WCS 2023: Exploring Plant Breeding Innovation, Sustainability, and Policy Challenges

I would like to express our sincere gratitude to the organizers of the International Seed Federation (ISF) for extending an invitation to us for the World Seed Congress (WCS) 2023. Our participation in this esteemed event provided us with invaluable opportunities to engage with industry professionals and gain insights into critical topics shaping the future of agriculture. In this blog post, I will highlight some key discussions that took place during WCS 2023, focusing on plant breeding innovation, the agri-food value chain, sustainability, and the policy landscape.

1. Plant Breeding Innovation and its Role in Sustainability:

One of the central themes at WCS 2023 was the advancements in plant breeding innovation. The discussions centred around new genomic techniques and their similarity to natural evolution. Experts emphasized the importance of developing new traits to benefit smallholders, processors, and consumers, especially in the context of climate change. Traits such as low NPK requirement, drought tolerance, disease resistance, high yield, and modified composition were highlighted as key factors in achieving sustainable agriculture. The potential economic impact of these innovations on smallholders, particularly in Africa and other developing regions, was also a topic of interest.

2. Policy Challenges and the European Context:

The policy landscape surrounding gene-edited (GE) crops was a significant point of discussion during WCS 2023. It was noted that South Africa classifies gene editing under GMO regulations, while other countries in the region lack a comprehensive policy framework. Experts anticipated that the region might adopt a framework similar to that of the European Union (EU). Seed companies are eagerly awaiting the European Commission's proposal for new GE rules, expected on July 5th, 2023. It was highlighted that a clear and harmonized policy pathway is essential for the successful commercialization of innovative technologies.

3. Bridging the Gap and Public Engagement:

During WCS 2023, representatives from African governments expressed their commitment to bridging the gap between laboratory research and commercialization, viewing innovation as a key driver of prosperity. However, it was acknowledged that "technophobia" and a lack of public acceptance pose challenges in the region. To address this, plans were discussed to engage with the public through education and awareness campaigns to foster greater acceptance of technology. It was emphasized that bringing products to the market is crucial in demonstrating the benefits and safety of these innovations.

Our participation in WCS 2023 provided us with a unique opportunity to delve into crucial topics such as plant breeding innovation, sustainability, and policy challenges. The event underscored the significance of developing traits to mitigate the impact of climate change and enhance sustainability in agriculture. It also shed light on the need for clear policy frameworks to facilitate the commercialization of innovative technologies. We are grateful to the organizers of ISF for organizing this insightful event and look forward to further collaborations and advancements in the seed industry as we strive to address global agricultural challenges.

I look forward to attending the next #WorldSeedCongress in Rotterdam, Netherlands and engaging with regional seed trade associations and seed companies. It was a very enriching experience.

This article was published by S&P Global Commodity Insights and not by S&P Global Ratings, which is a separately managed division of S&P Global.