During these last two years I have had the privilege and honor of serving the Seed Industry as President of the ISF (International Seed Federation). I have no doubt that this experience has given me the opportunity to grow in my career learning from some great professionals. Both those who are dedicated to ISF full time and those who, like me, do it part time and voluntarily

Since the ISF was founded in 1924, it has been intended to facilitate the movement of seeds around the world. Our hope is to ensure that all farmers without exception have access to the best quality seeds. But unfortunately we are not there yet. Different criteria when regulating the import and export of seeds between different countries, as well as their commercialization in domestic markets, mean that access to quality seed is not guaranteed.

It is worth adding the legitimate concern of some countries in ensuring a certain autonomy in access to seeds. But this must be done without hindering imports and without hindering commercialization within their own borders, because otherwise they will do a disservice to the food security of their citizens. The ISF has always defended that the international movement of seeds is universal and in this sense, with the new group of measures with which it is working, called Systems Approach, greater coordination of regulators is being achieved, which will result in more and more easy seed movement.

Since the 2002 merger of the former FIS (International Seed Trade Federation) and Assinsel (International Association of Sorters for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants), the ISF has promoted innovation. We understand that without R&D current and future challenges will not be overcome. We must not only ensure food for all by increasing yields, but we must manage to do so through sustainable agriculture. For example, the genetic improvement of our plants is helping to make the impact of plant protection products less and less; that the consumption of water and use of fertilizers is reasonable; to be able to adapt better to climate change; and even to innovate to make the products that farmers offer to consumers different and bring more added value to the agri-food chain. In this area, I would like to highlight the great effort that the ISF is making to reach a consensus on the deployment of the FAO-sponsored International Treaty on Genetic Resources.

Ever since agriculture was invented, there has been a trade in seeds. But also innovation. And this has been refined, culminating in the creation of a specific protection system: the UPOV convention. Together we have created a model that is self-sustaining and that has provided humanity with enormous genetic variability at an ever faster rate, without depending on external financial aid. However, some illegal and not very respectful activities with intellectual property that are putting this business model at risk. Mechanisms must be developed to be vigilant and strengthen the fight against corruption that a few are exercising, jeopardizing the excellent work that many of us do.

With our sights set on achieving a world where we all have access to the best seeds and, through sustainable agriculture, feeding a growing population, during my presidency of the ISF, we have been working to ensure the movement of seeds and promote innovation. . Thank you for your trust.