LOS BAÑOS, LAGUNA, 14 February 2025 – IRRI’s Seed Health and Logistics Unit (SHU), IRRI’s arm that facilitates the safe, efficient, and timely exchange of biological materials for research and development, commits to further strengthen collaboration, improve service efficiency, and expand its reach to better support partners and stakeholders. During its Annual Management Meeting, SHU reaffirmed its commitment to aligning with the strategic goals of IRRI and RBI and the CGIAR 2025-2030 portfolio, and to ensure innovative solutions and high-quality services that support agricultural research and the smooth movement of biological materials.
Driving Quality and Strengthening Partnerships
One of its key priorities for 2025 includes continuing to adopt the ISO/IEC 17025:2017 standard to achieve full compliance with international phytosanitary standards and expand the scope for external customers.
Strong partnerships with the Bureau of Plant Industry-Central Post-Entry Quarantine Station (BPI-CPEQS), National Plant Quarantine Service Division (NPQSD), and National Seed Quality Control Services (NSQCS) will continue and focus on knowledge-sharing and innovation scaling. These efforts will extend across the region and globally, contributing agricultural initiatives worldwide. To further improve its partnerships, SHU is optimizing collaboration with the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) to innovate in diagnostic methods and improve data reliability, and hence secure shipment clearance globally.
Expanding Global Reach and Ensuring Compliance
SHU is strengthening its South and Southeast Asia presence while launching initiatives in Eastern and Southern Africa towards awareness for compliance in the seed movement community. Compliance with international agreements such as the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA), Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) remains a priority to ensure the safe and efficient movement of seeds worldwide.
Investing in People and Innovation
SHU’s success is driven by its people. This year, targeted technical training programs, in collaboration with IRRI’s Human Resources and Organizational Development – Learning and Development (HROD-L&D), will strengthen staff expertise and technical capacity. Meanwhile, risk management strategies will enhance biosafety compliance and automate key processes, ensuring faster and more efficient service.
Building on a Strong Foundation
These efforts build on SHU’s 2024 achievements. Last year, SHU maintained alignment with ISO 9001:2015 and adopted ISO/IEC 17025:2017, leading to greater operational efficiency, strengthened data integrity, and a customer satisfaction rate of over 95%. With 99% compliance with quarantine regulations and increasing shipment demands, SHU remains a trusted partner in global seed exchange.
About SHU
Based at IRRI headquarters in Los Baños, Philippines, SHU facilitates the safe and efficient exchange of biological materials for research and development while ensuring compliance with international and national regulations. Through continuous improvement, collaboration, and innovation, SHU supports agricultural research and contributes to global food security.
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