Germany has a long tradition in seed testing. As early as 1869, the world's first seed-testing station was founded near Dresden. Soon, plant breeders and farmers became aware of the benefits of standardised testing procedures – first in Germany and then shortly afterwards all over the world.

For the first time in quite a while, Germany will next year once more be hosting the congress of the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA). The Federal Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection will be joining forces with the Ministry of the Environment and Nature Conservation, Agriculture and Consumer Protection of the Land of North Rhine-Westphalia to organise the 29th ISTA Congress 2010, which is to be held at the Gürzenich event centre in Cologne from 16 to 22 June 2010. I am glad that this will also give us a chance to underline the importance of harmonised seed testing in the 21st century.

We will invite government representatives from over 70 ISTA member states as well as representatives from the international seed industry and seed research experts to come to Cologne and discuss new findings in seed science and seed technology and the latest developments in seed-testing methodology.

I would particularly like to draw your attention to our "Policy Forum". It offers our guests from politics, science and industry a common platform to discuss the importance of harmonised seed testing for international seed trade.

Only efficient plant production will in the future be able to ensure global and sustainable agriculture. All over the world, the agricultural sector requires efficient, high-quality and healthy seeds and seedlings to ensure both food security and energy supply for a growing global population. From the BMELV’s point of view, rigorous quality assurance in the entire seed production chain is indispensable, including with regard to strengthening consumer interests. The ISTA member laboratories are responsible for this area.

Allow me to invite you to browse through the following pages to find out more about the congress and its accompanying events.