b'ACCREDITATIONAPROSMAT Laboratory Achieves ISTA Accreditation and Reinforces Leadership in Brazils Seed SectorSuemar Alexandre Gonalves AvelarAPROSMAT Seed Analysis Laboratory Technical ManagerIT IS WITH IMMENSE SATISFACTIONThe journey toward ISTA accreditation, formallyand technical managersis fully committed to THAT THE LABORATRIO DE ANLISEinitiated in May 2018 by APROSMATs board,excellence.DE SEMENTES DA APROSMAT (BR12) was a meticulous and uninterrupted process. celebrates an internationally significantIt demanded a high degree of commitment,In a scenario where markets increasingly achievement: ISTA accreditation in 2025.continuous technical training, and the constantdemand guarantees about the quality and origin This global quality seal not only reaffirms theimprovement of operational processes and theof agricultural inputs, having an internationally unwavering commitment of APROSMATsquality management system. recognised laboratory is a strategic competitive Seed Analysis Laboratory (SAL) to the highestadvantage for APROSMATs associates and for the standards of excellence but also consolidatesThe accreditation covers crucial analyses such asentire supply chain that relies on certified seeds.Brazils prominent position in global seed trade. germination, purity, other seed determination, thousand-seed weight (for groups like grasses;The accreditation amplifies SAL/APROSMATs APROSMAT, the Associao dos Produtores decereals; pulses; other agricultural crops;institutional role. In addition to meeting local Sementes de Mato Grosso [Mato Grosso Statevegetables; spices, herbs and medicinal species;and national demands, the laboratory now Seed Growers Association], founded in 1980,and coated grasses), in addition to viabilitybecomes a qualified link in international seed boasts a trajectory of over four decades as atesting for grasses and coated grasses as well astrade, strengthening the image of the Brazilian fundamental pillar in strengthening Brazilssampling for all these crop groups. seed sector abroad. The positive impacts are seed production chain, guided by robustperceived both in the continuous improvement governance, ethics and technical rigour. TheISTA accreditation also enables SAL/APROSMATof internal processes and in the confidence history of SAL/APROSMAT dates back to a boldto issue the prestigious Orange Internationalconveyed to the market: growers, companies, vision, materialised on 22 May 1989. At thatCertificate. This document, of high value inbuyers and phytosanitary authorities can fully time, seed growers in Mato Grosso state usedinternational seed trade, attests that bothtrust the issued results.to face significant logistical challenges for seedsampling and analyses were carried out under analysis. The creation of the laboratory broughtthe direct responsibility of the laboratory, not only autonomy but also a qualitative leapensuring technically valid, lot-representative and in the sectors professionalism, accompanyingglobally recognised results.and surpassing legislative requirements over the years. This milestone goes beyond the technical aspect; it drives a profound internal transformation. The Located in Rondonpolis, Mato Grosso, SAL/ adoption of ISTA standards directly reflects in APROSMAT is now an undeniable benchmark.the standardisation of processes, methodological With a modern structure and a highly qualifiedrigor and traceability of results, promotingGo to the Laboratrio de Anlise de Sementes team, it analyses over 20 000 samples annually,consistent gains in quality and safety. The team,da APROSMAT membership page on the ISTA boasting one of Brazils largest technical scopescomposed of approximately 30 highly capablewebsite: www.seedtest.org/en/membership/and covering more than 60 agricultural andemployeesincluding seed analysts, technicallaboratorio-de-lise-de-sementes-da-forage species. assistants, administrative staff, supervisorsaprosmat.html68 SEED TESTING INTERNATIONAL www.seedtest.org'