Throughout the seed value chain, there is a lot of testing going on. There is testing for seed quality, germination, variety identity and purity, pests and diseases, for distinctness, uniformity and stability and other forms of testing. And we’re not only testing the seeds, but also soil and other parameters. This issue explores why we test. Does the variety live up to the standards that we have collectively agreed upon, standards the farmer and grower expect to find in the seed bag? Variety testing provides validation that the whole seed value chain meets user needs. Such procedures also contribute to further improving the quality of the product. Ultimately, testing is required to stay in the business.
