The International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) passed a final International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPM) for seed last week. This is a long awaited decision, says the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA), one that has become necessary as import requirements for seed have become more restrictive and less science based.

“The seed industry is truly global,” said ASTA President & CEO Andrew LaVigne. “While seed companies strive to comply with various international phytosanitary requirements, it becomes burdensome and confusing when different countries have different requirements for the same pest. The international seed standard will bolster U.S. trade by helping to ensure global phytosanitary requirements, with respect to seed, are more consistent and science-based.”

“Adoption of the international seed standard is a major step forward for the global seed industry,” said LaVigne. “We look forward to working with our national seed industry counterparts to define mutual priorities and to ensure the wide adoption of the standard at the international level.”