Amman: Khaled Abu Hammour, Director General of the National Agricultural Research Center (NARC), met with the “Dutch Experts Program” to discuss the next steps toward accrediting the seed testing laboratory according to ISTA (International Seed Testing Association) standards. Abu Hammour stated that the meeting reviewed the progress made by the seed laboratory in collaboration with Dutch expert Harry Nienhuis, and discussed the expert’s future plan to meet all requirements for ISTA accreditation.
According to Jordan News Agency, Abu Hammour highlighted the Ministry of Agriculture’s efforts in advancing the seed sector, noting that over 30 companies now export seeds to more than 60 countries. He considered this achievement a national asset that will positively impact the sector, create new job opportunities, and contribute to enhancing food security in Jordan.
In turn, Nienhuis praised NARC’s role in improving the quality of services provided to local and international seed companies in Jordan. He commended the center’s efforts to obtain both local and international accreditation, helping it to stay aligned with global laboratories in this field. He also noted that the seed laboratory had made significant progress in enhancing performance and service quality for seed companies.
Majd Louzi, Head of Seed Technology Research and Jordan’s representative at ISTA, expressed pride in the effective cooperation through the seed laboratory rehabilitation project with the Dutch experts and the Ardi (my land) project. She emphasized NARC’s role in supporting this collaboration, which will positively influence the achievement of ISTA accreditation requirements.