Program Highlights
at WSC 2026
Explore the key challenges and opportunities driving the global seed sector
Agri-food systems are under pressure as never before. Geopolitical tensions, climate shocks, conflict, and disrupted trade routes are reshaping how seed moves and how risk is shared. At the same time, rapid advances in plant breeding innovation, AI and digital tools are transforming what’s possible in fields and value chains around the world.
In this context, the seed sector sits at a critical junction of opportunity and responsibility. High-quality seed is the starting point of every harvest and a cornerstone of global food security. How the world collaborates—or fails to collaborate—around seed movement, innovation, and environmental and social responsibility will directly influence the resilience of farmers, markets and communities.
The ISF World Seed Congress 2026 in Lisbon will bring together the people who can act on this reality: decision-makers from across the global seed industry, value chain partners, policymakers, technical experts, innovators, and the next generation of ag leaders.
Our theme, “Joint Actions, Resilient Futures”, reflects a simple truth: no company, country, or organization can tackle these challenges alone.
Build your schedule
Registration Open
ICC
Ground floor
Golf Tournament sponsored by INCOTEC
Quinta da Marinha Golf Course
Charity boat cruise sponsored by GERMAINS SEED TECHNOLOGY
TBC
TBC
ISF President’s Dinner (by invitation only)
External venue
Registration Open
CCL
Foyer A
Ground floor
Opening Ceremony – Joint Actions, Resilient Futures
CCL
Auditorium I
First floor
Registration
CCL
Foyer A
Ground floor
Opening Ceremony – Joint Actions, Resilient Futures
CCL
Auditorium I
First floor
Lisbon Highlights – Half day tour
Belém & Parque das Noções
Press Conference
CCL
Mirror Restaurant
First floor
Channel World Seed – TBC
CCL
Exhibition
Ground floor
ISF Value Chain Forum – Seeds & Grains – Balancing Plant Breeding Innovation, Traceability and Consumer Needs
CCL
Mirror Restaurant
First floor
ISF Panel – Shocks, Shifts, and Silver Linings: What’s Ahead for Global Seed Markets?
CCL
Plenary Room
Ground floor
Welcome Party
Estufa Fria
Registration Open
ICC
Ground floor
Registration
CCL
Foyer A
Ground floor
ISF Panel – From Lab to Lunchbox: The Journey of Gene-Edited Foods
CCL
Plenary Room
Ground floor
Sintra, Cascais & Surroundings – Full day tour
ISF Panel – The Future of Family Business in the Seed Sector: Key Success Factor
CCL
Mirror restaurant
First floor
ISF Panel – Treaty: What now?
CCL
Plenary Room
Ground floor
Registration Open
ICC
Ground floor
Registration
CCL
Foyer A
Ground floor
Beyond ESG: What Sustainability Really Looks Like for Agriculture
CCL
Plenary Room
Ground floor
From Vision to Reality: Designing Truly Inclusive Seed Systems
CCL
Plenary Room
Ground floor
ISF President’s Dinner (by invitation only)
External venue
Ground floor
What to expect
The 2026 program in Lisbon will build on proven formats from recent congresses while responding to a fast-changing environment
You can expect:
1. High-level plenaries and themed panels tackling key issues, including:
- Geopolitics, trade and the future of multilateral cooperation for seed
- The business case for environmental and social responsibility in an uncertain world
- Breaking the policy deadlock on plant breeding innovation
- Market and investment trends, risks, and the economics of resilient seed systems
2. Trading floor, exhibition and B2B meetings
At the heart of the Congress remains what makes it indispensable to the industry:
- Dedicated trading areas and private meeting spaces
- An exhibition floor showcasing varieties, technologies, services and solutions from across the value chain
- Structured and informal networking opportunities with peers from all regions and segments of the sector
3. Channel World Seed – live onsite and online
Channel World Seed will again bring studio-style conversations and interviews, plus NEW product showcases to participants onsite and online—extending the reach of Lisbon discussions to a global audience.
4. Side events and special formats
From special events that tackle family business dynamics and value chain leadership to youth-led dialogues, innovation showcases and mentorship-focused gatherings, the program will highlight emerging voices and new forms of collaboration in the global seed sector.
Who should attend?
Seed company leaders from every region and crop segment
Breeders, scientists and R&D teams working on the next generation of varieties
Policy-makers, regulators and NPPO representatives engaged in trade, phytosanitary and innovation policy
Farmer organizations, value chain and input partners, financial and logistics service providers
NGOs, development agencies and multilateral organizations involved in food systems, climate, biodiversity and rural development
Join us in Lisbon
In a world defined by interdependence and uncertainty, resilience is not a slogan; it is a strategy.
For the global seed sector, resilience will be built through the choices we make together on trade, innovation, sustainability and collaboration.
Opening Ceremony
It is the official opening of the congress with official speeches.
Monday 18 May 2026
09:00 – 10:45
Auditorium 1
Welcome Party
A fun and informal get-together to enjoy local culture and network opportunities.
Monday 18 May 2026
19:00 – 23:00
Estufa Fria
Farewell Get Together
It marks the official close of the World Seed Congress. A modern event, with seated and standing tables to enjoy a last evening together. Don’t miss it!
Wednesday 20 May 2026
19:00 – 02:00
Convento do Beato
Petkus Academy
Seed Meets Cutting-Edge Technology – Your Success Begins Here!
Did you know that modern seed carries an impressive amount of technology within it? From innovative breeding and genetics to intricate processing steps – every phase involves state-of-the-art technology. But the real key to YOUR economic success lies in using all these technologies effectively and strategically.
Welcome to the PETKUS Academy – the platform where we transform expert knowledge and cutting-edge technology into your personal skill set!
Our specialist seminars offer more than just theory: You will experience the latest technologies in seed production firsthand, presented by selected experts who will guide you through the best application strategies. In interactive discussion sessions, you’ll also have the chance to ask individual questions and receive advice from experienced professionals.
PETKUS has always been synonymous with cutting-edge technologies for seed production – and the PETKUS Academy takes it a step further. We share our knowledge and show you how to successfully apply it in practice.
Take the next step into your future – with the PETKUS Academy!
Each lecture is included in your registration fee and will take place during the 3-day Congress.
Channel World Seed
Chanel World Seed is ISF’s own live broadcast platform with a TV-style studio set in the Congress venue. It airs content to the onsite attendees (exhibition area) and the virtual audience via Channel World Seed.
This year’s program includes sponsored sessions and panel-style discussions in shorter formats. Subscribe to Channel World Seed to get all the updates, watch the sessions live, join the conversation, and even ask questions!
Future Generation
Following two successful editions, ISF is once again partnering with the Next Generation Agriculture Impact Network (NGIN) to bring Future Generation Ambassadors from around the world to the ISF World Seed Congress 2026 in Lisbon. At the congress, Future Generation Ambassadors will host events at the Future Generation Corner, participate in panel discussions and engage with leaders and mentors from the global seed sector.
NGIN is a global, intergenerational, and multistakeholder network platform for, with, and by NextGen Agricultural Leaders. ISF thanks Bayer for its support of the Future Generation Corner at the ISF World Seed Congress 2026 in Lisbon
Cultivation Corner (TBC)
More information will come at a later stage.
Accompanying person program
Monday half day
More details will follow
Tuesday full day
More details will follow
Wednesday half day
More details will follow
Social Events