The International Seed Testing Association hosted its 31st congress in Tallinn, Estonia, June 14-21, bringing together more than 240 participants from 52 countries and representatives from both the seed industry and governments.
During the meeting, attendees decided on proposed changes to the lnternational Rules for Seed Testing, presented the work of ISTA’s Technical Committees and exchanged recent scientific advancements in seed science and technology.
ISTA opened its 31st Congress with a three-day seed symposium on “Progress in seed testing and seed quality improvement through science and technology.” The symposium, chaired by Laura Bowden, seed physiologist at the official seed testing station for Scotland, consisted of five oral sessions and two poster sessions.
At the opening ceremony, participants were welcomed by Joël Léchappé, ISTA president; Urmas Kruuse, Minister of Rural Affairs of the Republic of Estonia; and Sigmar Suu, deputy chair of the National Organizing Committee.
In conjunction with the event, ISTA held two pre-congress workshops, one on quality assurance and the other on germination testing.
Participants of the official Congress dinner heard from Margus Friedenthal, deputy director of the Agricultural Research Centre of Estonia, and Kristiina Digryte, member of the National Organizing Committee, as well as representatives of the International Seed Federation, the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants, the Association of Official Seed Analysts, the African Seed Trade Association and International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas.
The Congress ended with the Ordinary General Meeting, when members voted on ISTA Rules changes and elected a new Executive Committee for the 2016-2019 term.
ISTA thanks the Ministry of Rural Affairs of the Republic of Estonia for hosting the 2016 Congress. Next year’s event will be held June 19-22 in Denver, Colorado (USA).
