From Oregon to Lisbon: Pure Seed at the 2026 ISF World Seed Congress

Last Month, the International Seed Federation brought together more than 1,800 delegates and guests from 78 countries in Lisbon, Portugal, for the 2026 World Congress. Representing over 900 companies and organizations across the globe. For Pure Seed, it was an invaluable opportunity to be a part of that conversation.

Established in 1924, the congress serves as a unique platform for dialogue, trade, collaboration, and knowledge exchange. Being able to foster partnerships and collective action across the seed sector. This year's theme, "Joint Actions, Resilient Futures," felt especially fitting given the challenges and opportunities shaping the industry.

Lucas and Alexandra at the ISF World Seed Congress in Lisbon, posing in front of the 2026 event banner.

Pure Seeds representatives connected with customers, suppliers, and industry stakeholders from around the world to

strengthen relationships and discuss market conditions, future strategies, and shared opportunities. While global pressures remain real, the overall sentiment throughout the congress was notably positive. After several years of market imbalance and inventory-related challenges, there is a growing optimism that supply and demand are gradually returning to healthier ground.

Collaboration was a connecting point in almost every conversation. The idea that no one company or country can navigate these challenges alone. SF Secretary General Michael Keller noted that even amid constant change and volatility, members representing 96% of global seed trade remain committed to working together across regions, crops, business models, and generations to ensure farmers everywhere have access to quality seed.

Innovation and sustainability were equally prominent themes. The 2026 Congress also introduced a "Cultivation Corner" aimed at connecting seed innovation with downstream sectors like food, feed, and retail, reflecting the deepening integration of the broader

agri-food value chain. These are exactly the kinds of conversations that reinforce why showing up on a global stage matters.

The Congress also marked a historic moment for the industry with the election of Lorena Basso as the first woman to serve as ISF President in the federation's 102-year history. Her message resonated throughout the event: "We are here because we believe that seeds matter because we know that our work has an impact beyond ourselves: on farmers, on food systems, on innovation, on climate resilience, and on future generations."

At Pure Seed, we carry that sense of purpose into everything we do. Through continued investment in research, breeding, and product development, we remain committed to delivering solutions that move the industry forward — and that starts with being present where the industry gathers.

We look forward to continuing these conversations and working alongside our global partners in the years ahead!