Michael Keller, ISF Secretary General, reaffirmed the importance of continuing efforts, particularly because of the increase in global population and difficulties due to climate changes.
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Monarch Willem-Alexander took part in the congress, co-organized by Dutch seed association Plantum, and visited the Plantum pavilion in recognition of the country's contribution to the global seed sector.
For this 100th anniversary, around 1,800 industry professionals, coming from 76 countries are presents.
During the opening speech, Beth Bechdol, Deputy Director General at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) insisted on the efforts of private seed sector to engage with multilateral organizations like the UN and public sector to ensure farmers all over the world have access to high-quality seeds.
A leading role for seed companies
“This year is not only the centenary year for ISF but also a pivotal year for global food systems, in which seeds are the very starting point,” said Michael Keller, ISF Secretary General.
He reaffirmed the importance of continuing efforts, particularly because of the increase in global population and difficulties due to climate changes.
For his part, Marco van Leeuwen, president of the International Seed Federation (ISF), recalled the importance of everyone's effort to achieve tomorrow's objectives. He thanked the involvement of every man and woman among the hundreds of thousands of employees in the seed world.
"Supplying farmers worldwide with the best quality seed of their choice, these companies have contributed to feed the world and will be ready for the challenges ahead.”
The World Seed Congress is the first of several events planned to mark the ISF’s centenary.
A second celebration, planned alongside the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) in July, will follow.