b'ASSOCIATION NEWS In Memoriam: Dr Richard C. Payne (19432025)THE GLOBAL SEED SCIENCEquickly recognised. As Chair of the ISTA Varietycontributions continue to ensure the quality, COMMUNITY MOURNS THE LOSS OFCommittee, he spearheaded the first majorintegrity and security of the worlds seed supply.DR RICHARD C. PAYNE who passed awayrevision of the seminal Testing for Genuineness on 26 June 2025. A visionary leader whoseof Cultivars handbook in 1993, a pivotal pioneering work shaped seed testing protocolscontribution that harmonised global standards.both domestically and internationally, Dr Paynes legacy is one of enduring excellence andIn 1999, Dr Payne was appointed Chief of SRTB, profound influence. where he provided overarching administration for the USDAs regulatory, laboratory and Dr Paynes distinguished career began in 1975outreach programmes. In this capacity, he when he joined the Seed Regulatory and Testingbecame a central figure for the domestic seed Branch (SRTB) of the United States Departmentindustry, earning numerous honours from the of Agriculture (USDA) as a plant physiologist. HeAssociation of Official Seed Analysts / Society of immediately made his mark by developing andCommercial Seed Technologists (AOSA/SCST), standardising groundbreaking laboratory testingthe American Seed Trade Association (ASTA), the procedures, to distinguish between varieties ofAssociation of American Seed Control Officials agricultural and vegetable speciesa critical(AASCO), the Association of Official Seed foundation of seed science. Certifying Agencies (AOSCA), and others for his decades of dedicated service to the seed industry.His expertise propelled him to Laboratory Supervisor in 1982, a role that ushered himDr Paynes intellect, dedication and leadership onto the international stage. Representing thefundamentally guided the course of seed science. USDA within ISTA, Dr Paynes leadership wasWhile he will be deeply missed, his foundational 64 SEED TESTING INTERNATIONAL www.seedtest.org'