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
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
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
Accompanying Persons: 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, Transparency 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
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
Accompanying Persons: Sintra, Cascais & Surroundings – Full day tour
ISF Panel – The Future of Family Business in the Seed Sector: Key Success Factors
CCL
Mirror restaurant
First floor
ISF Panel – Sowing the Future: A New Deal for Global Plant Genetic Resources ?
CCL
Plenary Room
Ground floor
Registration
ICC
Ground floor
Registration
CCL
Foyer A
Ground floor
ISF Panel – Beyond ESG: What Sustainability Really Looks Like for Agriculture
CCL
Plenary Room
Ground floor
Associate Members Lunch – Beyond Borders: How ‘Minilateral’ Deals Are Shaping the Future of Seeds (for Associate Members only)
CCL
Plenary Room
Ground floor
ISF Panel – From Vision to Reality: Designing Truly Inclusive Seed Systems
CCL
Plenary Room
Ground floor
Farewell Get-Together
Convento do Beato
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
- Journalists and members of the press interested in covering stories of seed innovation and seed sector collaboration and partnerships with the broader agri-food sector
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, First floor
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
Incotec Golf Tournament
ISF’s iconic golf tournament
The ISF Golf Tournament and Clinics sponsored by Incotec is the traditional kick off to the World Seed Congress week. Not only for seasoned golfers, but for everyone. Whether you are new to the game or an experienced player, it is the perfect opportunity for a morning of networking, fun and friendly competition. There is a prize of 5000 euros, provided by Incotec, for the winning team’s charity of choice.
For beginners
If you don’t yet play, or just need some practice, sign up for the golf clinics offering a series of lessons and information about the sport.
For tournament participants
The format is Scramble – which is all about teamwork and shared success and is perfect for all skill levels. Sign up today to secure your spot.
Location: Situated in Cascais, the golf club Quinta Da Marinha offers a picturesque setting near the ocean, only minutes away from Lisbon. It combines convenience with the charm of a vibrant seaside town.
Date: 17 May 2026
Location: Quinta Da Marinha Golf Club
Hotel pick-up: 06:30
Tournament: 8:00 – 13:30
Lunch: 14:00
Hotel drop-off: 15:30
Registration: During congress registration (don’t forget to email your handicap to isfwsc@kit-group.org after registration).
Price: 250 euros including green fee, lunch and transportation
Equipment rental: A limited number of clubs, golf carts and trollies are available for renting.
Cancellations: See cancellation policy.
ISF thanks Incotec for kindly sponsoring this event.
PETKUS Academy
WHAT DO YOU NEED FOR THE PERFECT SEED?
Founded over 170 years ago in the heart of Germany, PETKUS develops and manufactures custom made seed and grain cleaning, conditioning and processing equipment and plants for almost all known crop types. The core character of PETKUS’ technology: innovation.
Based on all the knowledge and data collected over all these years, and proven by countless awards internationally, PETKUS Academy is the platform where our expert knowledge and modern technology is being presented to the audience.
“Joint Actions, Resilient Futures” at ISF shares the mindset of tackling future challenges together. By transferring not only theory but firsthand experience to the audience’s personal skillset, PETKUS Academy’s interactive discussion seminar will offer selected experts guiding you through the best application strategies in seed production and how to use these technologies effectively and strategically.
With focus on individual questions and challenges, these expert professionals will share current topics and trends about the impressive amount of innovative and state-of-the-art technology a modern seed needs to carry to become “the perfect seed”.
Join our seminars in May 2026 at the ISF WSC in Lisbon. Detailed descriptions of individual seminar will be shared soon, registration opens mid January.
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 Corner
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
The Cultivation Corner is a new space at the ISF World Seed Congress in Lisbon, designed to bring food, feed, retail, processing, and ingredient companies closer to the breakthrough seed innovation and genetics that determine the quality, sustainability, and diversity of their raw materials.
In this dedicated space, leaders from across industries can explore how seed science fuels their end products, opens up new business and product opportunities, and strengthens value chains from the very first input.
For food and feed companies, the Cultivation Corner offers a high-visibility platform to:
- Showcase your products, brands, and ambitions
- Share your priorities and insights directly with the seed sector
- Position yourself at the centre of a new strategic dialogue between food and seed
Join us at the source of innovation and elevate your presence within a curated environment that promotes collaboration, visibility, and strategic partnerships across the entire agri-food system.
Accompanying person program
Lisbon is a vibrant and charming coastal capital, known for its sunny weather, colorful hillsides, and welcoming atmosphere. Visitors can wander through historic neighbourhoods like Alfama and Belém, enjoy delicious local cuisine, and take in breathtaking views from the city’s many miradouros. Its surroundings offer easy access to beautiful beaches, the fairytale palaces of Sintra, and the elegant seaside towns of Cascais —making Lisbon the perfect base for exploring the region.
We are pleased to present the program designed for Accompanying Persons. All tours include transfer, lunch entrance.
The online Accompanying person fee is 750€ for 3 days.
Monday half day
Lisbon Highlights (Belém & Parque das Nações)
Join us for a captivating journey through Lisbon’s most iconic districts. We begin in Belém, where you’ll admire the impressive Jerónimos Monastery from the outside and enjoy a stop at the renowned Pastelaria de Belém to taste the original Pastel de Belém.
Next, stroll through the vibrant Baixa district—discover Praça do Comércio, wander down Rua Augusta, and admire the majestic Rua Augusta Arch, the heart of Lisbon’s historic center.
Our tour continues to Parque das Nações, the city’s modern waterfront district. Here you’ll enjoy striking contemporary architecture and stunning views of the Vasco da Gama Bridge, one of Europe’s longest.
We wrap up with a relaxing scenic drive back to CCL.
Price: 210€ per Delegate (included in the Accompanying person fee)
Tuesday full day
Sintra, Cascais & Surroundings
Join us for an exclusive tour through two of Portugal’s most enchanting destinations. We begin in Sintra with visits to the stunning Pena Palace and the mysterious Quinta da Regaleira, including its gardens and the iconic Initiation Well. A delicious traditional lunch follows, offering a taste of the local cuisine.
In the afternoon, enjoy breathtaking views at Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of mainland Europe, before ending the day exploring the elegant coastal town of Cascais, with its charming historic center and seaside atmosphere.
A complete and inspiring program designed to offer unforgettable moments.
Price: 220€ per Delegate (Included in the Accompanying person fee)
Wednesday half day
Lisbon Foodie Tour
Embark on a mouthwatering journey through Lisbon’s most authentic flavors. We begin with a curated tasting of Portuguese favorites — from juicy bifanas and savory codfish pastries to delicious bread and cured meat boards, cheeses, and regional wines.
Next, wander through lively local markets and iconic pastry shops, discovering the aromas, colors, and traditions that define Portuguese gastronomy.
The experience continues with brief guided stops in historic neighborhoods, where you’ll enjoy more local treats while soaking in the city’s charm.
Price: 180€ per Delegate (included in the Accompanying person fee)
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