b' ACCREDITATION New Sampling Entity in Belgium Accredited by ISTAAnn Van EsscheQuality Manager, Agentschap Landbouw en Zeevisserij, Brussel, BelgiumFOR MANY YEARS, SEED SAMPLING ANDwere transferred to ILVO [Flanders Researchtook place in a very constructive atmosphere, and TESTING IN BELGIUM WERE CARRIEDInstitute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food]. we ended the day with the positive feeling that we OUT UNDER THE RESPONSIBILITYwere on the right track.OF THE FLEMISH MINISTRY OFThe ISTA Accreditation Standard for Seed AGRICULTURE, and more specifically by theTesting and Seed Sampling as well as theAfter implementing the corrective actions for current Agentschap Landbouw en ZeevisserijInternational Rules for Seed Testing (ISTAthe findings, including recommendations made [Agency for Agriculture and Fisheries]. One ofRules), were already familiar to the Agencysduring the audit, we received the good news the responsibilities of the Agency is to maintainfuture sampling entity. In preparation forthis spring that the Agentschap Landbouw en plant quality standards for the certification ofISTA accreditation, the entire team workedZeevisserij had been officially accredited as a plant propagation material and the regulation ofhard to develop a quality management systemseed sampling entity. This achievement was marketing activities. documented in a quality manual, procedures,only possible thanks to the relentless efforts of work instructions, methodologies, etc. the entire team. Have a look at our accreditation The Laboratory for Seed Testing (BEDL02), whichscope on the ISTA website (see box, below).was part of the Agency, has been accredited byBased on these documents and the existing ISTA since 2000 for both sampling and testingknowledge and experience built up over theAs an ISTA accredited sampling entity, and activities. years, the ISTA Secretariat granted provisionalthrough our monitoring system on the quality accreditation as a separate sampling entity withrequirements of the seeds, it is essential that Due to reorganisation in 2023, a decision wasa new member code, BEML0500. Until properwe continue our strong relationship with made to discontinue all laboratory activitiesfunctioning could be confirmed during an on- the laboratory BEDL02, built on our shared conducted by the Agency and to seek alternatives.site audit (already scheduled for 2024), samplinghistory. Together, we ensure that Flemish Since the laboratory issues a lot of Internationalwas carried out under the supervision of theseed companies can continue to bring high-Certificates, the Agency applied to become a newlaboratory BEDL02. quality seeds to the national, European and and independent sampling entity to support theinternational markets.international trade activities of Flemish seedOn 9 October 2024, we welcomed the ISTA companies. The responsibilities for sampling andauditors Branislava Opra and Rita Zecchinelli.Go to the Agentschap Landbouw en Zeevisserij testing were separated, and the testing activitiesBoth the samplers and the staff members weremembership page on the ISTA website: www.of the laboratory, along with the competent staff,excited to see what the day would bring. The auditseedtest.org/en/membership/agentschap-landbouw-en-zeevisserij.htmlSEED TESTING INTERNATIONAL OCTOBER 2025 69'