b'years. In the U.S., maize yields have mul- they give companies and researchers thePARTNERSHIPS, POLICY, AND tiplied ninefold since the 1930s, much ofconfidence to invest, and that investmentTHE PATH AHEADthat progress driven by plant breeding (e.g.drives solutions for farmers and the envi- The various papers conclude with calls to hybridization). The results are striking:ronment alike. That same link betweenaction, not just for the seed industry, but farmers now produce five times more cornregulatory certainty and on-the-groundfor everyone invested in the future of food. than in the 1930s on 20% less land, withoutcomes is echoed by Belhaj-Fragnire.Achieving environmental sustainability yields jumping from 1.6 to 10.4 tons perClear, fair regulations give innovatorswill require collective effort, combining hectare, notes Belhaj-Fragnire the green light to invest, transforminginnovation, collaboration, and supportive But yield stability is equally important.those investments into tangible, real-worldgovernance.As climate change brings more frequentsolutions for farmers, consumers and theThe seed sectors contributions are droughts, floods, and heatwaves, farmersplanet, says Belhaj-Fragnire emphasizingtangible and growing. Improved varieties increasingly depend on resilient varietiesthe urgent need for policy actions outlinedthat reduce resource use, enhance carbon that can withstand extreme weather. Werein the ISF statement A Call for Policy Actionssequestration, and safeguard biodiversity. no longer just breeding for productivity,to Foster Plant Breeding Innovation. Yet unlocking their full potential requires says Rivoire. Were breeding for reliabil- At the same time, public-private col- an enabling environment, one that rewards ity, ensuring that even under stress, farm- laboration remains key. ISF advocates forinnovation and fosters cooperation across ers can maintain their livelihoods and feedmechanisms that bring together govern- the value chain.their communities. ments, research institutions, and privatePlant breeding innovation plays In regions prone to climatic extremes,seed companies to enhance seed systems,a critical role in advancing the UN such resilience can make the differenceparticularly in climate-vulnerable regionsSustainable Development Goals, particu-between a successful harvest and a totalwhere access to high-quality seed remainslarly in areas like zero hunger, good health loss. Stable yields also help maintain con- limited. This public private collaboration isand well-being, and climate action, says sistent food supplies and prices, a crucialexemplified in the World Seed Partnership,Belhaj-Fragnire. She says by developing factor for food security in a volatile world. a collaborative platform bringing togethercrop varieties that are more resilient to cli-five international organizations: ISF,mate change, more nutritious, and more BEYOND THE FIELD: ANOECD, UPOV, ISTA and the Worldproductive, plant breeding innovation like INTEGRATED GLOBALFarmers Organization. genome editing can help ensure food secu-APPROACH TO SUSTAINABILITY rity, promote sustainable agriculture, and The ISF concept paper Contributions of theSEEDS FOR ALL FARMERS improve livelihoods, all while reducing the Seed Sector to Improve the EnvironmentalOne of the strongest messages is inclusivity.environmental footprint of farming.Sustainability of Agriculture and Food SystemsThe benefits of seed innovation must reachRivoire is optimistic about what lies underscores an essential principle: sustain- farmers everywhere, from large commercialahead. The seed sector has always been ability cannot be achieved through seedsoperations in Europe to smallholder com- about progress, he says. Weve seen alone. Instead, it requires a holistic approachmunities across Africa and Asia. how innovation can transform agriculture that integrates improved varieties with betterClimate-resilient seeds are describedbefore. The challenge now is to ensure that agronomic practices, modern technology,as a core solution to building more sus- transformation is sustainable, equitable, and and supportive policy frameworks. tainable agri-food systems. Ensuring theirgrounded in science.To achieve meaningful change, inno- availability and accessibility to all farm- As policymakers, farmers, and indus-vation in seeds must go hand in hand withers will be critical for global adaptationtry leaders convene around sustainability innovations in how those seeds are culti- efforts. Every farmer, no matter their scaletargets, ISFs framework offers both inspi-vated. Conservation tillage, precision agri- or geography, deserves access to the bestration and direction. It connects the dots culture, and cover cropping can all amplifyseeds science can provide, says Rivoire.between climate resilience, productivity, the environmental benefits of new varieties. Thats how we build resilience, not justand food security, and reminds us that the Rivoire emphasizes that this systemsfor individual farms, but for food systemssmallest input in the agricultural cycle can perspective is vital. A sustainable agri- as a whole. have the biggest impact. cultural system isnt defined by any singleAccess to quality seeds depends on technology, its about how all the piecesstrong international cooperation and open fit together. Seeds are the foundation, buttrade across borders. ISFs vision calls for they must be supported by the right tools,harmonized policies and trade facilitation knowledge, and policies. to ensure high-quality seeds reach the Governments and financial institu- places theyre needed most. tions have a crucial role to play, providingThis commitment is reflected in various incentives and investment to accelerate theISF initiatives, including the G7-OECD ini-adoption of sustainable practices. ISF callstiative on Strengthening Seed Certification for proportionate, science-based regulatoryin Africa, where ISF is key partner, notes frameworks that enable innovation to reachBelhaj-Fragnire. This partnership aims to the marketplace while maintaining safetyimprove seed quality, boost yields, expand and public trust smallholder farmers access to quality seeds, Science-based policy is the enabler ofand facilitate trade, ultimately enhancing progress, says Rivoire. When regulatoryfood security, and building more resilientThis is an abbreviated version.systems are predictable and proportionate,food systems, she adds. For the full version, scan the QR code.Referenceshttps://worldseed.org/document/seed-sector-environmental-sustainability-agri-food-systems/https://worldseed.org/document/navigating-the-evolution-of-plant-breeding-innovation/https://worldseed.org/document/a-call-for-policy-actions-to-foster-plant-breeding-innovation/FEBRUARY 2026|SEEDWORLD.COM/EUROPEISEED WORLD EUROPE I 35'