ISF Calls for Continued Seed Supply to Ukraine

Today, the International Seed Federation (ISF) released the following statement:

“We are deeply saddened by the unacceptable situation in Ukraine today, and we condemn this war. Our thoughts are especially with our colleagues in the seed and farming sector and the whole Ukrainian population, who are facing an unimaginable situation.

We need immediate ceasefire and peace! Peace and food security are inextricably linked; one cannot exist without the other. Only through peace and cooperation will we be able to ensure that people will not starve. ISF’s vision is to make the best quality seed accessible to all and everywhere, supporting sustainable agriculture and food security – also and especially in times of crises like war and armed conflict.

Ukraine is a key player in global agriculture, with more than 40 million hectares of agricultural land and with major exports to Eastern Africa. Ukraine accounts on a global level for 30% of sunflower, 19% of rapeseed, 12% of wheat and 16% of corn production. The continuation of this war will be catastrophic for Ukraine and for the entire world, where already 850 million people are facing hunger.

Based on the current discussions on creating humanitarian corridors in Ukraine, the International Seed Federation (ISF) makes an urgent call to the international community to support the continued seed supply in Ukraine, enabling green lanes for critical agricultural inputs, such as seed, to flow into the country, especially as the planting season is starting now. The harvest of tomorrow depends on the seeds sown today. Farmers in conflict and war zones often find a way to continue their life-giving work. Seeds support life.

We urge the private seed sector to support measures ensuring that farmers and food producers in Ukraine continue to be able to access quality seeds and farming inputs today and tomorrow. In the short term, this is critical to the survival of the country’s farming sector; and in the long term, to its recovery and sustainability.

The vision of ISF remains: a world where the best quality seed is accessible to all, supporting sustainable agriculture and food security. ISF is ready to engage.”