As we approach the 25th anniversary of the National Seed Health System – NSHS in 2026, I am reminded daily that healthy seeds are the foundation of healthy plants, resilient food systems, and sustainable trade.
For a quarter century, the NSHS, administered by Iowa State University’s Seed Science Center under the authorization of USDA-APHIS, has worked to protect that foundation by ensuring that seed shipped across borders is safe, tested, and trustworthy.
Established in 2001, the NSHS was created to manage and reduce pest and disease risks when shipping seeds internationally using science-based information. In the United States, our program accredits entities to conduct inspections of fields and seed shipments, conduct official seed sampling for seed health tests, and allows private and public laboratories to perform diagnostic tests required to obtain federal phytosanitary certificates. These certificates enable seed to move securely across international borders.
Today, as global trade accelerates and climate change shifts pest and pathogen pressures, this work is more vital than ever. New challenges continue to emerge, from introduced or evolving diseases to the need for harmonized international testing standards. In partnership with USDA-APHIS, industry, and seed health experts worldwide, NSHS continues to advance detection methods and improve reliability to prevent the spread of seedborne pathogens.
Over the past 25 years, our impact has been profound. The NSHS has helped safeguard billions of dollars in seed exports while ensuring that U.S. farmers and companies remain trusted partners in the global seed trade. Our standardized testing protocols and peer-reviewed procedures reduce errors, lower product liability, and prevent unnecessary trade barriers, keeping high-quality seed moving efficiently from field to field and country to country.
Looking forward, NSHS will continue to strengthen collaboration with researchers, industry, and regulatory partners to meet the challenges of a changing agricultural landscape. We are committed to integrating new technologies, enhancing diagnostic accuracy, promoting international phytosanitary harmonization, and fostering fair trade.
Healthy seeds are the first step toward global food security. As we celebrate 25 years, I am proud of the NSHS legacy, and even more excited for the innovation and impact that lies ahead.
Keep reading: See the extended article to see how NSHS is shaping the next 25 years.
