5
 
 PRESIDENT’S REPORT
SEED TESTING INTERNATIONAL OCTOBER 2026
research and recent advances in seed functional 
ecology, with a particular emphasis on tropical 
species. These webinars exemplify the power of 
collaboration in advancing seed science.
We continue to strengthen our partnerships 
with key international organisations. Our close 
working relationships with the Organisation 
for Economic Co-operation and Development 
(OECD), the Food and Agriculture Organization 
of the United Nations (FAO), the International 
“The [2026 ISTA Annual 
Meeting] 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 meeting also featured a successful seminar 
on the practical implications of seed quality 
and seed testing, along with robust discussions 
on emerging technologies, including artificial 
intelligence and advanced imaging methods. 
These conversations underscored the importance 
of seed stakeholders embracing innovation and 
using it to explore new ways of improving the 
accuracy of our testing standards.
Advancing ISTA’s Growth 
Strategy
Growth remains a cornerstone of our strategic 
plan this triennium. We are making steady 
progress in promoting the inclusion of tropical 
and subtropical species in the ISTA Rules. This 
work, led by our TCOMs, is essential in ensuring 
that our standards serve, and are used by, 
the full diversity of global seed stakeholders. 
The joint ISTA–ISSS [International Society for 
Seed Science] webinar series has been a great 
success, showcasing key initiatives in wild seed 
Seed Federation (ISF) and the Association  
of Official Seed Analysts / Society of Commercial 
Seed Technologists (AOSA/SCST), and other 
regional bodies are vital to harmonising seed 
testing standards worldwide. In particular, ISTA’s 
active involvement in the World Seed Partnership 
alongside ISF, OECD Seed Schemes, UPOV 
[International Union for the Protection  
of New Varieties of Plants] and the World 
Farmers’ Organisation (WFO) helps ensure that 
seed quality is never an afterthought in global 
ISTA President Ernest Allen delivered the official opening remarks
The 2026 ISTA Annual Meeting in Calgary, Canada, brought together seed testing experts, researchers, regulators and industry representatives 
from around the world for four days of scientific exchange, technical collaboration and professional networking

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