The International Seed Federation (ISF) has released a new guidance document to help seed companies, suppliers, growers, and associations strengthen social rights and ethical practices in seed production.
The guidelines, A Practical Guide for Seed Production: Navigating Social Rights and Ethical Practices in the Seed Sector, were officially launched on May 20 at the ISF World Seed Congress 2026 in Lisbon.
Voluntary Framework Built for Practical Use
The guidelines are designed as a voluntary, practical tool to support stakeholders across the seed sector in implementing responsible labor practices and aligning with international social recommendations and standards.
ISF acknowledges that many companies and organizations already have strong social compliance and responsible sourcing programs in place. The document is intended to complement and reinforce those efforts, rather than replace them, while supporting awareness-building, capacity development, and continuous improvement for organizations still strengthening their systems, according to press release from ISF.
“Seed production depends on people — farmers, workers, partners, and communities. Their rights, dignity, and well-being are fundamental to a resilient and responsible seed sector,” said Michal Keller, Secretary General of ISF.
“With these guidelines, ISF is building on the great work that many companies are already doing and providing a practical pathway for other companies and actors involved in seed production to implement responsible business practices. In this way, it turns shared principles into practical action, while reinforcing the role of our federation as a platform where companies of all sizes can come together and work in a pre-competitive way to advance common goals for the greater good,” Keller added.
Rooted in Global Frameworks, Designed for Companies of All Sizes
The guidelines are grounded in internationally recognized frameworks, including the Ethical Trading Initiative Base Code, the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Business Conduct, the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, and the International Labour Organization’s core conventions. They are also designed to support companies as they respond to evolving due diligence and reporting expectations.
The document outlines 12 core areas central to responsible seed production, including fair employment practices, forced and child labor, health and safety, legal compensation and benefits, working hours, non-discrimination, grievance mechanisms, responsible sourcing and supplier engagement, freedom of association, respect for Indigenous Peoples and local communities, and environmental protection.
Importantly, the guidance is intended for stakeholders across the seed value chain, from seed companies to smallholder growers and seasonal laborers. It encourages seed companies and suppliers, regardless of their level of social compliance maturity, to apply the principles in ways that reflect their own context and capacity.
“This is a practical resource,” said Ben Rivoire, ISF Director for Sustainability and Crop Value Chain Engagement. “It goes beyond general commitments by providing clear examples of what responsible practice looks like in day-to-day operations, including concrete dos and don’ts. It also reflects a strong belief that awareness-raising, capacity building, and collaboration are essential to lasting progress.”
A Pre-Competitive Effort Built Through Collaboration
The guidelines were developed through a collaborative process involving ISF member companies, national and regional seed associations, and non-governmental organizations.
Contributors included BASF Nunhems, Bayer, Bayannaoer Guanr Agricultural Development Co. Ltd., East-West Seed, Bejo Seeds, Semillas Fitó, and Syngenta; seed associations including the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA), Asociación Nacional de Obtentores Vegetales (ANOVE), Seeds Canada, the Asia-Pacific Seed Association (APSA), Plantum, and Union Française des Semenciers (UFS); and NGOs including Arisa and Solidaridad.
