Seed Laboratory

Seed Sampling, Testing and Identification

We have been supporting New Zealand’s seed industry since 1928. Our Palmerston North Seed Laboratory (NZ01) is authorised by MPI for imported seed identification, seed sampling and testing varietal certification activities and is accredited by the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA).

The issuance of Seed Analysis Certificates and Orange International Certificates by the Seed Laboratory is vital for meeting export requirements and for facilitating trade with importing countries by giving confidence in the integrity and uniformity of the seed lot. When Certificates are required for export, seed must be officially drawn by an authorised Seed Sampling Officer according to ISTA rules.

The Seed Laboratory is ISTA accredited for seed sampling (manual and automatic) and is the sole provider of authorised Seed Sampling Officers in New Zealand. Authorised Seed Sampling Officers ensure a seed lot meets ISTA requirements and the seed samples submitted for testing accurately represent a seed lot’s purity and uniformity.

The Seed Laboratory can also test unofficially drawn samples for trade and identify seeds for import and export purposes.

Our team of highly experienced seed analysts and administration staff provide customers with a wide range of services which include: