The official numbers are in: over three days, we welcomed 1,970 delegates, guests, and visitors from more than 80 countries at the ISF World Seed Congress 2025 in Istanbul, Türkiye. We also hosted a record-breaking 75 exhibition booths and 311 trading tables! All these figures indicate growing interest and engagement from ISF members and the wider agri-food industry in the Congress, which is undoubtedly the most important annual global event for the seed sector.
A huge THANK YOU to our hosts, TSUAB and TURKTED, our sponsors and exhibitors, and to all who came to make this yet another memorable and meaningful gathering!
“Discovering Bold Horizons”
Under the theme “Discovering Bold Horizons,” the congress emphasized the urgent need for collaboration, innovation, and trust to address pressing challenges in sustainable agriculture and food security.
Türkiye’s selection as the host country highlighted its significant position in global agriculture. With a rich history in seed breeding and a strategic geographical location bridging Europe and Asia, Türkiye plays a crucial role in seed production and trade. The country’s agricultural sector boasts over 1,100 seed companies and a robust legal framework supporting seed development and distribution.
KEY THEMES AND OUTCOMES
- Trust as a Foundation for Collaboration
A recurring message throughout the congress was the importance of building trust to foster collaboration across the seed value chain. Delegates, speakers, and guests highlighted that meaningful progress in the industry relies not just on technological advancements but also on strong relationships and shared values. This sentiment was encapsulated in discussions emphasizing that “the future belongs to the connected—not the loudest, not the biggest, but the most trusted.”
- Innovation Drives Sustainability
The congress exhibition floor showcased a surge in digital tools and services aimed at enhancing plant breeding efficiency and sustainability. Companies presented solutions ranging from AI-powered drone imaging to advanced genotyping techniques. These innovations enable the efficient and sustainable development of climate-resilient crops, ensuring food security in the face of changing environmental conditions.
- Unity Amid Uncertainty
Sessions tackled critical issues such as climate resilience, regulatory harmonization, and the role of seeds in sustainable food systems. Discussions highlighted the importance of international cooperation in navigating trade disruptions and geopolitical tensions that threaten seed availability and, by extension, global food security.
- Empowering the Next Generation
The ISF Idea Bootcamp, organized by Foodback and ImpactHub Istanbul with support from Indo-American Hybrid Seeds, Rijk Zwaan, and TSUAB, provided a platform for early-stage startups to pitch innovative solutions addressing challenges in the broader Turkish food and agricultural sectors. Additionally, the launch of the ISF Seed Resilience Foundation marked a commitment to supporting initiatives that promote youth engagement in the seed industry. For the third consecutive year, the Future Generation Corner, this year powered by the NGIN delegation, provided Congress participants with an opportunity to meet the promising future of the seed sector.
Looking Ahead
As the congress concluded, participants expressed a renewed commitment to fostering trust, embracing innovation, and strengthening global partnerships. The collective efforts and shared insights from the ISF World Seed Congress 2025 set the stage for next year’s Congress in Lisbon and its theme, “Joint Actions, Resilient Futures.”#
- For those interested in exploring the sessions and discussions from the congress, video recordings are available on the ISF’s Channel World Seed YouTube channel.
- Audio recordings of the sessions will also be shared very soon on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!
- All event photos are available on Flickr.
