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SEED TESTING INTERNATIONAL OCTOBER 2026
• ACCREDITATION 
A Century-Long Journey Towards 
ISTA Accreditation
Salem Toma Gassed
Director of Laboratory Division, Directorate of Seed Testing and Certification (IQ01), Ministry of Agriculture, Republic of Iraq
THE SEED SECTOR IN THE REPUBLIC 
OF IRAQ REPRESENTS ONE OF THE 
FUNDAMENTAL PILLARS of agricultural 
development and food security. Since the early 
20th century, considerable attention has been 
devoted to the development and regulation 
of seed quality, recognising the vital role of 
high-quality seed in increasing agricultural 
productivity and improving crop performance.
The Laboratory Division of the Directorate of 
Seed Testing and Certification (IQ01), Ministry of 
Agriculture, is the national technical authority 
responsible for conducting laboratory seed 
testing in accordance with national legislation 
and internationally recognised standards. The 
Division currently employs approximately 
50 researchers, agricultural engineers, and 
specialised laboratory technicians dedicated to 
ensuring the quality of seeds marketed within 
Iraq and supporting national and international 
seed trade.
Historical Background
The official development of improved seed 
legislation in Iraq began in 1927 with the 
issuance of the first law regulating improved 
cotton seed production, establishing the 
legal foundation for seed quality control and 
improvement.
In 1932, Law No. 27 concerning improved field 
crop seeds was enacted, covering strategic crops 
such as wheat, barley and flax. This was followed 
by Law No. 60 in 1935, further strengthening the 
legislative framework governing seed production 
and quality improvement. In 1962, unified 
seed testing procedures were introduced for 
all agricultural crops, marking the beginning 
of standardised laboratory testing based on 
scientific principles throughout Iraq.
A major institutional milestone was achieved 
in 1968 with the establishment of the first 
official Seed Testing and Certification Unit, 
which became the cornerstone for developing 
Iraq’s seed testing and certification system and 
establishing specialised laboratories operating 
according to modern scientific methodologies.
The building of the State Board for Seed Testing and Certification
Laboratory IQ01 staff celebrate accreditation 
with their General Director
Membership of ISTA
In 1976, Iraq became a member of ISTA, 
strengthening the connection between Iraqi 
laboratories and the international seed testing 
community, while enabling the implementation 
of the International Rules for Seed Testing (ISTA 
Rules) and benefiting from the Association’s 
scientific expertise.
In 1994, the General Board of Seed Testing 
and Certification was established under the 
Ministry of Agriculture as the national authority 
responsible for managing the seed sector, 
supervising seed testing and certification, and 
regulating seed marketing in accordance with 
recognised scientific standards.
Following the restoration of Iraq’s ISTA 
membership in 2010, a new phase of institutional 
development commenced, focusing on 
preparing national seed laboratories to obtain 
international accreditation for the issuance of 
ISTA Certificates.
Journey Towards 
Accreditation
The Directorate of Seed Testing 
and Certification adopted the achievement 
of ISTA accreditation as a strategic objective 
and launched a comprehensive laboratory 
development programme. This programme 
included upgrading laboratory equipment and 

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