The International Seed Federation (ISF) is publishing new social sustainability guidelines aimed at improving labour and ethical practices across the global seed sector.
The federation said that the voluntary guidelines were developed through collaboration with some of the world’s largest seed companies, including BASF, Bayer, Syngenta, and East-West Seed, along with NGOs and seed associations from five continents.
The guidelines, which are presented under the title, A Practical Guide for Seed Production: Navigating Social Rights and Ethical Practices in the Seed Sector, are being officially introduced during the World Seed Congress 2026 in Lisbon, on 20 May.
‘Resilient and responsible’
“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,” commented Michal Keller, secretary general of the ISF.
“With these guidelines, ISF is building on the great work that many companies are already doing and providing a practical pathway for other companies and actors involved in seed production to implement responsible business practices. In this way, it turns shared principles into practical action, while reinforcing the role of our federation as a platform where companies of all sizes can come together and work in a pre-competitive way to advance common goals for the greater good.”
Areas of focus
The guidelines cover 12 focus areas, including fair employment practices, forced and child labour, health and safety, legal compensation and benefits, working hours, non-discrimination, grievance mechanisms, responsible sourcing and supplier engagement, freedom of association, respect for Indigenous rights and local communities, and environmental protection.
They have been developed in accordance with internationally-recognised frameworks, including the Ethical Trading Initiative Base Code, the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Business Conduct, the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, and the International Labor Organization’s core conventions.
As the ISF noted, the guidelines are intended to complement existing compliance systems rather than replace them, and are relevant for stakeholders right across the seed value chain, from seed companies to smallholder growers, to seasonal labourers.
“This is a practical resource,” added 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. It also reflects a strong belief that awareness-raising, capacity building, and collaboration are essential to lasting progress.” Read more here.
