International Seed Federation World Seed Congress 2024
Rotterdam, The Netherlands (May 1, 2024) - The International Seed Federation (ISF) is excited to share that His Majesty King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands will grace the opening ceremony of the ISF World Seed Congress 2024 in Rotterdam.
More details about this participation will be shared soon.
In the meantime, the full program of our historic centennial congress is now available on the congress website. You can also save this link to join our LIVE discussion about the Congress (program, logistics, etc.) on May 7, 2024, 14:00 - 15:00 CEST.
Unveiling The Program For The ISF World Seed Congress 2024
Rotterdam, The Netherlands (April 25, 2024) - The global seed sector convenes May 27-29 in Rotterdam, the Netherlands for the historic centennial celebration of the ISF World Seed Congress, which will once again bring together the global seed sector’s leaders, decision-makers, and innovators to exchange views about the biggest issues confronting the sector and the industry.
On the agenda
Whether confronting the impacts of climate change, understanding the decline of globalization and the increasing polarization in society, or harnessing the full potential of plant breeding innovation and public-private partnerships to increase farmers’ access to quality seed, our lineup of high-level speakers and distinguished panelists promises to produce unique insights to take discussions forward.
- Trade Day, 27 May
Jan Peter Balkenende, the former Prime Minister of the Netherlands, will deliver a keynote talk entitled “Global shifts: Understanding the decline of globalization.” This will be followed by a panel discussion with speakers from the OECD, the World Trade Organization (WTO), and ISF.
- Innovation Day, 28 May
We explore different ways to unlock the full potential of plant breeding innovation across frontiers, optimize public-private partnerships to produce win-win solutions for farmers, and ensure high-level climate commitments translate to real action. All this is to increase the access of growers worldwide to quality, locally adapted seed. Speakers include representatives from the UNFCCC, EU Commission, EIT Food, EMBRAPA Brazil, the Canadian Grain Council, UK DEFRA, The Nature Conservancy, RiceTec, CGIAR, SeedNL, Bayer, Pairwise, and many more!
- Future Horizons Day, 29 May
Together, we will chart the next century of the global seed sector. What should the seed industry look like in the next 10, 20, 50, 100 years? How do we collectively address increasing polarization in our society, ensure our messages reach our audiences, and strengthen our license to operate? Speakers include representatives from FAO, EmergingAg, Marchmont Communications, and YOU!
Channel World Seed
At the heart of the Congress exhibition area, our TV studio, Channel World Seed, is back to engage audiences outside the Congress in straight-to-the-point discussions on the hottest topics in the industry. Remember that even if you cannot join the discussions in person, you can participate by watching all the sessions LIVE on Channel World Seed.
ISF World Seed Congress 2024 Program Unveiled
Rotterdam, The Netherlands (February 29, 2024) - From the future of seed trade to the role of the seed sector in the COP28 Emirates Declaration, to unlocking the full potential of plant breeding innovation across frontiers, get ready for insightful and thought-provoking discussions on the hottest topics in the seed industry at the International Seed Federation (ISF) World Seed Congress 2024 May 27-29 in Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
Furthermore, each day has been organized around a theme to sharpen our focus on critical issues and to enhance participation among delegates, including day-pass holders.
Check out the full program on the Congress website.
Record-breaking number of registrations
As of the end of February, ISF already has over 1,200 registrations. This is a new record for the ISF World Seed Congress. Indeed, they say #WorldSeed2024 is promising to be a once-in-a-lifetime event that must not be missed.
ISF strongly advises international delegates who need a visa to the Netherlands to apply early as this may take months in some cases.
Registration is Open For The International Seed Federation (ISF) World Seed Congress 2024
Rotterdam, The Netherlands (December 4, 2023) - It’s time to register for the International Seed Federation (ISF) World Seed Congress 2024.
The ISF and the Dutch National Organizing Committee (NOC) say they are eager to see you May 27-29, 2024 in Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
"2024 is a historic year for ISF as we mark our 100th anniversary," the groups say. "A hundred years ago, visionary seeds men from around the world convened to standardize commercial seed exchanges and promote international cooperation to support the increased international global seed movement. This moment marked the genesis of an organization that would become the voice of the global private seed industry. Join us as we celebrate not only the association’s century-long journey but also the transformative power of seeds to shape a food-secure future."
The Netherlands, a leader in plant breeding, propagation, and seed imports and exports, will gather seed professionals from all over the world for business, trading, exhibition, panel discussions, and plenty of networking opportunities.
Registration
Visit the congress website to access the registration platform. Registration is open from today until May 17, 2024.
There are better rates available for those who register early. Check out the delegate fee information on our congress website.
We also advice our international delegates who need a visa to The Netherlands to apply early as this may take months in some cases.
Venue and Hotels
The congress will be held in the Rotterdam Ahoy a modern multi-purpose event complex and one of the most prominent venues in the country.
The 4-star Inntel Hotel, the main hotel for the congress, is 20 minutes away by metro. There are 12 other hotel options around this area, with various star ratings and price ranges.
You may find the details here. All delegates will receive a free metro card for 3 days. Shuttles will only be provided for the social events.
Exhibitors
The Exhibition Area offers a superb venue for companies to promote their products and services to Congress attendees. It will be located on levels 2 and 3, providing excellent visibility and regular foot traffic on multiple levels. To reserve a booth, you may get in touch with K.I.T. Group at isfwsc-industry@kit-group.org.
Trading Tables and Private Meeting Rooms
There will be reserved trading tables on the third level which delegates can book for use during the full three days of the congress. Private meeting rooms are also available for companies who want their own space to meet with their business partners and clients. To reserve your trading table or meeting room, you can do so through the registration platform.
There will be no unreserved trading tables this year. Instead, delegates who wish to use a trading table for a short amount of time can book hourly slots onsite during opening hours.
Accompanying Persons
Tours will be available for accompanying persons. Don't miss the interesting sites around Rotterdam, a city that seamlessly blends modern innovation and cutting-edge architecture with historical charm and maritime heritage. Accompanying persons are also welcome to attend the social events.
More information is available on the congress website.
Spnosors
There are plenty of opportunities to increase your brand visibility to a global audience of business leaders and key decision makers during the ISF World Seed Congress. Best of all, we are flexible and open to ideas. Get in touch with ISF infowsc@worldseed.org or Plantum n.louwaars@plantum.nl.
Sunday Pre-Congress Activities
The golf sponsor Incotec invites you to join the annual ISF Golf Tournament. This year, the Golf Tournament will take place at the Broekpolder Golfclub on Sunday, May 26. You will be able to enjoy the sport whether you are an amateur or a pro if you sign up to our Golf Clinic.
This year, Germains Seed Technology is sponsoring a scenic boat tour around Rotterdam harbor the afternoon of Sunday, May 26. Experience one of the world's most innovative port cities and admire Rotterdam’s skyline from the comfort of a cruise. Proceeds will be donated to charity.
You may register for both activities via the registration platform.
Thursday Thematic Day
They are pleased to inform you that Plantum and several Seed Valley companies are ready to offer post-congress tours on May 30. They have four (4) routes to choose from. The tours will start on 9 a.m. and will be back latest by 6 p.m. with the exception of the visit to Seed Valley, where the hours will be 8 a.m. - 7 p.m.
The following routes will be organized:
- Seed Valley region: Visit to Syngenta, Incotec, Enza and Seed Processing Holland
- Region Rotterdam: Visit to Bayer Vegetables Seeds and Rijk Zwaan
- Region Zeeland: Visit to DLF and Meijer Potato
- Region Wageningen: Keygene and the Wageningen University& Research
If you are interested in joining any of these tours, you may book through the registration platform. Participation to the post-congress tours will cost EUR 50 per delegate on a first come first served basis.
Follow the updates on social media and check the congress website regularly to stay in the know.
