A recent survey conducted by the International Seed Federation (ISF) has revealed a strong sense of optimism among seed sector professionals regarding the future of plant breeding innovations. Over 90% of the more than 200 experts surveyed anticipate breakthroughs in developing more resilient and productive crop varieties within the next 10 to 20 years. This surge in innovation is seen as critical to bolstering global food security, especially as climate change increasingly threatens agricultural stability.
The survey comes at a pivotal time, coinciding with major international events such as the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 79), the UN Summit of the Future, and the upcoming United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29). These gatherings are expected to shape the global climate and development agenda, making the insights from the seed sector particularly timely and relevant.
Michael Keller, Secretary General of ISF, emphasized the foundational role of seeds in global food security. He stated, “Seeds are the starting point of global food security and one of the most important inputs for farmers, determining their harvests, incomes, and prospects.” Keller highlighted the significant progress made over the past century in developing crop varieties that yield higher outputs, attributing much of this success to the Green Revolution, which has spared millions from famine since the 1960s.
The Green Revolution is viewed by around one-third of survey participants as the seed sector’s most significant contribution to humanity, while another 30% pointed to research and development as its crowning achievement. The innovations stemming from this period, particularly semi-dwarf rice and wheat varieties, have transformed agriculture by reducing susceptibility to environmental factors like wind. Looking ahead, more than 60% of respondents expect biotechnology-developed crops to become mainstream in low-income countries within the next two decades, a shift that could dramatically improve food security.
However, the path to these advancements is not without challenges. Nearly 75% of those surveyed expressed concern that non-science-based regulations could hinder the sector’s ability to contribute effectively to global food security. Many called for global harmonization of regulations to facilitate innovation and ensure equitable access to new seed technologies. This sentiment reflects a growing recognition that a cohesive regulatory framework is essential for fostering innovation while maintaining fair access to the benefits of plant breeding.
The survey also highlighted the importance of the 1991 Convention of the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV). Approximately one-third of participants identified this convention as the most significant development in the seed sector over the past century, noting its role in establishing a robust international framework for intellectual property protection. Countries like Vietnam have experienced increased innovation and higher crop yields since joining UPOV, underscoring the positive impact of such agreements on agricultural productivity.
Arthur Santosh Attavar, President of ISF, reiterated the need for a balanced approach to plant breeders’ rights, advocating for adequate protections that encourage innovation while ensuring shared access for developing new varieties. He stated, “The seed sector plays a fundamental role in feeding a growing population, but it is essential that global regulations and frameworks reflect the reality of a truly global sector.”
Survey participants also made several calls to action, urging stakeholders to prioritize sustainable agricultural practices that address climate change, biodiversity loss, and global food security. They emphasized the need for harmonized regulations governing seed movement and advocated for technology transfer to less developed countries to ensure food security.
As the world grapples with the pressing challenges of climate change and a growing population, the insights from the seed sector survey offer a beacon of hope. With the right regulatory frameworks and strong international partnerships, the next two decades could witness significant advancements in crop breeding that not only enhance food security but also contribute to a more resilient agricultural landscape.