Legacy Project to Support National Food Bank ahead of World Seed Congress 2026

As preparations for the World Seed Congress 2026 in Lisbon reach their final stages, a new initiative is gaining momentum to ensure that the event leaves a lasting impact on the local community. The Legacy Project, a collaborative effort between the seed sector, students, and civil society, aims to create a sustainable impact by growing crops for donation to Portugal’s National Food Bank. This initiative, supported by multiple partners, will cultivate 1.6 hectares of land at the Instituto Superior de Agronomia, demonstrating how collaboration across the seed sector can deliver meaningful benefits at the local level.

The Legacy Project is a response to the growing need for food security and solidarity, particularly in the context of global challenges such as climate change and economic instability. By uniting diverse stakeholders, the project seeks to foster a sense of shared responsibility and collective action towards addressing food insecurity. The initiative is being implemented in partnership with SolidarISA, IAAS Portugal – Associação Internacional de Estudantes de Agricultura, ANSEME, and with support from the Ministerie van Landbouw, Visserij, Voedselzekerheid en Natuur and the Netherlands Agricultural Network.

Students and volunteers from various backgrounds will play a pivotal role in the project, working together to cultivate a variety of crops, including radishes, turnips, and turnip greens. This collaborative effort will not only help in producing food for those in need but will also serve as an educational platform, allowing participants to learn about sustainable agriculture and food systems. The project’s focus on local impact is a testament to the belief that meaningful change can be achieved through grassroots initiatives.

The Legacy Project is also an opportunity for seed companies, institutions, and other partners to contribute in-kind, such as through the donation of seeds. This open invitation encourages further sector involvement and demonstrates the project’s commitment to inclusivity and collaboration. By inviting additional contributions, the initiative aims to expand its reach and ensure a successful harvest that can make a tangible difference in supporting the National Food Bank’s efforts.

The World Seed Congress 2026, set to take place in Lisbon, will bring together experts, researchers, and industry professionals from around the globe to discuss the latest advancements and challenges in the seed sector. The Legacy Project serves as a precursor to this event, highlighting the potential for the seed industry to contribute to local food security and solidarity. By engaging with students and civil society, the project underscores the importance of fostering partnerships that transcend traditional boundaries and work towards a common goal.

In the coming seasons, the Legacy Project will continue to cultivate not only crops but also a sense of community and shared purpose. The initiative’s success will be measured not only by the quantity of food produced but also by the lasting impact it has on local food systems and the broader seed sector. As the World Seed Congress approaches, the Legacy Project stands as a beacon of hope and a reminder of the power of collaboration in addressing some of the most pressing challenges of our time.

The Legacy Project to Support National Food Bank ahead of World Seed Congress 2026 is a testament to the potential of collective action in the seed sector. By uniting students, civil society, and industry partners, the initiative aims to create a lasting local impact and demonstrate the importance of food solidarity in an ever-changing world. As the event horizon of the World Seed Congress 2026 looms closer, the Legacy Project serves as a powerful reminder of the responsibility that lies with us all to ensure food security for all.