Quality seed is the fuel for agricultural development, and availability of quality seeds of a wide range of adapted crop varieties is the key to attaining food security. Seed produced under a certification and quality control system is superior in terms of improved
variety, varietal purity, freedom from admixtures of weeds and other crop seeds, high germination and vigour and seed health.

This module of the Seeds Training Toolkit is designed to guide and assist technicians, seed producers and other stakeholders involved in developing and implementing quality management programmes. It explains the principles and key elements of seed quality assurance and certification, and is based on guidelines from international organizations involved in seed certification and related activities, such as the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), Association of Official Seed Certifying Agencies (AOSCA), International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) and Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).The module comprises six chapters. Each chapter is supplemented by exercises designed to promote discussion and brainstorming during the training sessions.