What does the ISF stand for?
Michael Keller (MK): In order to create a more organized seed trade, seed dealers from the US and Europe initially gathered in 1924 to found the ISF.
Currently, we represent more than 7,500 businesses engaged in the breeding, production, and trading of seeds internationally.
Our organization is made up of 80 national seed associations. These comprise national seed associations from all over the world, such as the American Seed Trade Association, and seed associations from Kenya, Guatemala, India, Australia, and the United States, to mention a few.
This implies that you have a thriving national seed association that is a member of the ISF and a private seed sector that is active wherever you go.
How does the ISF operate?
MK: Our job is to speak for the seed industry as a whole. The ISF covers ninety-seven percent of the entire seed trade in the private sector.
At the World Trade Organization (WTO), we are in action. At the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), we are in charge. At the UN Food System Summit, we are taking action. In addition, we are participating in debates about sustainable development goals on behalf of our members at the UN in New York and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Rome with regards to agriculture and food production.
With so many members worldwide, is it challenging to rank the most significant industry viewpoints in order of importance?
MK: I have to say that it is not too tough since we have a very clear goal for the global seed industry: we want to provide high-quality seed to all farmers, but especially smallholder, family, and subsistence farmers. We want to see food security and sustainable agriculture supported by all farmers.
Have there been any recent significant advancements in technology?
MK: We have to feed eight billion people now. Farmers in the fields are the ones who have to deal with climate change and supply food in the future.
There isn’t a single solution that works for everyone. Because seed varieties need to be tailored locally, we, as seed actors, need to collaborate closely with each farmer.
However, without research and innovation, there is no cure. When it comes to technology, we frequently say that innovation is the seed sector’s guiding principle. This implies that it is crucial to breed new seed kinds.
Perhaps no other industry in the world is devoting as much turnover to research and development as this one does. This indicates that up to 20 percent of annual turnover is reinvested in research and development, depending on the crops.
The world is evolving. The weather is shifting. To enable farmers to continue growing food, we must continuously make sure that our varieties are still the best ones for them.
What role does the seed industry have in the food industry?
MK: While acknowledging seed as a starting point is crucial, breeding tools are evolving even in the seed industry these days.
With the advent of genome editing breeding techniques, we now have access to novel plant gene resources. It’s crucial to keep in mind that breeding takes seven, ten, and perhaps even up to twenty years before a new variety is introduced to the market. It is therefore a long-term, ongoing investment.
What, in your opinion, does the seed industry excel at?
MK: We are aware of our role as the foundation of agricultural output, I believe.
Second, because the sector isn’t short term, we have what I call a “very long outlook.” Since we are making long-term investments, building solid relationships with all of the industry’s farmers is crucial.
Thirdly, we work sustainably and responsibly with farmers. We don’t have anything to conceal, but our company can only succeed if farmers can make money.
The way the seed industry handled issues like COVID-19 and the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine makes me very proud as well. While we have a part to play in supporting the industry, we are always willing to work together.
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What do you think about the current upheaval around the Black Sea Grain Initiative?
MK: As a crucial seed producer, the safety of all personnel working for Ukrainian seed enterprises was our top priority right from the start.
Earlier this year, we worked closely with seed firms to ensure that the planting season in Ukraine was ready.
Where do you think the world’s seed industry is going to go in the future?
MK: In terms of overall agricultural production, I believe that seed will become increasingly significant. Additionally, I have no doubts that there will be more private seed investments.
Lastly, I see more collaboration between the public and commercial sectors in the areas of research, production, and supply of seeds. We seem to have an optimistic outlook in a really difficult setting, in my opinion.