4 SEED TESTING INTERNATIONAL www.seedtest.org PRESIDENT’S REPORT President’s Report Ernest Allen THE PAST YEAR HAS BEEN A PERIOD OF INTENSE ACTIVITY, marked by productive meetings, growing global engagement, and meaningful steps toward harmonising seed testing standards worldwide. As we move closer to the second half of the 2025–2028 triennium, I am pleased to report on the significant progress the Association has made in advancing ISTA’s strategic goals. February 2026 Executive Committee Meeting in Hyderabad, India The ISTA Executive Committee (ECOM) met in Hyderabad from 15–21 February for a week concentrated on managing the Association’s business affairs and engaging in strategic discussions about ISTA’s direction. The discussions we had can be divided into three primary areas: organisational improvements, ISTA outreach planning, and activities that will position the Association for long-term success. Key topics included lively talks on ways to strengthen our governance structure (e.g. term limits for leadership) and enhancing the effectiveness of our Technical Committees (TCOM; e.g. changing the focus from the ECOM to the TCOMs during future joint meetings of these two pillars of ISTA). In addition to resolving internal business issues, the Hyderabad meeting also gave the ECOM an unprecedented opportunity to have direct engagement with senior Indian government officials. One meeting in particular, with the Telangana Chief Secretary, not only highlighted ISTA’s importance to the country, but it also solidified a commitment from the government to continue to collaborate with ISTA in its expansion efforts within the country. In meetings with other officials, discussions centred on seed quality assurance and global seed standards. Under the Chief Secretary’s leadership, India has recently made a concerted push towards ISTA President adherence to the International Rules for Seed Testing (ISTA Rules) and ISTA accreditation throughout the country. This may be seen as a powerful example for the broader Asia region. We believe this commitment can serve as a catalyst for improved seed quality, investment and trade across Asia, demonstrating the tangible benefits of harmonised seed testing standards. “Under the [Telangana] Chief Secretary’s leadership, India has recently made a concerted push towards adherence to the International Rules for Seed Testing and ISTA accreditation throughout the country. This may be seen as a powerful example for the broader Asia region.” 2026 ISTA Annual Meeting in Calgary, Canada From 22–25 June, the global seed testing community gathered in Calgary for the 2026 ISTA Annual Meeting. This was a special event for ISTA and for Canada, as it was the first time the country has hosted the ISTA Annual Meeting since 1983. The event provided an invaluable opportunity for seed testing professionals, technical experts, regulators and industry leaders to discuss testing methods, new technologies and other issues shaping the global seed trade. The success of the Calgary meeting would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors. I extend my deepest gratitude to SGS Canada as our Platinum Sponsor, whose support helped bring together the global seed testing community for this meeting of knowledge exchange and rules development. I also thank the Canadian Seed Growers' Association (CSGA) for their proud sponsorship, an organisation that plays an important and complementary role to ISTA in supporting certified seed systems through field certification. Additional thanks go to 20/20 Seed Labs, CFIA Ottawa Plant and Seed Pathology Laboratory, and the outstanding local organising committee and collaborators, whose dedicated efforts ensured that event attendees received unsurpassed hospitality throughout their stay. This welcoming environment allowed our members to focus fully on the critical technical discussions and the important votes taken during the Ordinary General Meeting (OGM). All the amendments to the ISTA Rules passed during the OGM voting session will become effective on 1 January 2027. The opening ceremony of the 2026 ISTA Annual Meeting was led by Andreas Wais, ISTA Secretary General, with a blessing by Elder Ruby Eagle Child, recognising the significance of place, community and connection
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