Seed Certification
Since 1989 SANSOR has been the national designated authority to manage and execute all functions government.
Who is SANSOR?
We unlock potential in agriculture
Over the past 100 years, the South African Seed Industry has evolved from a major contributor of seed production into a highly competitive dynamic industry driven by meeting the demands of people, the planet and profit.
In 1989, the South African National Seed Organization (SANSOR) was established to provide role players in the local seed industry with a formal and strategic body to protect and further the interests of the seed trade.
Today, many years later, we are proud of the role we have played and are continuing to play in the global seed industry, specifically with regard to the following functions:
Read More
Seed certification has almost doubled over the past five years. We achieve our government mandate by means of a core administrative staff and the use of more than 160 private seed inspectors who are trained, certified and authorised to conduct specific functions. Presently, SANSOR is responsible for certification of seed crops produced on more than 60 000 hectares. The SANSOR seed certification model is globally recognised.
Seed Legislation
SANSOR continues to be active in assisting government on amending seed legislation such as the Plant Improvement Act and Plant Breeders' Rights Act.
Phytosanitary Support
Seed certification ensures that only high-quality seed is supplied to farmers and other growers in South Africa and worldwide. SANSOR is the National Designated Authority to control and verify that seed was produced, inspected and graded in accordance with the requirements of the National and various International Seed Certification Schemes.
Training
We devote considerable attention to training seed trade personnel through courses and workshops, with specific emphasis on training for seed inspectors and seed samplers.
Liaison
The SANSOR office handles international enquiries and extends its active liaison through full membership of the International Seed Federation (ISF) and the African Seed Trade Association (AFSTA). SANSOR is also very active in the OECD and AOSCA, as well as ISTA.
Services to members
SANSOR's vision is to be the foremost authority on all seed matters. Proactively shaping the seed trade environment, to meet the demands of growing and evolving populations.
SANSOR's purpose is to facilitate the uninterrupted movement of high quality seed.
Services to members
SANSOR's vision is to be the foremost authority on all seed matters. Proactively shaping the seed trade environment, to meet the demands of growing and evolving populations.
SANSOR's purpose is to facilitate the uninterrupted movement of high quality seed.
- SANSOR is the National Designated Authority for seed certification in South Africa.
- Support on all phytosanitary related matters.
- Access to skills through capacity development programmes.
- Support on all seed trade barrier issues.
- Remuneration surveys for members.
- Facilitated training to ensure international and national compliance.
- Help to understand your market through efficient stats collection systems.
- We keep you informed to trade locally and globally.
- Industry promotion through publications, representation and international presence.
- We talk to government about regulatory and other trade issues on your behalf.
- Membership of international trade associations.
- Facilitation of free and fair participation in the international seed trade.
- Constantly finding ways and means to improve the free movement of seed across borders, while at the same time limiting and mitigating disease risk.
- Market access issues or limitations concerning export and import of seed.
- We are proactively involved in industry related research.