Jaap Mazereeuw opens ISF World Seed Congress on behalf of the national organising committee

29 May 2024 News

Jaap Mazereeuw opens ISF Congress for national committee

Mayor of Rotterdam Ahmed Aboutaleb, King of The Netherlands Willem-Alexander, Niels Louwaars (director of Plantum), Jaap Mazereeuw (CEO Enza Zaden) at the ISF World Congress 2024 in Rotterdam

Global seed industry in Rotterdam

The entire seed industry is coming to the Netherlands this week for the ISF World Seed Congress. A special edition, as the International Seed Federation (ISF) is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year in Ahoy Rotterdam. As Chairman of the Dutch Organizing Committee, Jaap had the honor of welcoming participants from all over the world to the Congress, and especially to the Netherlands. The opening ceremony was also attended by King Willem-Alexander.

Jaap: “We are very proud and honored that we, the Netherlands, are allowed to host the congress and celebrate the 100th anniversary of the ISF. The Netherlands plays an important role in the global seed industry, with an ecosystem of companies, suppliers and customers that has grown over the decades into a powerhouse of technology and development. Together with Plantum, our trade association, and industry representatives, we have tried to develop an inspiring program. The program not only looks back at the past 100 years, but also offers speakers and panels that encourage us to think about the next 100 years. It is very valuable to reflect with the global industry on the role of vegetable breeding in a rapidly changing world, with a strong focus on innovation and sustainability.”

About World Seed Congress in the Netherlands

From 27 to 29 May, Rotterdam is hosting the World Seed Congress. Approximately 2,000 participants from the global seed sector are coming together at the city’s Ahoy venue. During the congress, specialists from more than 400 companies across 65 countries will exchange ideas on international developments, including food security, quality, sustainable agriculture and a healthy environment.