How are farmers coping with the shocks of 2026? In this episode, we explore how farmers are faring across the world and how we can ensure that high quality seeds reach those who need them most. 

First, we visit farmers in Portugal and speak with a number of farmers about the impacts of the Strait of Hormuz’s closure on their business. Then, host Laura Rosbrow-Telem interviews Mark Watne, Former Head of the North Dakota Farmers Union, and Dr. Maximo Torero, Chief Economist at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) about the state of farmers right now. 

Finally, we hear an edited conversation from the World Seed Congress about inclusive seed systems, moderated by Julie Borlaug and featuring Leah Salvaleon, a smallholder vegetable farmer in the Philippines from the Bukidnon PhilGAP Farmers Association; Maaike Groot from East-West Seed, Evelyn Lusenaka from AGRA, and Trey Key from Gates Agricultural Innovations.

State of Seed is a show from the International Seed Federation, with production services by FP Studios.