b'labs, including those of multinational corporations. When we export seed from this coun-try, we must have a certificate that certifies the seed is free of disease, or else those diseases can be introduced to new coun-tries, Misra says, stating that no one wishes to introduce new seedborne diseases to different countries. Instead, these certifica-tions ensure seed health for exporting. The center developed seed tests that are now the established standards used around the world and has been designated by the USDA to administer the new National Seed Health System to certify that all $1.2 billion worth of seeds exported from U.S. are disease free. Through these and other science-based tests of purity, viability, vigor, seed health and DNA testing, the Seed Science Center ensures that farmers worldwide can receive quality seed, a basis for the genesis of food security, Hicks says. Manjit Misra serves as seed science endowed chair and professor in the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering.Educate for the FutureMany of the future leading seed scientistscenter will continue long into the future. and industry professionals have gottenHis passion for seed goes way their start through the centers educa- beyond what is put in the ground for ger-tional efforts, something that will multiplymination, Hicks continues. It is a com-progress in food security for the future. passion for humanity that comes from his We try to inspire students throughsoul.He truly wants to see a world where their work to become seed scientists, sono man, woman or child goes hungry. they can get involved, Misra says.When it comes to teaching and work-Hicks says work at the center has con- ing with students, Misra believes that tributed to the education of hundreds ofmuch of the goal is inspiration, which is undergraduate and graduate agriculturalwhy he places a focus on the wondrous students, all who are working to betterpotential of seeds.the seed industry nationally and globally. We are developing a future genera-The center offers a Seed Technologytion of seed industry leaders, he says.and Business curriculum that providesAd those leaders have their work cut out education globally in seed science andfor them, with 815 million people still living seed business in an integrated manner. without the nutrition they need to thrive, These graduate students are out inmany of whom are women and children. the world already, working in their ownWalker Lambert serves as managingThere is evidence that the first 1,000 countries on the latest in the seed scienceproducer for Pierce Mill Media and directordays in a childs life are so critical, and if industry, Misra says. of the Seeds! documentary.they dont receive the nutrition they need There are 110 graduate students,between conception and two-years-old, coming from 21 states and 14 countries,ute to both your livelihood and livelihoodthey will be handicapped in that area for enrolled in the program, which includesof all around you. the rest of their life, Misra says. But just courses on seed physiology, pathology,And the education cycle will continue.imagine! Imagine if we can change that production, drying, storage and condi- All of these graduates will go on towith seed as the solution. tioning, marketing, finance, logistics andteach others, Hicks says. Graduates willGood food, which begins as good seed, seed policies, regulations and trade.have an enormous multiplier effect onis the daily medicine needed to save lives. I imagine this is really exciting forfood security, as they assume leadershipThe seed is the beginning of agri-students, Lambert says. Youre study- positions with private seed companies orculture, and agriculture is the beginning ing not just the core principles of seedin the public sector.of civilization, Misra says. We are truly science, but also how it all fits in the grandShe says that by educating the nextworking with a product that is so helpful scheme, and how your work can contrib- generation, Misras work at the seedto people and the planet.SW114/ SEEDWORLD.COMDECEMBER 2019'