SeedNL Annual Event 2026
SeedNL convenes anyone working in and close to the world of seed sector development yearly for an annual meeting. The event will host engaging plenaries, topical side-sessions, and excellent opportunities to network with seed sector stakeholders across the Dutch Diamond.
Seeds of Collaboration
Under the theme “Seeds of Collaboration”, SeedNL brings together partners from across the seed sector for a full day of exchange, inspiration and networking. Throughout the day, participants will explore how collaboration continues to shape resilient and inclusive seed systems, while engaging in plenary sessions, interactive breakouts and discussions with stakeholders from across the Dutch Diamond and beyond.
Program
09:00–09:30 Registration / Coffee and tea
09:30–09:35 Opening by moderator
09:35–09:45 Welcome remarks by Silvio Erkens, Minister (Staatssecretaris) for Food Security, Fisheries and Horticulture
09:45–10:00 Speech — Willem Schoustra, SeedNL Program Director
10:00–10:45 Fireside Chat with: Michael Keller (Secretary General, ISF) and Chris Ojiewo (Strategic Partnerships and Seed Systems, CGIAR)
10:45–11:15 Coffee and tea
11:15–12:30 Panel session: “From Finance to Biodiversity: What it takes to make partnerships work”, with Stefan Schmitz (Executive Director, Crop Trust)
12:30–13:30 Lunch
13:30–15:00 Seeds of Collaboration: Inside the Partnerships (breakout sessions)
15:00–15:50 Plenary
15:50–16:00 Closing by moderator
16:00–17:30 Cocktail reception
