The South African National Seed Organization, was established as a private company without profit motive in 1989 by amalgamating associations which had represented various sectors of the industry. 

The primary mission of SANSOR is to represent the seed trade, protect and promote industry interests, serve as a secretariat, and render specific services to its members.

The primary objectives include:

• making itself available to take on functions delegated by government;
• distributing public germplasm and varieties of seed crops by way of testing and licensing agreements;
• assisting members in protection of intellectual property rights;
• representing the seed trade nationally and internationally;
• liaising with all relevant parties such as government, institutes, universities, organized agriculture;
• acquiring and analyzing statistics and trends;
• promoting the use of quality seed;
• promoting high standards of business ethics.

• Click HERE to view the organogram.

• Annual Report 2006/07 in PDF format
• Annual Report 2005/06 in PDF format (3.8MB)
• Annual Report 2004/05 in PDF format (1.5MB)
• Annual Report 2003/04
• Annual Report 2002/03
• Annual Report 2001/02 in PDF format (9MB)

Present membership of 102 comprises:

• Seed certification authority
• License agreements
• Seed legislation and breeders rights
• Training
• Liaison

• 68 full members:
  seed trade companies and co-operatives;

• 22 associate members:
  small companies and research institutes

• 6 affiliate members:
  trade and technical associations

• 6 honorary life members.