Possible operational levers to improve agricultural innovation systems include innovation platforms to support interaction among various stakeholders. Seed networks are one such example. Li Mestère, the irst network of this type in Wallonia, has brought together a diverse range of stakeholders to manage the crop diversity of cereals. It facilitates the circulation of seeds, knowledge and know-how that are inaccessible in the formal seed system. However, because of its quick growth, organisational challenges and misrepresentation issues, the network inds itself between “idealisation” and “realisation”. By delving beyond preconceived ideas about seed networks, the article highlights the challenges they face to intensify their eforts and foster an agroecological transition. ; SCOPUS: ar.j ; info:eu-repo/semantics/published