A global community. A shared mission. A future built on seed. It all starts here in Istanbul.
Merhaba (Hello!) from Istanbul — where the global seed sector has come together this week to shape the future of agriculture.
Starting Monday, May 19 and running through to Wednesday, May 21, more than 1,500 delegates from over 70 countries will engage in conversations that matter — diving deep into innovation, sustainability, trade, and food security. Whether you’re walking the halls of the Congress or tuning in from afar, this is where global dialogue turns into meaningful action.
A Powerful Start
Day 1 set the tone for the days ahead: energized, thought-provoking, and full of momentum. The morning kicked off with inspiring keynotes and the vibrant rhythm of traditional Turkish dancers, followed by a day packed with connection — from buzzing networking zones to packed meeting rooms.
On Monday, the conversations spanned everything from climate challenges to new trade partnerships, from innovation in seed tech to the foundational role of seed in global food systems. New partnerships were formed, old friends reconnected, and the tone was clear: the seed industry is not waiting for change — it’s leading it.
As Michael Keller, Secretary General of the International Seed Federation, emphasized in his opening keynote:
“We should always have in mind that true progress only happens in connection. It is not built in isolation. It is through trust, through the drive to cross borders and build bridges. Nowhere does that apply more than for us in the seed sector. Seeds cross borders. Seeds connect science with soil. Seeds are movement; seeds are potential. And yes, seeds are connections.”
A Congress Buzzing with Energy
If you’re wondering what the atmosphere feels like on the ground, here’s the short answer:
Buzzing. Energized. Hopeful.
From early morning coffees to late-day strategy sessions, Istanbul is alive with connection. Ideas are flying, deals are sparking, and the global seed community is showing up — with purpose and passion.
We asked a few attendees to put the vibe into words. Here’s what they said:
“First impressions of the day: it’s buzzing. The atmosphere is really exciting; we’re meeting lots of new people and getting lots of new information from lots of customers, potential customers.”
– Pippa Handley, Germains Seed Technology (UK)
“What I see is extremely, extremely crowded—in a good way. So many people from the industry. I feel like this year is a bit busier than even the previous years. Maybe it’s ‘cause it’s in Türkiye, I don’t know, but I love what I see.”
– Tacettin Tan, Tanis Seed Processing Tech (Türkiye)
“I’m feeling energized here at ISF World Seed Congress by meeting our customers and meeting our team from all over the world.”
– Guido Ramirez Caceres, Syngenta (Spain)
“Day one: the whole global seed sector is here. It gives me hope.”
– Süleyman Yavuz, TSÜAB (Türkiye)
As the conversations continue and ideas take root, one thing is clear: World Seed Congress 2025 isn’t just about where the seed industry is today—it’s about where we’re going, together.
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