World Seed Congress Highlights Industry's Mission to Unlock the Power of Genetics

"Innovations in plant breeding are enabling us to develop plants that meet the needs of a changing world," said Jean-Christophe Gouache, President of the International Seed Federation (ISF) during his speech at the opening ceremony of the ISF World Seed Congress 2018 in Brisbane, Australia. "This is down to the ‘power of genetics,'" he stressed. "Unlocking the potential of genetic resources to produce more with less is the fantastic mission of the seed industry over the coming decades." The congress, taking place from June 3 to 6, 2018, gathered 1,200 delegates from 64 countries to discuss about the opportunities and challenges facing the seed industry.

According to Gouache, in the earlier years, it was enough to use genetics to improve the efficiency of agriculture. Today, it is necessary to also ensure the resiliency and sustainability of the farming systems. "Yes, the ‘power of genetics' can deliver on both efficiency and sustainability," he concluded.

"The responsibility for delivering higher yields and more nutritious food rests on the innovation that the seed industry brings to world food production," said Hon. Senator James McGrath, Assistant Minister to the Australian Prime Minister to the delegates. He lauded the organizations for supporting the food chain globally and for driving innovation in food and feed production.

Read the press release from the International Seed Federation.