b'Seed germination evaluation. izations, rules and procedures for seed testing have developedwe, ISTA, and the other organizations in the partnership aim to and have been adopted by many countries for the evaluationfacilitate development of seed systems in those countries that of quality of seeds moving into the domestic and internationaldo not have them or where they are less developed, by providing trade as well as in their seed regulatory frameworks.easier access to information and support. We will continue to Therefore, it is evidenced that global organizations such aswork in the World Seed Partnership to help achieve this aim.ISTA, are important in developing, maintaining and promoting the uniform application of harmonised methodologies of seedES: YOU WILL BECOME THE FIRST ISTA PRESIDENT testing for facilitating seed trade domestically and globally toFROM THE ASIAN CONTINENT. WHAT DOES THIS ensure sustainable food production.MEAN FOR THE ISTA MEMBERSHIP IN ASIA?KK:Yes, I am happy for that. In my tenure as a President, building ES: SEVERAL OTHER SEED TESTING PROTOCOLS EXIST,on the foundations laid at the 32nd ISTA Congress in Hyderabad, SUCH AS NAL. WHAT IS YOUR TAKE ON THAT? I will strive to improve the representation of the Asian region KK:Yes, I do agree that there are several other seed testing pro- in the ISTA, in terms of increasing number of member labora-tocols do exist. I think they are primarily used for domestic tradetories, personal members, accredited laboratories and greater although acceptable in international trade. However, the pro- degree of industry participation. I will try to address the needs of tocols developed by ISTA are globally harmonised and accept- regional seed industry and help to build the seed testing capacity able/recognised by the majority of countries around the worldand capability in the region through the capacity building with and are approved by those governments that have Designatednational and regional industry associations. Authorities for ISTA. In fact, several countries including India have adopted ISTA rules and methodologies as such in theirES: DURING YOUR PRESIDENCY, ISTA WILL CELEBRATE quality control programme and regulatory frameworks.ITS CENTENARY ANNIVERSARY (IN 2024). WHAT CAN WE EXPECT FOR THAT BIG CELEBRATION?ES: ISTA IS PART OF THE WORLD SEED PARTNERSHIPKK:This will be announced at the 33rd ISTA Congress in Cairo (WSP). WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO ACHIEVE IN THE WSP? but the centenary of ISTA will be marked in a way that recog-KK:The World Seed Partnership brings together five organiza- nizes 100 years of achievement by ISTA in facilitating the move-tions (ISTA, the OECD Seed Schemes, ISF, UPOV and the Worldment of seed in trade, which as I have already said is so critical Farmers Organization) who have key roles in the development orto food and nutritional security. The celebration will also look implementation of seed systems that will enable the developmentforward to the next 100 years of ISTA in a world where food and maintenance of suitable varieties of high-quality seed, andand nutritional security remains critical to not only feeding but the trade and utilisation of that seed by farmers. By bringingfeeding well a growing population. A chance to celebrate, look these five organizations together in the World Seed Partnership,back but also to plan for the next generation.EUROPEAN-SEED.COMIEUROPEAN SEED I 19'