VNIS at Euroseeds Congress 2025

From October 19 to 22, 2025, the Scottish capital, Edinburgh, became the epicenter of the global seed industry, hosting the Euroseeds Congress 2025. This event, held in the UK for the first time in history, brought together more than 1,300 participants — leaders of leading companies, scientists, politicians, and experts from around the world.

The Ukrainian Scientific Institute of Plant Breeding (VNIS) was represented at this key European platform by a delegation consisting of Director Yaroslav Pariy and Head of International Projects Kateryna Lukashcheva. Participation in the congress was a strategic step towards strengthening the position of Ukrainian selection science on the global arena.

A global platform for Ukrainian innovations

Euroseeds is the voice of the European seed industry. For VNIS, which has Ukrainian roots and international ambitions, it is extremely important that the voice of Ukrainian innovations is heard loud and clear on this global platform.

Participation in the congress is not only about presenting our own achievements in creating high-yielding sunflower, corn, and rapeseed hybrids. It is, above all, about active integration into the global agricultural ecosystem. The VNIS team used this opportunity to hold a series of strategic meetings, exchange experiences with industry leaders, and gain new knowledge. It is here that trends are formed, challenges are discussed, and solutions are found that will determine the future of agriculture.

The delegation's task was not only to present the potential of Ukrainian breeding, but also to demonstrate the resilience and innovation of Ukraine's agricultural sector despite all the challenges.

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Key topics and strategic discussions at Euroseeds 2025

The congress program focused on the most pressing issues shaping the future of the seed sector. The following topics were of particular interest to the VNIS team.

Innovations in breeding and New Genome Technologies (NGTs)

One of the central discussions revolved around the regulation of NGTs. The UK is already showing significant progress in implementing flexible rules for these technologies, while the EU is still in the process of harmonizing its legislation. For VNIS as a scientific institute, understanding these processes is fundamental, as NGTs can significantly accelerate the creation of hybrids with desired characteristics, such as drought and disease resistance and higher yields.

Geopolitics, trade, and seed sovereignty

The impact of the global geopolitical situation, the risks of protectionism, and the issue of ensuring seed sovereignty were the focus of attention. For Ukraine, as one of the guarantors of global food security, the issue of stable rules for international seed trade and market access is vital. Discussions on these topics allowed VNIS representatives to convey Ukraine's position and better understand global risk factors.

Harmonization of regulatory standards (EU and UK cooperation)

A separate session was devoted to the harmonization of phytosanitary requirements, seed marketing rules, and general regulatory policy between the EU and the UK. The experience of this cooperation is extremely valuable for Ukraine in the context of its European integration aspirations and the need to adapt Ukrainian legislation to European standards.

InnovAction Stage innovation platform

The congress also provided a platform for startups and innovative projects at InnovAction Stage. This is a unique opportunity to “look into the future” — to see what technologies and business models will appear on the market tomorrow. For VNIS, this is a source of ideas for new research and potential partnerships.

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Building bridges between Ukrainian science and the global market

Participation in Euroseeds 2025 is an investment in the future for the VNIS team. New contacts, a deep understanding of global trends and challenges, and the opportunity to promote Ukraine as a powerful player in the breeding market are the main outcomes of the trip to Edinburgh.

The experience and knowledge gained at the congress will be implemented in the scientific and commercial work of the institute. VNIS continues its mission to build strong bridges between Ukrainian science and the global market, providing Ukrainian farmers with world-class seeds.