The International Seed Federation (ISF) this year awarded one of its highest distinctions to ANPROS Executive Director Mario Schindler, recognizing him with the ISF Lifetime Honorary Membership for his outstanding career and contributions to the global seed industry and the federation’s work worldwide.
The recognition is considered especially significant, as only 20 people — including the two new honorees recognized this year — have received the distinction since it was established in 1996. The limited number of recipients reflects the exceptional nature of the award and its prestige within the international seed sector.
The distinction was presented during the Annual Dinner of the Presidents, held ahead of the Congress, and was also highlighted during the opening ceremony of this year’s ISF Congress.
“I am pleased to share that yesterday, at the Annual Dinner of Presidents, we honored two prominent leaders of our National Seed Associations, Dr. Lukeshni Chetty, of SANSOR, and Mario Schindler, of ANPROS, who received the Honorary Lifetime Membership for their exceptional contribution to the global seed industry and ISF,” said Arthur Santosh, president of ISF.
For ANPROS, this recognition has a very deep meaning. It is a distinction that highlights the career of Schindler and his permanent work to represent the Chilean seed industry in the main international spaces of the sector, according to an ANPROS press release.
“His dedication reflects what makes ISF relevant, active and committed: National Seed Associations made up of committed professionals who work not only towards national objectives, but are also able to look beyond their borders towards our shared regional and global priorities,” Santosh added.
Over the years, Schindler has played an active role in several ISF bodies, including the Board of Directors, the Plant Breeding Innovation group, intellectual property initiatives, and other technical committees focused on key issues in the global seed agenda. Through this work, he has helped bring Chile’s perspective into important discussions on innovation, regulation, plant breeding, intellectual property, international trade, and collaboration among national seed associations.
ISF’s decision to grant this honor to a representative of Chile marks an important milestone in the history of the country’s seed industry. It recognizes Mario’s outstanding personal career, while also highlighting the path Chile has built over many years as a serious, reliable, and respected player in seed production and exports.
ANPROS and the Chilean seed industry warmly congratulate Mario Schindler on this well-deserved international recognition, which is of great value to the sector.
For the ANPROS team, this achievement is a source of great joy and pride. It reflects years of work, learning, commitment, and dedication to the development of Chile’s seed industry and its position on the global stage.
