Forum for African Seed Testing
Promoting seed testing for Food Security and Economic growth in Africa.

Who are we?

 

During the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) congress which took place in Cologne, Germany on 20 June 2010, eight African countires (Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, South Africa, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe) who were either, members or observers of ISTA expressed strong concern about the inadequacy of seed quality assurance in Africa. In order to coordinate and mobilize further supports for the improvement of this situation, the representatives of countries organized a side meeting at the congress and with the assistance from FAO, decided to launch an African wide initiative called a Forum for African Seed Testing (FAST). This initiative was proposed to bridge the gap of seed quality control in Africa through appropriate activities of African Seed and Biotechnology Program of The African Union (AU), the (AU-ASBP). With the expressed support and commitment of the African Union (AU), the envisioned activities of the FAST will be under activity 4 of the strategic framework of the AU-ASBP. FAST as an African initiative will promote farmers’ access to good quality seed through quality seed production and trade. This is expected to contribute to food security in the continent by facilitating access of farmers to good quality seed in both formal and informal sectors. It will coordinate and harmonize seed quality testing methodologies, generate and share knowledge, information and expertise to build the capacity for seed testing and quality assurance in Africa.