Recap of the 2025 China Seed Congress
From March 20 to 23, the China Seed Congress - Nanfan Seed Silicon Valley Forum was held in Sanya, Hainan. This is the biggest seed conference in China, with over 2,000 participants. This shows how booming the seed sector is in China.
Agricultural Counselor Karel van Bommel gave a speech at the International Cooperation Forum. Mr. Sjoerd Bijl, Policy Specialist of Plantum, shared the successful experience and innovation of Sino-Dutch cooperation in the seed industry with the audience through a video presentation, and International Seed Federation’s (ISF) Secretary-General Michael Keller, the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV), the Asia Pacific Seed Association (APSA) and other international organizations exchanged views on harmonizing plant breeding regulations, strengthening intellectual property rights, and global food security.
Key take-aways
The key take-aways from this conference are:
- China's breakthroughs in seed technology (AI, GM crops)
- China's enhanced IP protection in high-tech seed breeding
One of the hot subjects was the development of AI seed breeding, which combines biotechnology, information technology, big data, and AI to replace traditional seed breeding practices. Another important development is the rapid adoption of genetically modified (GM) crops in China. Only 3 years ago GM crops were approved for food. Currently, 80 GM varieties are approved of which 37 GM corn varieties,14 GM soybean varieties and 70 GM insect-resistant cotton varieties. These are only Chinese varieties, no foreign varieties have been approved. China embraces GM to enhance crop yields and ensure food security. The commercial planting of the varieties is widely spread. The provinces Jilin, Liaoning, Inner Mongolia, Hebei, and Shanxi are the major areas for spring corn and soybean, accounting for 80% of the national production capacity, mainly for the cold-resistant and drought-resistant varieties. Southwest and southern provinces like Yunnan, Hubei, Sichuan are the pilot areas for GM corns. Xinjiang Yili and Gansu Zhangye are newly licensed for GM corn seed production, the total area will be expanded to more than 13,333 ha within 2025. Henan, Shandong, and northern Anhui, are the pilot zones for high temperature resistant and rust resistant varieties. Within 2 or 3 years, China expects to grow 15 million hectares of GM crops. They are already exporting some varieties to South America and Pakistan.
Nanfan Seed Silicon Valley
China’s 2025 No. 1 Document emphasizes revitalizing the seed industry by using “Nanfan Seed Silicon Valley” as a premier agricultural research platform. Covering a protected area of 17,867 ha, with a core zone of 3,533 ha, 14 scientific research institutes and 10 agricultural universities have established their presence in Nanfan Seed Silicon Valley.
The Valley integrates breeding R&D, commercial farming, and seed industry finance to construct a full value chain that links seed production, industry, and the market. The introduction process for germplasm resources has been shortened from 45 days to 7 days through the implementation of streamlined customs clearance for cross-border seed breeding materials. Transitioning from its construction phase to full operational release, the Valley is establishing a seed industry CRO (contract research and development organization) model supported by over 20 professional service agencies, including those specializing in seed R&D, marketing, genetic testing, new variety registration, and international arbitration.
Opportunities in Hainan for the Dutch Seed Sector
During the China Seed Congress, we identified various opportunities for the Dutch seed sector for collaboration and market expansion in Hainan.
1. Strategic Technological Partnerships and Breeding Innovation
In China, the seed industry has entered the era of AI-assisted breeding. The Dutch seed sector is renowned for its advanced horticultural technologies and innovative breeding methods. Dutch companies can collaborate with Chinese research institutions and local companies on some selected joint R&D initiatives. By integrating into the local ecosystem and challenges, leveraging AI and big data on Dutch expertise in precision breeding and data analytics, Dutch companies can tailor their products and co-develop new resilient crop varieties with China. Cooperation on breeding innovation could yield varieties that perform optimally in local environments, and address similar challenges in other regions or countries as well without additional investment. The transfer of technological solutions into the Chinese market could also secure the competitive edge of the Dutch seed sector in both local and international markets.
2. Market Expansion Gateway
Hainan’s agricultural landscape presents strategic opportunities for Dutch seed companies to tap into this young market. Establishing joint ventures, branch offices, distribution partnerships, or other local presence would facilitate market access and build better trust with Chinese stakeholders. The provincial government's commitment to agricultural innovation and supportive regulatory framework creates a favorable environment for international investment. The unique Free Trade Island operation of Hainan is also opening up further market opportunities for Dutch companies across Asia.
In parallel with these market opportunities, China has been strengthening IP protection, particularly in high-tech sectors like seed breeding. The Hainan Free Trade Port Intellectual Property Court provides specialized judicial services, handling disputes from patent infringements to conflicts over plant variety rights. This can protect the technologies and innovations introduced by Dutch seed companies better. Furthermore, the Hainan International Arbitration Court (HIAC) offers a platform for resolving international commercial disputes. With expertise in law, trade, finance, and intellectual property, HIAC is well-equipped to manage complex cases involving foreign entities. The Seed Industry Arbitration Center focuses on resolving disputes arising from IP rights, contractual disagreements, and unfair competition in the seed sector.
3. Sustainable Agriculture and R&D on special crops
China is facing the ever-growing issue of sustainability in the agricultural development. Hainan's tropical climate and ecosystem require seeds that can resist increasing temperatures, humidity, and pest. The Dutch seed industry has sustainable practices to share with global partners. Under the Hainan Free Trade Port framework, a suite of large‐scale breeding infrastructures and policy incentives has been rolled out, creating an extensive landscape for sustainable and climate resilient crop development. There is a large scope for Dutch companies to participate in projects focused on promoting sustainable breeding practices in Hainan, and co-developing the advanced crop varieties that are resilient to climate constraints and challenges, such as drought-tolerant maize, heat and disease resistant vegetables. The market of tropical crop varieties is also considerable. This collaboration can not only boosts Hainan’s agricultural sustainability and food security, but also opens up a strategic market for Dutch innovation in high-tech seed breeding.
The 2025 China Seed Congress underscored the opportunities for the Dutch seed sector, from forming strategic technological partnerships and expanding market presence in Hainan, to sharing expertise in sustainable practices and germplasm exchange. Dutch companies, however, must be aware of China’s fluid regulations and policies, remain flexible, and be prepared to adapt quickly to new regulatory requirements or shifts in priorities, and ensure robust intellectual property protection amid varying enforcement standards. The intense competition from both local and international players also present more risks.
More information
For more information, you can reach out to the Netherlands Agricultural Network team in China via PEK-LVVN@minbuza.nl.