ISF World Seed Congress 2017

The International Seed Federation, in partnership with the Hungarian Seed Association, will host its 2017 World Seed Congress May 22-24 in Budapest, Hungary.

Historically, Hungary has bridged eastern and western Europe and today prides itself on the preservation of traditions while embracing future innovations, according to the National Organizing Committee.

The congress is designed to connect east and west, north and south and fill gaps; hence, the theme is “Growing Beyond Bridges.” The Danube flows through Budapest with bridges connecting the hilly Buda in the west and the flatter Pest in the east.

About 70 percent of the land in Hungary is suitable for agriculture. The country is a premier producer of sunflowers and also relies on maize and wheat. Hungary is a leading producer of paprika and Pálinka — a local brandy made from fruits, such as plums, apricots, apples, pears and cherries. Additionally, thanks to its favorable climate, soil health and infrastructure, seed production is a known tradition.