The SANSOR Seed Analyst Standing Committee was established in 1989, replacing ASASA, the Association of Seed Analysts of South Africa, which had been established three years earlier in 1986.  The above-mentioned committee had since been serving the seed trade for 15 years.  The South African ISST (International Society of Seed Technologists) Chapter was established in March 2003.  After the initial recruitment phase, the Chapter comprised 12 IST’s (International Seed Technologists) members.  This number has since increased to 14 IST’s with another five applications still pending. The purpose of the Chapter is to serve the seed trade and improve international trade.  It is envisaged that the SANSOR Seed Analyst Standing Committee, comprising members of the Chapter, would continue to govern Chapter interests in future.  These developments should be seen as a strong move for South African seed analysts into the international arena.

Ms LA (Lee-Anne) Rautenbach Chairperson: Seed Analysts Standing Committee

The main focus of the Chapter for the forthcoming year would be to become well established and recruit prospective members from all disciplines in seed science and technology, i.e. from seed analysts to extension-, research- and teaching professionals.  The Chapter elected two committees, namely membership and training during the period under review.  Training issues received special attention owing to industry-, equity-, skills development, as well as international obligations.  

All members of the Seed Analysts Standing Committee had applied for membership of the SA ISST Chapter and everybody was accepted by ISST.  It was envisaged that a Chapter Steering Committee would replace the above-mentioned committee in time. 

The Chapter would launch its first Annual General Meeting in conjunction with the SANSOR Congress in 2004.  The ISST President, Ms Betty Girard, was approach to participate as special guest of honour. 

On behalf of all Chapter members, the Chairperson would like to thank SANSOR and ISST for their extensive involvement and contributions during the initial development phases in particular.