Hunger-ending seed technology is on the horizon – but will it reach the farmers who need it most?

According to ISF's 2024 Seed Sector Survey released just in time for the UN Summit of the Future, 90% of over 200 seed industry insiders and experts predict plant breeding innovations that will help guarantee food and nutrition security in the face of climate change.

However, investment from the public and private sectors, along with predictable and science-based regulations, are needed to ensure these breakthroughs reach the 500 million smallholder farmers who need them most.

International Seed Federation Secretary General Michael Keller made the case in his article published yesterday on the World Economic Forum Agenda.

In case you missed it, at this week's United Nations Summit of the Future, UN Member States unanimously adopted the "Pact for the Future," a document outlining world leaders' commitment to act for a safer, more peaceful and prosperous world. The pact includes a call to" Promote equitable, resilient, inclusive and sustainable agrifood systems so that everyone has access to safe, affordable, sufficient and nutritious food."

At yesterday's Foreign Policy "Food+ Forum" held on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly and #ClimateWeekNYC, World Food Prize Foundation 2024 Laureate Dr Cary Fowler talked about the importance of innovation in food security.

A seed-focused panel with the American Seed Trade Association , Cibus , and Pairwise then delved into what it takes for plant breeders to create seeds that not only respond to the needs of farmers and consumers but also adapt to our changing climate, and what policymakers need to do to ensure these improved varieties reach farmers.

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