Seed is critical to the future of food, fuel, and fiber production throughout the world. Statistics show that seed trade in the U.S. is valued at more than $12 billion each year, with annual seed exports exceeding $1.6 billion.
From the early research of George Washington Carver to today's biotech seeds that feed, fuel, and nourish the world, Iowa State University, time and again, has proven itself a leader. As part of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, we at the Seed Science Center are proud of our history of excellence in seed testing, research, and outreach that dates back more than 100 years.
As a global center of excellence in seed science, technology, and systems, SSC houses one of the largest and the most comprehensive public seed laboratory in the United States. Certified by the National Seed Health System, the ISU Seed Lab tests more than 35,000 samples annually for more than 650 pathogens and conducts phytosanitary and routine health testing on more than 300 species of seeds.
We are fortunate to have talented Center faculty, affiliates, staff, graduate students, post-doctoral associates, and visiting scientists and scholars engaged in cutting-edge center research and activities. Together we are committed to meeting the global food security challenges that lie ahead.
We invite you to contact us at seedsci@iastate.edu to explore the many ways that we can partner to improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers—in our own backyard as well as around the world—as we work to educate the next generation of seed industry professionals.