Ministry of Environment and Conservation, Agriculture and Consumer Protection (MUNLV)
The 29th ISTA Congress will take place in North-Rhine Westphalia. The Ministry of the Environment and Conservation, Agriculture and Consumer Protection takes pleasure in inviting to Cologne, because seed economy has a long tradition and importance in this region:
- International and national seed companies and breeders are domiciled in North-Rhine Westphalia,
- Seed production is an important industry in our land, especially winter wheat, winter barley and rape seed,
- more than 460 companies deal in seeds (2008).
Guarantee of seed quality is one of the most important preconditions for successful seed trade. It is important for consumers, above all the farmers, who need it as a requirement for high and certain yield and so securing nourishment.
The Federal States are responsible for seed certification and testing, also the control of seed trade is in the responsibility of the Federal States. Therefore seed testing plays a decisive role in the enforcement of seed law in North-Rhine Westphalia. Comparable and reliable standards are essential preconditions for successful seed analysis and evaluation, seed laboratories need international comparable quality standards and certification. For this task an international organisation and coordination is essential. Therefore ISTA is of great importance for seed business.
Cologne is a historical and cosmopolitan city in the heart of North-Rhine Westphalia. Among the official meeting there will be chances to see the region, make excursions to breeders, farmers, seed producers or seed testing laboratories. The Ministry of Environment and Conservation, Agriculture and Consumer Protection wishes a successful congress and interesting days in North-Rhine Westphalia.
