In October 2025, the Centre of Phytosanitary Excellence (COPE) conducted a training on OECD Seed Certification Protocols and ISTA Laboratory Seed Testing Standards in Asmara, Eritrea. The 5-day training, held from 20th to 24th October, brought together nine participants drawn from the Regulatory Services Department, the National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI), and the Extension Department. The sessions combined theoretical presentations and practical demonstrations on seed sampling, purity analysis, germination, and moisture testing. The participants engaged actively, sharing experiences from their respective departments and discussing challenges faced in seed certification and testing. The interactive sessions emphasized the importance of adopting international standards to enhance seed quality assurance in Eritrea. By the end of the training, participants had gained valuable skills and a deeper understanding of OECD and ISTA protocols, fostering a strong commitment to strengthen the country’s seed regulatory system.
