Nyon, Switzerland (January 13, 2025) - The World Agriculture Forum (WAF) announces the appointment of Michael Keller, Secretary General of the International Seed Federation (ISF), to its Board of Directors. With a career spanning over two decades, Keller is a globally recognized leader in seed and agricultural development, advocating for sustainable farming and food security.
Under Keller's leadership since 2014, ISF has championed the vision of making quality seed accessible to farmers worldwide, fostering innovation, and building partnerships to advance sustainable agriculture. His commitment to creating an enabling environment for the private seed sector has strengthened collaboration between governments, non-governmental organizations, and civil society, addressing critical issues like food security and the Sustainable Development Goals.
Keller's extensive expertise includes agricultural policy, seed innovation, international law, and advocacy. His career highlights include serving as Parliamentary Advisor in the French Senate, heading European and international affairs for the Mayor’s Association of France, and holding various roles at DuPont de Nemours and Pioneer Seed. In 2022, he was elected Chair of the International Agri-Food Network (IAFN) and chaired the Private Sector Mechanism of the UN Committee on World Food Security (CFS). He is also a member of several high-level groups championing the SDGs, such as the Champions 12.3 targeting food loss and waste. His global perspective is enriched by academic training in law from Germany and Paris-Sorbonne University, complemented by international law and political science studies in Switzerland, Tunisia, and France.
On joining the WAF Board, Keller expressed his enthusiasm: “I am deeply honored to join the World Agriculture Forum, a platform dedicated to addressing the pressing challenges of agriculture through innovation, policy, and collaboration. I look forward to contributing my experience to further WAF’s mission of building resilient agricultural systems and achieving global food security.”
Ramona Angelescu Naqvi, Chief Operating Officer of WAF, welcomed Michael’s appointment, stating, “Michael Keller’s profound knowledge of the global seed industry and his dedication to sustainable agriculture will be a tremendous asset to WAF. His vision aligns perfectly with our goal of fostering innovation and transformative practices in agriculture."
Keller will bring a wealth of expertise and strategic vision to the WAF Board, drawing on his deep experience in advancing global agricultural innovation and policy. His extensive knowledge of international law, advocacy, and the Sustainable Development Goals equips him to address complex global challenges. Keller's proven ability to build partnerships between the private sector, governments, and civil society will enhance WAF’s efforts to drive transformative, technology-driven solutions and promote resilient agricultural systems. His leadership and forward-thinking approach will be invaluable in shaping WAF’s mission and achieving its vision for a sustainable, food-secure future.
About the World Agriculture Forum (WAF): The World Agriculture Forum is a global platform dedicated to driving sustainable agricultural development through policy advocacy, trade facilitation, and technology-driven solutions. Bringing together governments, farmers, agribusinesses, and development institutions, WAF strives to transform food systems and ensure a resilient, food-secure world.
About ISF: ISF is the voice of the global seed industry. It has represented the interests of its members since 1924, and represents 96% of the international seed trade today. With a global reach extending to members around the world and official observer status in intergovernmental and international organizations, ISF is uniquely positioned to assist in the development of government policy and business strategy. www.worldseed.org