INTERNATIONAL EDITION 2026 SEEDWORLD.COM / 43 Agriculture Declaration on ‘Sustainable Agriculture, Resilient Food Systems, and Climate Action’ signed by over 150 coun tries recognized agriculture’s dual role — as both a contributor to emissions and a key part of the solution.” ISF’s mission at conferences, includ ing COP 30 in Belém, Brazil, is to make sure seeds are represented as a driver of climate action. “Plant breeding has been helping farmers adapt to chang ing conditions for centuries,” Rivoire explains. “Our job now is to communicate that contribution clearly — to show that seed innovation is climate innovation. We also advocate for an enabling policy environment, so companies can continue to research, breed, trade and deliver improved varieties globally.” In Brazil, a country where agriculture, forestry and biodiversity intersect, ISF is demonstrating how seeds underpin sus tainable land use and responsible produc tion. “Ten years after the Paris Agreement (2015), it’s time to show measurable pro gress and make sure seed innovation is part of every climate solution and engage for the next 10 years,” he says. Uniting the Industry Through Collaboration How can thousands of companies, competitors both large and small, work together for sustainability? Through pre-competitive collaboration, Rivoire explains. “ISF is a global neutral platform where companies from all over the world Looking Ahead at Climate-Smart Seeds The coming years, Rivoire believes, will be decisive for the seed sector’s role in climate action. “COP 30 is not the finish line — it’s the starting point,” he says. “We want long-term, coordinated action across ISF, our sister organizations and national seed associations.” Key priorities include promoting cli mate-smart varieties, supporting carbon- efficient seed production and ensuring that seed companies can continue invest ing in breeding research. “Climate action is not just about yield,” he stresses. “It’s about sustainable land use, biodiversity and balance — between agriculture and forests, between productivity, conserva tion and restoration.” Rivoire points to innovations such as varieties with deeper root systems that capture more water and nutrients, or crops adapted to no-till and cover cropping systems. “Seed companies are already helping farmers transition to more sustainable agricultural and agro nomic practices. It’s about combining genetics with agronomy, innovation with education. Together, we can build a more resilient and sustainable food and feed system.” A Unified Vision As the conversation ends, Rivoire returns to a simple but powerful message: unity. “Sustainability is not about one com pany or one crop — it’s about collective effort,” he says. “By aligning our work at ISF with that of breeders, farmers, food retailers and policymakers, we can make sure seeds truly are the starting point of a sustainable future.” SW can sit together — family-owned firms, multinationals, vegetable breeders, field crop companies — and exchange ideas on sustainability,” he says. Three years ago, ISF created a dedi cated Working Group on Environmental and Social Responsibility with more than 20 members and invited observers. The group discusses everything from carbon reduction and water use to social inclu sion and gender empowerment. “We want to help, guide and support our members benchmark against interna tional standards and learn from other industries,” Rivoire notes. “Our goal is to lift the entire seed sector up together — to make collective progress that no single company could achieve alone.” The group also explores ways to support smallholder farmers, empower women and youth in agriculture and promote responsible seed production practices globally. A Shared Voice for the Sector Allerding underscores the importance of this collaborative approach. “Within the ISF ESR group, we’ve worked to build trust and engagement among members by aligning on the key challenges facing our industry and the opportunities we can leverage together with a shared voice,” he explains. “Our goal is to help stakeholders understand and fully value the impact of our industry in innovating to improve food security, environmental outcomes and community health. “Through our networks with mem bers, related sectors, governments, global organizations and NGOs, we can also pro vide foresight on future risks and strategic areas of focus for the sector.”
View this content as a flipbook by clicking here.