World Seed Congress 2025 Opens in Istanbul Amid Global Trade Challenges

Istanbul, Türkiye – The 2025 World Seed Congress, the largest international gathering of seed industry professionals, convened this week in Istanbul with over 1,600 delegates from more than 70 countries. Organized by the International Seed Federation (ISF) in partnership with the Turkish National Organizing Committee, the event comes at a critical juncture for global agriculture, as ongoing trade tensions threaten the movement of seeds and, by extension, global food security.

Held under the theme “Discovering Bold Horizons,” the Congress is addressing key challenges affecting the seed sector today, including innovation in plant breeding, sustainability, and the mounting impact of climate change and geopolitical instability on agricultural supply chains.

One of the central concerns raised at the Congress is the growing strain on international seed trade caused by new tariffs and increasingly complex regulatory frameworks. Arthur Santosh Attavar, president of the ISF, emphasized the vital importance of cross-border cooperation in maintaining stable food systems.

“The seed industry is inherently global and depends on the free flow of seeds across borders,” Attavar said. “However, escalating trade barriers and a fragmented regulatory landscape are creating significant hurdles for companies worldwide.”

The Congress features a range of expert-led sessions covering critical topics such as climate-resilient seed varieties, biodiversity conservation, the fight against counterfeit seeds, and addressing public misinformation about the industry.

Michael Keller, ISF Secretary General, pointed to the extensive legal and regulatory requirements seed companies must meet to develop and distribute new varieties globally—from phytosanitary rules to intellectual property laws. The addition of new tariffs only increases the complexity and unpredictability facing the industry, he said.

“In such uncertain times, it’s essential to reassess every part of the agricultural value chain,” Keller noted. “With the combined pressures of climate change and conflict, global food security can only be achieved through international collaboration. This Congress is an important platform to unite our members and partners around a shared vision: ensuring quality seed is accessible to all in support of sustainable agriculture.”

Türkiye’s selection as the host country reflects its historical and ongoing leadership in agriculture. With a commercial seed breeding heritage that dates back to the 1880s, Türkiye now leads Europe in agricultural production and ranks among the top ten producers globally, according to World Bank data.

“We’re honoured to host the global seed community here in Türkiye,” said Burak Gönen, co-chair of the National Organizing Committee. “Our country’s unique position as a crossroads of continents, cultures, and agricultural innovation makes it an ideal venue for this event. It’s a chance to share our achievements and strengthen international partnerships.”

Yıldıray Gençer, also co-chair of the Turkish National Organizing Committee, added that the Congress represents more than a professional gathering—it’s a pivotal moment for policy alignment and strategic planning in the face of worldwide food system challenges.

“This event is a vital platform not only for knowledge exchange but also for reinforcing global cooperation. Seeds are at the heart of resilient food systems, and their importance in securing our future cannot be overstated,” Gençer said.

As the Congress continues throughout the week, participants are expected to develop actionable strategies for navigating regulatory uncertainty and advancing global food security through innovation and collaboration in the seed sector.