The Iowa State University Seed Science Center mourns the passing of Dr. Joseph (Joe) Cortes, retired Global Seed Program Leader, who passed away on Friday, August 22, after a long illness. His wife and colleague, Adelaida Harries, preceded him in death just days earlier. Together, they shared a remarkable dedication to advancing seed science and policy worldwide.
Dr. Cortes devoted his career to ensuring farmers everywhere could access quality seed and benefit from science-based policies and regulations. A native of Colombia, he earned his B.S. in Agricultural Engineering from the National University of Colombia, his M.Sc. from the University of Campinas, Brazil, and his Ph.D. in Seed Technology from Mississippi State University. Early in his career, he served at CIAT (the International Center for Tropical Agriculture) as a Research and Training Associate, supporting seed system development throughout Latin America.
In 1991, Dr. Cortes joined Iowa State University as the Global Seed Program Leader, following impactful work in Peru with a USAID-supported seed systems development project. Over more than two decades at ISU, he became an internationally recognized leader in seed policy harmonization across Africa, Latin America, and Asia. His efforts helped establish frameworks for regional seed trade in SADC, ECOWAS, and COMESA countries, opening markets and strengthening the seed industry for millions of farmers.
His achievements were widely recognized. In 1999, the American Seed Trade Association honored him for his vision and work in Latin America, and in 2000 the Central American Organization for Regional Plant and Animal Health recognized his technical leadership in seed policy harmonization. He co-developed seed policy frameworks, produced training manuals used around the world, and mentored countless professionals who continue to carry forward his mission.
Beyond his professional contributions, Dr. Cortes was admired for his humility, generosity, and unwavering belief that access to quality seed is a cornerstone of global food security. His legacy is reflected not only in the policies and systems he helped create but also in the people and institutions he inspired.
As we grieve the loss of Dr. Cortes and Adelaida, we honor their shared commitment to strengthening global agriculture, empowering farmers, and advancing seed science. Their combined work leaves a lasting impact that will continue to shape seed systems worldwide for generations to come.