AsureQuality runs a Seed Sampling and Phytosanitary Inspection training course twice a year for people working in, or supporting, New Zealand’s seed industry. The course is designed for anyone working for an MPI Approved Organisation (MAO) wanting to become an authorised Seed Sampling Officer, or anyone who needs to understand phytosanitary inspection requirements for seed and plant-product exports. Click here to register
What is this course for?
Official seed sampling and phytosanitary inspection play an important role in helping New Zealand seed move through domestic and export supply chains with confidence.
Seed sampling must be carried out correctly so that the sample sent for testing accurately represents the whole seed lot. This is especially important when seed testing results are used for official certificates, export requirements, varietal certification, or customer assurance.
Phytosanitary inspection is also important for export markets, as importing countries may require evidence that seed or plant products meet specific plant health requirements before they can enter that market. MPI notes that export requirements vary depending on the destination market, and that some markets require independent verification such as inspection.
This course helps participants understand the practical and regulatory expectations behind these activities.
Who should attend?
This course is suitable for:
- people wanting to become authorised Seed Sampling Officers
- seed store, seed processing, and seed cleaning staff involved in official seed sampling
- seed merchants, exporters, and operations staff who need to understand sampling and export requirements
- staff working in MPI Approved Organisations who support seed certification or export processes
- quality, compliance, or documentation staff involved in seed testing, certification, or phytosanitary export workflows
- anyone who needs a stronger practical understanding of how seed sampling and phytosanitary inspection requirements fit together
The course may also be useful for managers who do not personally take samples but are responsible for ensuring their organisation’s sampling, records, equipment, and export-support processes are fit for purpose.
What does the course cover?
The course provides practical training and background knowledge across seed sampling and phytosanitary inspection requirements.
Topics may include:
- the role of official seed sampling in seed testing, certification, and export assurance
- what a seed lot is, and why seed lot identity and uniformity matter
- how representative samples are drawn from seed lots
- primary samples, composite samples, and submitted samples
- sampling equipment and correct sampling techniques
- sample preparation, labelling, sealing, and documentation expectations
- common sampling errors and how to avoid them
- the role of ISTA rules in official seed sampling and seed testing
- how seed sampling supports certificates such as Seed Analysis Certificates and Orange International Seed Lot Certificates
- phytosanitary inspection requirements and how they relate to export certification
- the importance of checking importing-country requirements before export
- record keeping, document control, and responsibilities for authorised sampling activities
ISTA explains that its International Rules for Seed Testing provide standardised methods for sampling, testing seed lot quality, and reporting results for international trade. AsureQuality’s Palmerston North Seed Laboratory is ISTA-accredited and authorised by MPI for imported seed identification, seed sampling, and testing for varietal certification activities.
Why attend?
Attending this course can help you:
- build confidence in official seed sampling processes
- understand what is expected before sampling seed for official testing or export purposes
- reduce the risk of sampling errors, documentation issues, or delays
- better understand how seed testing, certification, and phytosanitary inspection fit together
- support your organisation’s compliance with relevant seed and export requirements
- prepare for the next steps toward becoming an authorised Seed Sampling Officer, where applicable
Correct sampling matters because the test result can only be as reliable as the sample submitted. If a sample does not properly represent the seed lot, the resulting test certificate or analysis may not provide the confidence needed for certification, export, or customer requirements.
Does this course make me an authorised Seed Sampling Officer?
This course is intended for people wanting to become authorised Seed Sampling Officers, but attendance alone may not be the only requirement.
Authorised Seed Sampling Officers are trained, licensed, and audited under the control of AsureQuality Seed Laboratory NZ01. Depending on your role and organisation, additional steps may be required before you can carry out official seed sampling.
If you are unsure whether this course is the right pathway for you, please contact AsureQuality before registering.
How often is the course held?
AsureQuality runs this course twice a year.
Upcoming course dates are listed on the registration form when available. If there are no current dates listed, you can register your interest in a future course.
Register your interest
Use the registration form to register your interest in an upcoming Seed Sampling and Phytosanitary Inspection training course.