ISTA Workshop on Seed Sampling and Quality Assurance in Seed Sampling
The ISTA Bulking and Sampling Committee and National Food Chain Safety Office (NÉBIH), Budapest and Alsica Mag Kft., Sárbogárd, Hungary are looking forward to hosting you at the ISTA Workshop on Seed Sampling and Quality Assurance in Seed Sampling, to be held at the NÉBIH Central Office in Budapest, Hungary from 17 – 20 March 2026.
The workshop will include lectures, practical and group work.
| Date | 17.03.2026 - 20.03.2026 |
| Location | Budapest |
| Country | Hungary |
| Registration |
Information
Aim of the workshop
The aim of the workshop is to provide an overview of seed sampling and aspects of quality assurance in relation to seed sampling for a range of species.
The workshop will provide a forum to discuss seed sampling in general as well as the opportunity to have specific questions relating to seed sampling methodologies discussed.
The workshop will focus on practical exercises, providing an opportunity to use different sampling equipment, and will include practical exercises for the evaluation and examination of seed samplers.
Workshop content
The workshop teaching is through formal lectures, practical work and a series of exercises where participants will form into groups to work on. Main topics will be manual and automatic seed sampling, sample dividing, quality assurance in seed sampling and monitoring of seed samplers. The workshop will also cover marking, labelling, and sealing of seed lots and samples.
We will discuss the ISTA Rules and use the ISTA Handbook on Seed Sampling during the workshop, as well as the ISTA Accreditation Standard in connection to seed sampling.
Please take note that the ISTA Handbook on Seed Sampling, 3rd Edition 2022, Version 3 will be the version that will be used during the Workshop.
Language of the Workshop is English
| Workshop Organisers |
International Seed Testing Association
|
| Lecturers |
Eddie Goldschagg, Vice-Chair of the ISTA Bulking & Sampling Committee Leena Pietilä, Member of the ISTA Bulking & Sampling Committee Gerry Hall, Member of the ISTA Bulking & Sampling Committee Sigyn Valgrind, Member of the ISTA Bulking & Sampling Committee |
| Workshop Location |
NÉBIH Central Office Kis Rókus street 15/a) 1024 BudapestThe practical work will be done at Alsica Mag Kft., Sárbogárd; transport will be provided. |
| Participation fee |
ISTA Members: 600 EUR |
The participation fee includes all literature and supporting material for the workshop, lunches, coffee breaks and workshop official dinner. It does not include accommodation or meals other than those specified.
The number of participants is a minimum of 20 and restricted to a maximum of 30 participants.
Registration and payment deadline is 15 December 2025
Please note:
For cancellations made before 15 December 2025 registration fees are refundable minus a 50 EUR administration fee.
For cancellations made after 15 December 2025 registration fees are non-refundable.
Accomodation recommendations
A range of accommodations is available.
Please contact the local organiser for accommodation options and how to book. Guests may book directly with the hotel and will be responsible for payment of their own room, taxes and incidentals.
Travel & Visa Information
You may need a VISA and a Letter of Invitation for entry into Hungary. For more information, please consult the Embassy of Hungary in your country.
If you require an invitation letter, please contact:
Andreea-Nicoleta Pinar
Email: andreea.pinar@ista.ch
The invitation letter will be issued by ISTA Secretariat only after payment of the registration fee.
Participants eligible to apply for support to attend this workshop under the Young@ISTA programme should view the funding criteria and download the application form here: Young@ISTA - International Seed Testing Association
Applications for funding close on Saturday, 15 November, 2025.