b'PRESIDENTS REPORTThe new ISTA Executive Committee for the 20252028 trienniumThe 34th ISTA Congress was special for me, as Icontributors (speakers and scientists), and tobreeding technologies. The sessions gathered was appointed ISTAs 28th President. The eventthe ISTA Secretariat for their immense effort inseed scientists, technologists and policy experts was held from 59 May 2025 in the historicorganising such a wonderful event. from across the globe to explore emerging and naturally beautiful Christchurch, Newresearch and practical innovations in seed Zealand. This was only the sixth time in ISTAstesting, plant health, phytosanitary measures 100-year history that a meeting was held in theIt was not difficult to see howand breeding technologies, all of which are of southern hemisphere. For most of the delegatescritical importance for securing global food it was a long but worthwhile journey, to meetNew Zealand has producedsecurity. Over 152 participants from 32 countries in a city reimagined and rebuilt to harmonisetook part in the Symposium, reflecting the with nature, while encouraging both adventurean industry that contributesimportance of this Congress and the global and innovation. It was not difficult to seeinterest in advancing seed quality assurance. how New Zealand has produced an industryThe event provided an invaluable opportunity that contributes so much to the global seedso much to the global seedfor laboratory analysts, researchers and trade, including three past ISTA Presidentsindustry stakeholders to exchange ideas, forge (Don Scot, 19921995; John Hampton, 2010;trade, including three past ISTAcollaborations and to strengthen the foundation and Craig McGill, 20162019). The Congressof quality seed systems globally. The stage was was a great success. My sincere thanks to thePresidents. set for continued conversation on the next steps New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industriesin the fields of seed science and technology. This (MPI), represented by John Randall as theand future ISTA Symposia play a critical role in National Designated Authority, and to theThe Congress opened with a two-day Seedfulfilling ISTAs mission to facilitate international national organising committee chaired by CraigSymposium under the theme Seed Quality forseed trade and will undoubtedly guide our efforts McGill. In addition, thanks to all New ZealandGlobal Food Security and Biodiversity, whichto strengthen global seed systems. Presentations seed businesses, laboratories and individualincluded a highly engaging forum on new plantand detailed activity reports are available on the SEED TESTING INTERNATIONAL OCTOBER 2025 5'