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International Seed Testing Association
International Seed Testing Association
Richtiarkade 18
8304 Wallisellen, CH
+41 44 838 60 00
ista.office@ista.ch
International Seed Testing Association

About Us

The International Seed Testing Association was founded in 1924 during the 4th International Seed Testing Congress held in Cambridge, UK.

Our membership consists of Member Laboratories and Sampling Entities, Personal Members and Associate Members, from 83 countries/distinct economies.

More than 130 of the Member Laboratories are accredited by ISTA and entitled to issue ISTA Certificates. The membership is a diverse collaboration of seed scientists and analysts from universities, research centres and seed testing laboratories around the world.

ISTA acts free from economic interest and political influence, and is unbiased, objective and fair. Our expertise is based on non-profit cooperation from an international community of over 400 competent and energetic seed scientists and analysts. ISTA works in developing standard seed testing methods, facilitates the trade of quality seeds and makes a valuable contribution to food security.

ISTA Values

  • Vision

    Uniformity in seed quality evaluation worldwide.

  • Mission

    Our Association produces internationally agreed rules for seed sampling and testing, accredits laboratories, promotes research, provides international seed analysis certificates and training, and disseminates knowledge in seed science and technology. This facilitates seed trading nationally and internationally, and also contributes to food security.

  • Objectives

    • To develop, adopt and publish internationally agreed standard procedures (Rules) for sampling and testing seeds.

    • To promote uniform application of standard procedures for evaluation of seeds involved in international trade.

    • To award accreditation to laboratories.

    • To actively promote research and dissemination of knowledge in seed science and technology, for the sampling, testing, storing, processing and distribution of seeds.

    • To provide international seed analysis certificates and training courses.

    • To encourage variety (cultivar) certification.

Executive Committee

The Executive Committee manages the affairs of the Association. 

According to Article 15 (a) of the Articles of ISTA, the Executive Committee shall consist of the President, Vice-President and Immediate Past President, together with eight members-at-large.

Secretariat

The headquarters of the Association is located in Switzerland and managed by the Secretary General.

The staff of the Secretariat handles day-to-day finance, administration, and other duties in supporting the Association's programmes.

History of ISTA

Founded in 1924, with the aim to develop and publish standard procedures in the field of seed testing, ISTA is inextricably linked with the history of seed testing.

With member laboratories in over 80 countries/distinct economies worldwide, ISTA membership is truly a global network

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