Congress
program
| Sunday, 26 May | Venue | Location | Level | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | Shuttle pick up for the Golf Tournament  | Mainport hotel | |||
| 07:30 | 14:30 | Golf Tournament | Broekpolder Golfclub | ||
| 13:00 | 18:00 | Registration | Ahoy | Ground floor | |
| 16:00 | 18:00 | Charity cruise in Rotterdam, sponsored by  | External venue | ||
| 19:00 | 22:00 | ISF President’s Dinner (by invitation only) | External venue |
| TRADE DAY | Venue | Location | Level | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 18:00 | Registration | Ahoy | Ground floor | |
| 09:00 | 10:45 | Opening Ceremony | Ahoy | RTM Stage | Ground floor |
| 11:00 | 18:00 | Trading Tables | Ahoy | Rotterdam | Level 3 |
| 11:00 | 11:30 | Channel World Seed 1: “Global Seed Movement: Challenges and Opportunities in Treated Seed Trade” | Ahoy | Port 1 | Level 3 |
| 11:30 | 12:30 | Press Reception | Ahoy | Dock 13 | Level 2 |
| 12:00 | 14:00 | Lunch | Ahoy | Foyers + port 1 | Level 2 & 3 |
| 12:00 | 12:30 | Channel World Seed sponsored by Germains Seed Technology “Seeding a Sustainable Future – Innovations in Seed Solutions” | Ahoy | Port 1 | Level 3 |
| 12:00 | 13:00 | A moderated panel discussion hosted by Corteva Agriscience “Gene Editing and its multiple angles: Benefits, Intellectual Property and Licensing” | Ahoy | Dock 10 | Level 2 |
| 12:30 | 13:30 | Value Chain Forum (on invitation only) | Ahoy | ||
| 13:00 | 13:30 | Channel World Seed sponsored by Syngenta Seedcare “Looking to the Future-Understanding Control Methods for Fusarium and Pythium” | Ahoy | Port 1 | Level 3 |
| 13:15 | 14:15 | Keynote Talk by Jan Peter Balkenende, former Prime Minister of the Netherlands “Global Shifts: Understanding the Decline of Globalization”
| Ahoy | Dock 10 | Level 2 |
| 14:30 | 15:00 | Channel World Seed 2: Launching the ‘100 Years of ISF’ book | Ahoy | Port 1 | Level 3 |
| 15:00 | 15:30 | Pop-up event: Author signing of the ‘100 Years of ISF’ book with Mr. Bernard Le Buanec | Ahoy | Future Generation Corner | Level 3 |
| 15:30 | 16:00 | Coffee break | Ahoy | Foyers + Port 1 | Level 2 & 3 |
| 15:30 | 16:00 | Channel World Seed 3: “Seeding success: Unveiling the role and impact of the World Seed Partnership” | Ahoy | Port 1 | Level 3 |
| 16:00 | 17:00 | Panel Discussion 1: “Navigating the New Global Order: What is the future of seed trade?” | Ahoy | Dock 10 | Level 2 |
| 16:30 | 17:00 | NGIN event Designing the Future Seeds Workshop | Ahoy | Future Generation Corner | Level 3 |
| 17:00 | 18:00 | NGIN event Unlocking the Potential of Youth and Web3 in the Global Seed Industry: A Giant Leap for SOS Lab | Ahoy | Future Generation Corner | Level 3 |
| 19:00 | 22:00 | Welcome Party | SS Rotterdam |
–
| INNOVATION DAY | Venue | Location | Level | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 15:00 | Registration | Ahoy | Ground floor | |
| 08:00 | 18:00 | Trading tables | Ahoy | Rotterdam | Level 3 |
| 08:30 | 09:00 | Channel World Seed 4: “ABS for DSI: What’s in it for agriculture and food security?” | Ahoy | Port 1 | Level 3 |
| 09:00 | 10:00 | Panel Discussion 2: “Unlocking the Full Potential of Plant Breeding Innovation in across Frontiers” | Ahoy | Dock 10 | Level 2 |
| 10:00 | 10:30 | Channel World Seed 5: “Addressing Microplastics in Seed Treatments” | Ahoy | Port 1 | Level 3 |
| 10:00 | 10:30 | Coffee Break | Ahoy | Foyers + port 1 | Level 2 & 3 |
| 11:00 | 11:30 | NGIN event “IP Session” | Ahoy | Future Generation Corner | Level 3 |
| 11:00 | 11:30 | Channel World Seed sponsored by Syngenta Seedcare “Seeding Success with Digital Innovation” | Ahoy | Port 1 | Level 3 |
| 12:00 | 12:30 | Channel World Seed 6: “Clever minds got dirty hands: How appealing is the seed sector for talented young people?” | Ahoy | Port 1 | Level 3 |
| 12:00 | 14:00 | ISF Women’s Luncheon | Ahoy | Dock 13 | Level 2 |
| 13:00 | 13:30 | Channel World Seed 7: “Consumer perception and acceptance of gene-edited products” | Ahoy | Port 1 | Level 3 |
| 13:30 | 14:00 | NGIN event “Access to Seeds Session” | Ahoy | Future Generation Corner | Level 3 |
| 14:30 | 15:30 | Panel Discussion 3: “The role of the seed sector in the COP28 Emirates Declaration on Sustainable Agriculture, Resilient Food Systems, and Climate Action” | Ahoy | Dock 10 | Level 2 |
| 15:30 | 16:00 | Coffee Break | Ahoy | Foyers + Port 1 | Level 2 & 3 |
| 15:30 | 16:00 | Channel World Seed sponsored by Bayer “From seeds to Eco-systems: the elements of Regenerative Agriculture” | Ahoy | Port 1 | Level 3 |
| 15:30 | 16:00 | Pop-up event: fireside chat with Simon Groot | Ahoy | Future Generation Corner | Level 3 |
| 16:00 | 17:00 | Panel Discussion 4: “Innovative public-private partnerships for development: What are the bottlenecks and opportunities?” | Ahoy | Dock 10 | Level 3 |
| 17:00 | 18:00 | Future Generation ‘Speed Networking’ (ISF and NGIN) | Ahoy | Future Generation Corner | Level 3 |
| 17:00 | 18:00 | Corteva Happy Hour! | Ahoy | Booth 3.10 | Level 3 |
| FUTURE HORIZONS DAY | Venue | Location | Level | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 12:00 | Registration | Ahoy | Ground floor | |
| 08:00 | 18:00 | Trading tables | Ahoy | Rotterdam | Level 3 |
| 08:30 | 09:00 | Channel World Seed 8: Seeds4Food Coalition (TBC) | Ahoy | Port 1 | Level 3 |
| 08:45 | 10:00 | Organized Chaos Session: “Navigating ISF into the next century” | Ahoy | Dock 10 | Level 2 |
| 10:00 | 10:30 | Channel World Seed 9: “Sowing Social Responsibility: Unveiling the Seed Sector’s Impact on Rural Communities” | Ahoy | Port 1 | Level 3 |
| 11:00 | 11:30 | Channel World Seed 10: “Seed Resilience Project: Updates from Rwanda” | Ahoy | Port 1 | Level 3 |
| 12:00 | 14:00 | Lunch | Ahoy | Foyers + Port 1 | Level 2 & 3 |
| 13:00 | 13:30 | NGIN event “Seed Biotechnology Quiz” | Ahoy | Future Generation Corner | Level 3 |
| 14:00 | 15:00 | Panel Discussion 5: “Whither the seed? The seed sector in a polarized and fragmented world” | Ahoy | Dock 10 | Level 2 |
| 14:30 | 15:00 | Channel World Seed sponsored by Corteva Agriscience “A discussion with Leonardo Costa from Corteva Agriscience on business opportunities in Seed Applied Technologies” | Ahoy | Port 1 | Level 3 |
| 15:30 | 16:00 | Coffee break | Ahoy | Foyers + Port 1 | Level 2 & 3 |
| 15:30 | 16:00 | Channel World Seed 11: NGIN “Science2Seed launch | Ahoy | Port 1 | Level 3 |
| 15:30 | 18:00 | ISF General Assembly | Ahoy | Dock 10 | Level 2 |
| 19:00 | 01:00 | Farewell Get-Together | RDM Oderzeebootloods |
| Organized Field Visits | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 08:00 | 19:00 | Seed Valley Region: Visit to Syngenta, Incotec, Enza and Seed Processing Holland | FULLY BOOKED | ||
| 09:00 | 18:00 | Region Rotterdam: Visit to Bayer Vegetables Seeds and Rijk Zwaan | FULLY BOOKED | ||
| 09:00 | 18:00 | Region Zeeland: Visit to DLF and Meijer Potato | FULLY BOOKED | ||
| 09:00 | 18:00 | Region Wageningen: Keygene and the Wageningen University& Research | FULLY BOOKED | ||
This event is organized by:  |
Panels &
Speakers
Opening ceremony
Panel 1
panel 2
WOMEN's LUNCHEON
panel 3
panel 4
new event!
panel 5
CHANNEL WORLD SEED
Channel World Seed Studio
Chanel World Seed is ISF’s own live broadcast platform with a TV-style studio set in the Congress venue. It will air content to the onsite attendees (exhibition area) and the virtual audience via Channel World Seed.
This year’s program includes sponsored sessions as well as panel-style discussions moderated by Scottish agriculture commentator and Nuffield Farming scholar, Claire Taylor. Consult the Congress program for more information.
Social Events
Sunday Pre-congress activity
Golf Tournament
Get involved! Join the fun!
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 5’000 EUR, provided by Incotec, for the winning team’s a 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:
Near the city centre of Rotterdam but set in tranquil surroundings, Broekpolder Golf Club with its open fairways and wide views is known for its beauty, its water features and the quality of its greens.
- Date: 26 May 2024
- Location: Broekpolder Golf Club
- Hotel Pick up: 07:00h
- Tournament: 08:30h – 12:30h
- Lunch: 13:00h
- Hotel Drop off: 14:30h
Registration:
During congress registration (don’t forget to email your handicap to isfwsc@kit-group.org after registration).
Price:
310 euros including green fee, lunch and transportation
Equipment rental:
A limited number of clubs, golf carts and trollies are available for renting.
Cancellations:
See Cancellations section.
ISF thanks Incotec for kindly sponsoring this event:
Sunday afternoon Charity River cruise in Rotterdam
In collaboration with Germains Seed Technology, we are happy to introduce a captivating new event on Sunday afternoon, that will give everyone the opportunity to come together for a delightful river cruise along the Nouvelle Meuse River in Rotterdam.
For this event, all participants are requested to donate 50€ that will be equally distributed among two deserving charitable associations, the Seed Resilience Foundation and Voedsel Bank, a dutch local food bank. Germains are kindly covering all of the cost of the event for attendees.
This is not just an event; it’s a chance to enjoy the scenic beauty of Rotterdam, make connections with other delegates while making a positive impact in the community. Accompanying persons are welcome to join this event as well. Please register through the registration platform.
Program: Activity full
- Sunday 26 May 2024
- Activity: 2-hour boat trip with complimentary bar and snacks. An Audio guide will also be available with information on all points of interest on the route.
- Departure: 16:00 from Boompjeskade
- Return: 18:00 at Boompjeskade (For those attending the President Dinner a shuttle will be provided.)
- Donation price: 50€
Thank you to Germains Seed Technology who is kindly sponsoring this event.
Accompanying Persons Program
Welcome to Rotterdam, a city that seamlessly blends modern innovation with historical charm. As you embark on your journey through this captivating destination, prepare to be enchanted by its iconic skyline, bustling harbor, and vibrant cultural scene.
From its cutting-edge architecture to its rich maritime heritage, Rotterdam offers a tapestry of experiences that cater to every traveler’s interests. Join us as we explore the hidden gems, savor the culinary delights, and immerse ourselves in the diverse neighborhoods that make Rotterdam a true gem in the heart of the Netherlands. Whether you’re an art aficionado, a food enthusiast, a history buff, or simply seeking adventure, Rotterdam promises an unforgettable expedition that will leave you with cherished memories and a longing to return. So, gear up to uncover the treasures of Rotterdam and let the journey begin!
We are pleased to present the program that has been designed for Accompanying Person. All tours include transfers, lunch, entrances, guides, gratuity, and drinks allowance during lunch.
The fee for the 3 days for an Accompanying person is 1000 EUR.
Monday 27 May 2024
Rotterdam Tour
After the gathering you are going to explore the city center of Rotterdam by foot under guidance of professional guides.
Lunch will be served at restaurant Bazar on the Witte de Withstreet. After lunch you will take a watertaxi to the Splash Tours. During the 60 minutes drive you will see the skyline of Rotterdam. After the Splash tour you will take a watertaxi back to the city center.
- Half day tour: 11:00 – 15:30
- Lunch included
- Price: 165 EUR for delegate
Tuesday 28 may 2024
The Hague and Delft Tour
With a professional guide you will discover The Hague by foot. The city of our royal family and our government. Following we will enjoy the lunch and will go to Delft by bus. At Delft you will visit the Royal Factory Delft (Delft Blue), Marketplace with cityhall, Nieuwe Kerk (new church) and you can visit the Prinsenhof Museum. After this enerveting day we will bring you back to Rotterdam by bus.
- Full day tour: 08:45 – 17:30
- Lunch included
- Price: 215 EUR for delegates
Wednesday 29 May 2024
Kinderdijkt Tour
750 years of living with water. How inhabitants make and keep their land liveable through hard work and smart organisation. How mills, millers, nature and the typically Dutch landscape move with the times. And how the rest of the Netherlands and the world can learn from innovative water management. You can see and experience this unique area with your own eyes this morning.
After lunch we will go back to Rotterdam by bus.
- Half day tour: 08:45 – 13:30
- Lunch included
- Price: 135 EUR for delegates
Venue
An ideal place for business !
The ISF World Seed Congress 2024 will provide many opportunities to conduct business in small or large group settings.
From the Trading Floor to the Exhibition area and Private Meeting Rooms, delegates will find exceptional meeting facilities that meet their needs.
During the annual ISF World Seed Congress, ISF organizes panel discussion on ISF key topics. These meetings are open to all ISF members and provide the participants with an update of what has been done over the past years.
These meetings also serve to set the positions that ISF will be taking in its outreach efforts to external stakeholders. Should you wish to make your voice heard, these would be the meetings to go to.
Congress venue
Rotterdam Ahoy is a large, multi-purpose event complex located in Rotterdam, Netherlands. It is one of the most prominent venues in the country, known for hosting a wide variety of events, including concerts, conferences, sports competitions, trade shows, and exhibitions.
Rotterdam Ahoy is conveniently located and easily accessible, with good transportation connections.
The architecture of Rotterdam Ahoy is characterized by its modern and versatile design. The complex consists of several interconnected buildings that serve different purposes. The section of the Ahoy Convention Centre offers extensive conference and exhibition facilities, making it a popular choice for business gatherings, trade shows, and exhibitions. It has various meeting rooms and halls of different sizes, equipped with modern technology and amenities.
Rotterdam Ahoy has undergone various renovations and expansions to modernize its facilities and keep up with the demands of hosting large events. These developments have helped maintain its status as a premier event destination.
Venue address:
Internet
Complimentary Wi-Fi will be available for all participants throughout the Congress venue.
Social Events
Welcome Party
A fun and informal get-together to enjoy local culture and network opportunities.
Date: Monday, 27 May 2024
Time: 19 :00 – 22:00
Venue: SS Rotterdam, 3e Katendrechtse Hoofd 25,
Dress code: Business casual
Women’s Luncheon
On day 2, we are putting the spotlight on women in the seed sector to inspire leadership, effect lasting change, and create more opportunities for inclusiveness in our industry.
Date: Tuesday, 28 May 2024
Time: 12:00 – 14:00
Venue: Ahoy Congress, Dock 14, Level 2
Future Generation corner
Over the three days of the congress, we are offering a unique space for exchange among young professionals in our industry.
If you are 40 and below, don’t miss this chance to meet, mingle, and network in a cozy, casual environment within the Congress.
Date: Monday-Wednesday, 27-29 May 2024
Time: 08:00 – 18:00
Venue: Ahoy Congress, Port 1, Level 3
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!
Date: Wednesday, 29 May 2024
Time: 19:00 – 01:00
Venue: RDM Onderzeeboothloods (Submarine Wharf)
Dress code: Business casual
Transfer:
For all registered delegates and those attending this event, we will provide an optional boat transfer to the event location.
For the return transfer, we will provide bus shuttles only.
Thursday Thematic Day
This year the Thematic Day is organized with Plantum, in collaboration with several esteemed Seed Valley companies.
This is offering exclusive post-congress tours on May 30th. These tours are a unique opportunity to explore cutting-edge facilities and gain insights into the latest advancements in the seed industry. There are four routes that you can choose, providing a diverse and enriching experience.
ALL THE ROUTES ARE FULLY BOOKED.
The following routes will be organized:
Program:
Participation to the post-congress tours will costs 50 euro on a first come first serve basis. Registration via the registration platform.