost Seed Trade in the Asia-Pacific” (STDF/PG/755). ISF was represented by Phytosanitary Affairs Manager Dr. Rose Souza Richards/ This workshop marked a milestone in Vietnam’s
