New Framework Unveiled at World Seed Congress 2026 Highlights Growing Focus on Labour Rights, Ethical Sourcing and Sustainable Seed Supply Chains
20 May 2026, New Delhi: Lisbon, Portugal: At a time when global agriculture is facing increasing scrutiny over supply chain accountability and responsible sourcing, the International Seed Federation (ISF) has launched a new sector-wide guidance document aimed at strengthening social rights and ethical practices across seed production systems worldwide.
[uam_ad id="80259"]
The document, titled “A Practical Guide for Seed Production: Navigating Social Rights and Ethical Practices in the Seed Sector,” was officially launched during the ISF World Seed Congress 2026 in Lisbon, bringing together seed companies, growers, associations, and sustainability leaders from across the global seed industry.
The guidelines arrive at a critical moment for agriculture as companies increasingly face pressure from governments, investors, consumers, and international markets to demonstrate transparent labour practices, responsible sourcing, and stronger protection of worker rights throughout agricultural value chains.
Practical Guidance for a Diverse Global Seed Industry
ISF described the framework as a voluntary and practical resource designed to support organizations at different stages of social compliance and sustainability implementation. Rather than replacing existing corporate programs, the initiative seeks to strengthen and complement ongoing responsible sourcing efforts while helping smaller organizations build awareness and operational capacity.
“Seed production depends on people — farmers, workers, partners, and communities. Their rights, dignity, and well-being are fundamental to a resilient and responsible seed sector,” said Michal Keller, Secretary General of ISF.
Keller added that the new guidelines aim to transform shared principles into practical action while reinforcing ISF’s role as a collaborative platform where companies of all sizes can work together in a pre-competitive environment to advance common goals for the broader good of the industry.
The framework draws from internationally recognized standards including the Ethical Trading Initiative Base Code, OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Business Conduct, the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, and conventions established by the International Labor Organization.
Addressing Key Labour and Human Rights Challenges
The guidelines outline 12 core focus areas considered central to responsible seed production. These include fair employment practices, prevention of forced and child labour, workplace health and safety, legal compensation and benefits, non-discrimination, responsible sourcing, supplier engagement, freedom of association, environmental protection, and respect for Indigenous Peoples and local communities.
Importantly, ISF emphasized that the framework is intended to be applicable across the entire seed value chain — from multinational seed companies to smallholder growers and seasonal labourers operating in diverse agricultural environments.
“This is a practical resource,” said Ben Rivoire, ISF Director for Sustainability and Crop Value Chain Engagement. “It goes beyond general commitments by providing clear examples of what responsible practice looks like in day-to-day operations, including concrete dos and don’ts.”
Rivoire also noted that awareness-building, training, and industry-wide collaboration will be essential for achieving long-term progress in social responsibility within the seed sector.
Industry Leaders Back Collaborative Approach
The guidelines were developed through a collaborative effort involving global seed companies, regional and national seed associations, and non-governmental organizations. Participating organizations included BASF Nunhems, Bayer, East-West Seed, Bejo Seeds, Semillas Fitó, Syngenta, ASTA, APSA, Seeds Canada, Plantum, UFS, Arisa, and Solidaridad, among others.
Industry leaders participating in the initiative stressed that social responsibility can no longer remain a secondary discussion for agriculture and seed businesses operating in global markets.
Bas Gorissen, Global Sustainability Manager at BASF Nunhems, said the seed sector carries a shared responsibility that extends beyond products alone. He encouraged companies throughout the value chain to actively adopt the guidelines, integrate training tools internally, and make social responsibility part of everyday business operations.
Janina Lukas, Head of Ethics and Social Impact at Bayer, said the guidelines help create a common language on ethical business practices across regions, operations, and cultures, while supporting consistent approaches within seed operations globally.
Christine Jong, Head of People, Culture, and Organization at Bejo, highlighted that vegetable seed production remains highly people-intensive and deeply connected to rural communities. She said fair working conditions, safe workplaces, and respect for human rights are essential for the future of the industry and urged companies to move beyond treating the guidelines as merely a checklist.
Sucheta Ramprakash, Global Head of Sustainability at East-West Seed, emphasized that the industry’s long-term success depends on protecting the dignity and safety of farmers, workers, and communities. She noted that a unified approach to social responsibility can help build trust, reduce operational risk, and strengthen agricultural resilience globally.
Elisabeta Fitó, Corporate Director at Semillas Fitó, said the company joined the initiative because the guidelines provide a practical and collaborative framework adapted specifically for the seed sector while supporting the development of a more ethical and sustainable industry.
Jason Allerding, Head of Sustainability, Health, Safety, and Risk Management at Syngenta and Chair of the ISF Coordination Group on Environmental and Social Responsibility, said meaningful systemic change in labour practices can only happen through industry-wide collaboration. He noted that the project reflects the broader commitment of the ISF Environmental and Social Responsibility group to identify opportunities where companies can work together for sector-wide impact.
Global Agriculture is an independent international media platform covering agri-business, policy, technology, and sustainability. For editorial collaborations, thought leadership, and strategic communications, write
