5 key takeaways from the seed industry's most important event

The theme of this year’s congress, “Joint Actions, Resilient Futures” was at the heart of every panel, booth, and speech of the week-long event. With the industry facing ongoing geopolitical shocks, disrupted supply chains, and increasingly unpredictable growing conditions, “resilience” was the word on everyone’s lips.

But so was cooperation – which is the bedrock of industry-wide grit and longevity. As António Costa Silva, former Minister of Economy & Maritime Affairs, Republic of Portugal, urged: “We need to build more confidence, more trust, more mutual respect, more cooperation. Cooperation is essential to face not only the climatic threat, the destruction of ecosystems, the destruction of the top layer of our soils. On top of that, it's very important as well for Europe, for the other continents, to build these alliances, these platforms - as the International Seed Federation is doing - and enlarge this, because we need more cooperation, not less cooperation. We need more confidence in the world, not less confidence.”

His message brought home the very idea of the conference itself. What happens when global industry leaders come together to share ideas, experiences, and knowledge? Their collaborative conversations plant the seeds for better solutions for farmers - and a more sustainable food system for all of us.

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The theme of this year’s congress, “Joint Actions, Resilient Futures” was at the heart of the Syngenta Seedcare booth.

If resilience was the word of the week at ISF, then farmers are already putting that word to work. By necessity, strengthening farm resilience is the new imperative for growers around the world. Innovative seeds, products, and solutions are the building blocks that will get them there. That’s where agri-innovator companies like Syngenta, in collaboration with other industry leaders, can help.

“For farmers, innovation is only meaningful when it translates into productivity, resilience, and return on investment,” Emilhano Lima, Syngenta’s Global Head Seedcare and Biologicals, wrote in an exclusive editorial for ISF’s SeedWorld. “That’s why our approach combines advanced chemistry, seed genetics, and agronomic expertise to deliver solutions that perform not only in controlled trials, but in real farming conditions.”

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Emilhano Lima, Syngenta's Global Head Seedcare and Biologicals.

Syngenta’s X-TERRA® hybrid wheat technology is an example of this. Recently launched in France, these seeds harness the power of hybrid vigor to grow productive, reliable crops. Reflecting a broad-spectrum approach, the company’s breakthrough Seedcare™ solutions, including its VICTRATO® seed treatment, supports seeds to express their maximum yield potential by providing comprehensive protection during their critical establishment stage. Containing blockbuster TYMIRIUM® technology, this product offers farmers a new standard of early crop protection below and above ground.

It’s not a one-size-fits-all approach, either: the innovations that have a positive impact on all farmers will determine the future of agriculture.

Baking resilience into the agricultural industry means ensuring everyone is at the table at its most important discussions. That includes the farmers and industry leaders of the future.

That’s why the Future Generation Corner, a dedicated space for young agri-leaders, was integrated into the Congress itself. Powered by the Nextgen Ag Impact Network (NGIN) and IAAS Portugal - Associação Internacional de Estudantes de Agricultura, these changemakers enriched panel discussions and sessions throughout the week.

And their involvement was a particular highlight for Jeff Rowe, Syngenta’s Chief Executive. “Their energy and ambition were inspiring, and they’re already thinking about how to lead the future of agriculture,” he said of the NGIN representatives. “It reinforced what sits behind every innovation we shared at the Congress: progress comes from teams that blend diverse perspectives – fresh thinking of young talent combined with the experience of established leaders.”

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Jeff Rowe, Syngenta Group CEO, engaging with delegates at the Future Generation Corner.

The congress closed with the election of Lorena Basso as President of the ISF – the first woman to lead the federation in its 102-year history. She brings more than two decades of experience to the role, including as a member of ISF’s Board of Directors and as president of the Argentinian seed company, Basso Semillas.

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Lorena Basso makes her acceptance speech as incoming President of ISF.

“Being the first woman to serve as ISF President means a lot to me,” she said in an address to ISF members. She recognized the wider role women play in the seeds industry “in the field, in laboratories, in companies, in associations, in leadership roles, and many times behind the scenes”. Meanwhile Ellen Sparry, General Manager at C&M Seeds in Canada, was announced Vice President of the ISF. She's expected to succeed Basso as ISF President in 2028.

It comes as the UN celebrates 2026 as The International Year of the Women Farmer, spotlighting the essential, but often unrecognized, roles women hold across agrifood systems. The importance of encouraging, and celebrating, the role that women play in the seeds industry was also championed at the ISF’s Women’s Breakfast, sponsored by Syngenta Seedcare and hosted by Linda Pereira, UN International Consultant on Women's Economic Empowerment.

“Leadership is not about the title; it's about presence,” she said. “It's about being there. It's about saying something when you need to say it. For there to be more women in leadership, there must be more women in leadership. So, step up.”