Liberia Agricultural and Environmental Journalists Network (LAEJN) Promote informed journalism and public engagement on agricultural and environmental nalists Network (LAEJN)
By: Nukanah Kollie
LISBON, PORTUGAL—The World Seed Congress 2026, the world’s largest annual gathering of the seed sector, has concluded in Lisbon with record participation from more than 900 companies and organizations and the historic election of Lorena Basso as the first female President of the International Seed Federation (ISF) in its 102-year history.
Hosted by the ISF under the theme “Joint Actions, Resilient Futures,” the three-day congress brought together over 1,800 delegates and guests from 78 countries, including seed companies, policymakers, researchers, innovators, national and regional seed associations, value-chain actors, and emerging leaders in agriculture.
The gathering came at a critical time when climate shocks, geopolitical tensions, and trade disruptions continue to place pressure on global agri-food systems and food security.
According to ISF Secretary General Michael Keller, the Congress demonstrated the seed sector’s commitment to cooperation despite growing global uncertainty.
“The World Seed Congress in Lisbon has shown that, even in a time of constant change and volatility, our members, representing 96 percent of global seed trade, are committed to continue working together across regions, crops, business models, and generations to ensure farmers everywhere have access to quality seed,” Keller said.
Historic Leadership for Women in the Seed Sector
During the ISF General Assembly, delegates elected Lorena Basso, President of Basso Semillas in Argentina, as ISF President. Her election marks the first time a woman has led the federation since its establishment more than a century ago.
Basso, who has over two decades of experience in the seed industry and has served on the ISF Board of Directors, described the moment as significant not only for herself, but also for women across the agricultural and seed sectors, particularly in Latin America.
In her acceptance remarks, she paid tribute to women working across the seed value chain in laboratories, companies, farms, associations, and leadership roles, many of whom work behind the scenes.
“Being the first woman to serve as ISF President means a lot to me,” Basso stated. “And sharing this moment with a woman Vice President makes it even more special.”
Her remarks referenced the election of Ellen Sparry, General Manager of C&M Seeds, as ISF Vice-President, positioning her to assume the presidency in 2028.
Reflecting on her family’s history in the seed industry, Basso emphasized values of commitment, honesty, respect, and dedication to agricultural development.
“We are here because we believe that seeds matter,” she said. “We are here because we know that our work has an impact beyond ourselves on farmers, on food systems, on innovation, on climate resilience, and on future generations.”
Focus on Trade, Innovation, and Social Responsibility
The Congress also launched a new ISF guidance document titled “A Practical Guide for Seed Production: Navigating Social Rights and Ethical Practices in the Seed Sector.”
The voluntary framework aims to help seed companies, suppliers, growers, and associations strengthen responsible labor practices and ethical standards throughout the global seed value chain.
Throughout the Congress, representatives from organizations including the World Bank, the World Trade Organization (WTO), and the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) stressed the importance of maintaining open, predictable, and science-based seed trade systems.
Participants noted that developing commercial seed varieties often involves breeding, testing, production, quality assurance, and distribution processes across multiple countries, making international cooperation essential for ensuring farmer access to quality seed and safeguarding global food security.
Discussions also focused on plant breeding innovation, including new genomic technologies, and the need for regulatory systems that support scientific advancement while avoiding unnecessary trade and research barriers.
Protecting Plant Genetic Resources
Another major theme of the Congress was the conservation and sustainable use of plant genetic resources, which experts described as the foundation for biodiversity, climate adaptation, crop improvement, and long-term food security.
Delegates called for stronger investments in gene banks and deeper public-private partnerships to conserve, characterize, and make plant genetic resources available for research, breeding, and farmer resilience.
“The discussions in Lisbon were not only about the challenges before us, but more importantly, about the responsibility and opportunity of the seed sector to help shape what comes next,” Congress organizers noted.
Portugal Hosts Global Dialogue
The Congress was hosted in cooperation with ANSEME, whose members represent nearly 90 percent of Portugal’s seed market. Organizers said Portugal’s strategic agricultural ties with Europe and the Lusophone world made Lisbon a fitting venue for discussions on climate adaptation, innovation, farmer access to improved seed, and international collaboration.
The World Seed Congress remains one of the most influential global platforms for shaping policy dialogue, innovation, trade cooperation, and sustainability in the seed and agricultural sectors.
