In a landmark virtual ceremony, the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) and the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) formalized a groundbreaking partnership aimed at revolutionizing seed quality testing and certification systems across the Americas. The memorandum of understanding was signed by ISTA President Ernest Allen and IICA Director General Manuel Otero, marking a significant step toward agricultural modernization and food security in the region. The collaboration will focus on sharing technical expertise, training personnel, standardizing seed analysis protocols, and enhancing the capabilities of certification and quality assurance bodies. Ernest Allen emphasized the transformative potential of the agreement, stating, ‘This partnership is a bridge between our organizations. Just as a small seed can grow into something extraordinary, we expect this alliance to flourish into a robust collaboration benefiting all 34 IICA Member States.’ Manuel Otero highlighted the critical role of seeds in agricultural development, stressing the need for actionable strategies to improve quality of life across the hemisphere. The partnership will also promote regional technological innovation and facilitate greater participation in international seed trade, ensuring the Americas remain at the forefront of agricultural advancements.
The International Seed Testing Association and IICA collaborate to upgrade seed testing and certfificationin region
