AMES, Iowa – Representatives from Chile’s National Plant Protection Organization (NPPO) (Servicio Agrícola y Ganadero, SAG), escorted by Corteva representatives, visited the Iowa State University Seed Science Center (SSC) for a strategic tour and technical discussion on Thursday morning, November 20. The delegation spent two hours meeting with SSC leadership, learning about National Seed Health System (NSHS) processes, and touring several key SSC laboratories that support global seed movement and agricultural safety. For nearly 25 years, NSHS has been proudly housed at the Seed Science Center, serving as a cornerstone of trusted, science-based seed health testing for the global industry.
The visit underscores the long-standing partnership between the Seed Science Center and Chile’s agricultural regulatory system. A significant portion of seed imported into Chile has undergone testing at NSHS-accredited labs, making the SSC a critical partner in safeguarding the country’s agricultural production. Ensuring that SAG officials understand and have confidence in the SSC’s testing procedures is essential for maintaining the integrity, speed, and reliability of seed trade between the U.S. and Chile.
“We wanted to make sure SAG could see the rigor, professionalism, and scientific foundations behind our operations,” said Dr. Scott Heuchelin, Director of the Seed Science Center. “Their trust in our testing is not only important for the seed industry, but also vital to protecting Chile’s agriculture. Our team put in great effort to welcome them, answer their questions, and demonstrate the quality standards they expect from us.”
Before touring the facility, the delegation spent time in conversation with SSC staff to learn more about NSHS processes and protocols. During the tour, staff members from several laboratories, including germination, seed health, purity, and conditioning, shared insights about workflows, quality management systems, and the science behind how samples are evaluated.
Across the center, SSC employees prepared to showcase their areas of expertise, highlight their commitment to international phytosanitary standards, and emphasize the SSC’s mission to support safe and efficient global seed movement. The visit also provided an opportunity for SAG representatives to ask detailed questions about regulatory practices, sampling, diagnostics, and reporting, reinforcing transparency and open communication between institutions.
“We truly appreciated the chance to show our work,” said Jessica Blake, manager of the seed quality labs. “Visits like these help strengthen relationships and ensure that our processes continue to meet the highest global expectations.”
The Seed Science Center extends its gratitude to the SAG delegation and Corteva for their time and engagement, which made the visit a success. As the global seed industry continues to evolve, partnerships like these remain central to advancing safe, science-based international agriculture.
For more information about the Seed Science Center and the National Seed Health Center, visit seeds.iastate.edu.
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About the Seed Science Center
The Seed Science Center at Iowa State University is a center of excellence nationally and internationally in seed research, education, technology transfer, and international seed programs.
About National Seed Health Center
The National Seed Health System (NSHS) is a program authorized by USDA-APHIS and administered by the Iowa State University’s Seed Science Center to accredit private and public entities to perform certain activities needed to support the issuance of federal phytosanitary certificates for the international movement of seeds