INTERNATIONAL SEED INDUSTRY TO CONVERGE IN CAPE TOWN

The South African National Seed Organization will host the International Seed Federation’s World Congress from 5 to 7 June 2023 at the International Convention Centre in Cape Town. By DR LUKESHNI CHETTY, general manager, South African National Seed Organization

The global climate and production challenges facing the agricultural sector require new and innovative ways to address global food demands. On the African continent, the challenge is not only to increase food production to meet the growing demand for food, but also ensure the sensible use of resources for sustainable production and food security.

As the seed industry, we recognise that food systems should be equitable, inclusive and environmentally friendly, however, we also acknowledge that we are faced with an enormous challenge to produce suf cient safe and nutritious food. The seed sector is a critical partner in the food value chain. Seed forms the foundation of food production and is a vital starting point for crop production. Without quality seed there will be no harvest. Quality seed is, however, not only needed for food production, but also land restoration, rehabilitation, reclamation and conservation.

As the representative body of the seed industry in South Africa, the South African National Seed Organization (SANSOR) has served the needs of the South African seed industry for more than three decades. The seed industry has always been proud of the role SANSOR plays in the South African and global seed industry.

As the seed industry, we recognise that food systems should be equitable, inclusive, and environmentally friendly, but we also acknowledge that we are faced with an enormous challenge to produce suf cient, safe and nutritious food. For those reasons, SANSOR wanted to bring the International Seed Federation (ISF) World Seed Congress to South Africa and the African continent. It will be the rst time in 22 years that this particular congress will be held on the African continent.

With the theme “Shared roots – Greater heights”, the ISF World Seed Congress offers the perfect opportunity to connect with colleagues, farmers and other partners in the global seed sector. With more than 900 international and local seed industry specialists attending, this forum is creating a unique opportunity to discuss and harmonise policy matters to facilitate and negotiate seed trade in Africa and the rest of the world and ensure farmers have access to safe and high-quality seed.

The congress has been bringing together people in the seed industry since 1924. It is truly a agship event that brings together the principal architects and decision-makers of the global seed industry.

Big Benefits To Be Had

The seed industry in Africa will particularly bene t from this gathering of seed role players. Seed companies and farmers can use this congress to gain access to improved seed varieties that can support the efforts to combat food insecurity, climate challenges and an increase in pests and diseases.

In Africa, co-ordination between international players in the seed industry, authorities and the private sector is needed to tackle these challenges. It is all about seed and technology choices. These important topics will be discussed at the congress to ensure we continue ful lling our responsibility of empowering farmers, especially smallholder farmers, in Africa. We look forward to seeing how we can create a vibrant and sustainable seed sector in Africa that recognises the diversity of all actors in the value chain to provide solutions.

A PLATFORM FOR KNOWLEDGE-SHARING

The ISF World Congress, to be held in Cape Town in June, aims to share knowledge and best practices, stimulate strategic thinking and deliberations and accelerate the adoption of common positions on seed matters.

Topics under discussion at the congress will include plant breeding innovations, seed trade, access to seed, farmers’ seed systems, the supply chain, intellectual property protection and the youth in agriculture. New features at the congress include a luncheon for women in leadership and an opportunity for the next generation of seed specialists to connect with each other and current role players. Day rates are available.

LISTEN TO THE Q&A DISCUSSION ABOUT THE WORLD CONGRESS

VISIT THE CONGRESS WEBSITE FOR MORE INFO

Scan this QR code to go directly to the SANSOR website.

For more information:

012 472 9500 policy@sansor.co.za www.sansor.org