INTERNATIONAL EDITION 2026 SEEDWORLD.COM / 35 is also the lead developer of the Genesys data sharing platform for genebanks and a driving force for quality standards and partner ships that make crop diversity available and usable for breeders worldwide. Over more than 20 years, we have learned no single organiza tion can sustain this system on its own. The seed sector has both a stake in its success and a role to play in its future. As the industry evolves, the importance of shared, pre-com petitive resources is more important than ever. A strong global genebank system levels the playing field, supports innovation across companies of all sizes and underpins the sector’s contribu tion to sustainability and food security. There is a growing alignment between the Crop Trust mission to secure crop diversity forever and the sector’s sustainability and biodiversity commitments. An endowment for genebanks enables the development of crops that use water more efficiently, require fewer inputs, and deliver better nutrition. It is about building food systems that perform in the face of shocks. The opportunity is clear. By championing crop diversity conservation, the seed sector secures the raw materials for its own innovation while contribut ing to a more resilient and equitable global food system. This can take many forms — financial contributions to the endowment, technical collaboration, and advocacy as part of Crop Trust con versations with governments. Now is the moment to redouble our efforts. The challenges facing agriculture are intensifying, but so too are the tools and partnerships available to address them. A stronger, better- connected global genebank system is within reach. But it can only be achieved by working together. Leadership by seed sector champions and contributors is more important than ever. In this moment, forward-thinking companies can secure their business models and advocate for crop diversity as a foundation for the future of food. Together, we can ensure that the crop diversity conserved today powers the innovations of tomorrow — delivering prosperity for farmers, value for businesses and food security for a growing world. The Crop Trust’s mission is supported by key partners, including the seed sector. This year, Limagrain marked five years of contributions to the endowment fund, with contributions by the German Plant Breeders’ Association and the International Seed Federation. The Crop Trust regularly participates in industry events like World Seed Congress and the SeedNL Annual Event. The Crop Trust hosted the annual Svalbard Dialogue at the February deposit ceremony with participation from the International Plant Treaty, Plantum, Rijk Zwaan, East West Seed, BDP and others. We recognize these companies and all contributors and collaborators on crop diversity conservation and use. Dialogue participants in Tromsø, Norway join virtual discussions with participants at Svalbard. PHOTO: ANNA CLAIRE TILLEY, CROP TRUST Dialogue participants in Svalbard, Norway join virtual discussions with participants at Tromsø, Norway. PHOTO: LAURA MARSHALL, CROP TRUST Crop Trust Executive Director Stefan Schmitz speaking on a panel at the 2025 ISF World Seed Congress. PHOTO: CROP TRUST The Svalbard Global Seed Vault is the ultimate backup facility for a worldwide system of genebanks holding critical crop diversity.
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