East-West Seed strengthens seed health laboratory testing capabilities in collaboration with the Thailand Department of Agriculture

Date:01-19-2024

East-West Seed (EWS) announced the enhancement of its seed health testing capabilities through a continued partnership with the Thailand Department of Agriculture's Plant Quarantine Research Group. EWS has received an extended scope of competence certification, underscoring its commitment to maintaining high efficiency of seed health testing standards for phytosanitary certificate issuance.

"We are delighted to announce the successful expansion of East-West Seed's seed health laboratory testing in collaboration with the Thailand Department of Agriculture. This achievement reflects our commitment to high agricultural standards and continuous improvement in the seed industry. By actively participating in discussions and aligning with the Department's initiatives, we aim to contribute to the efficiency and effectiveness of seed health testing processes for phytosanitary issuance by the Thailand Department of Agriculture. This milestone underscores our collaboration with the public sector and our dedication to improving agricultural practices, ensuring crop health, and maintaining high quality″  said JC Filippi, CEO of East-West Seed.

Over the years, EWS actively contributed to discussions with the Plant Quarantine Research Group together with Thai Seed Trade Association and Asia Pacific Seed Association, playing a pivotal role in refining seed health testing standards within the agricultural sector. This collaboration aligns with the company's dedication to continuous improvement in delivering high quality seeds to farmers.

This is in response to the Department of Agriculture's initiative in 2021 to authorize entities to perform phytosanitary actions according to the International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures 45. The Department of Agriculture refined criteria for authorizing seed health testing laboratories, and EWS actively participated in discussions, submitting evidence and requests for consideration—this collaborative effort aimed to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of seed health testing for phytosanitary issuance processes. 

To stay updated, EWS ensured compliance with accreditation criteria in 2022, requesting re-inspection based on new announcements and showcasing its commitment to industry best practices. The following year, in 2023, EWS actively participated in the review and amendment of announcements related to the laboratory's proficiency and accreditation system. 

In 2024, EWS achieved a notable milestone by successfully broadening its capabilities, as officially endorsed by the Department of Agriculture. The approval signifies an expanded focus on the accreditation of disease detection, reflecting EWS's commitment to aligning with the Department of Agriculture's mission of elevating seed health standards, implementing the International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPMs) and e-phytosanitary certificate issuance. EWS aims to obtain additional certifications covering seven regulated pests in the upcoming years to support its dedication to further advancing the standards set by the Department of Agriculture.

″East-West Seed looks forward to expand our contributions to the agricultural community, actively working towards a healthier and more productive future for global agriculture," said Raneewan Ramsiri, new General Manager of East-West Seed Thailand.