Seed testing service expanded
30 March 2026 - News
Eurofins Agro Testing has expanded its European seed testing service to include laboratories in Italy, France and the Netherlands. The laboratories have joined forces in a cluster to offer over 800 seed tests for disease and pest detection. It accelerates the capacity to develop new tests, react to new plant health challenges and offer customised services.
“With greater control at borders and enhanced security protocols regarding seed import and export, the demand for seed testing has grown considerably in recent years. To help fill the gap and offer a comprehensive service that includes phytosanitary, purity, identity and supply chain management, Eurofins has created a cluster of ISO17025 accredited laboratories capable of providing GSPP-compliant testing,” says Eurofins commercial director dr. Abdelnasser El Ghazouani.
The new cluster of laboratories offers an independent service for organisations that require seed tests or have a greater demand than an in-house laboratory can manage.
“We are aware that some businesses in the sector will have internal labs, but there are many seed businesses that don’t have the facility and could benefit from our help. For those that do have in-house testing we are ready to assist when demand is higher than they can manage internally. Crucially, we offer an independent service which will help anyone in need of a test to acquire accurate test results from a trusted laboratory,” adds Mr El Ghazouani.
Eurofins’ extended seed service provides targeted qPCR, ISTA germination and custom research and development for emerging diseases. The laboratories also offer preventative pathogen checks (PCR/ELISA/plating), bioassays and artificial inoculation. For businesses seeking tests for export purposes there is also support for phytosanitary documentation.
“Eurofins is uniquely positioned with the technology and expertise to provide a full service offering to the seed sector. As an outsourced service we have a more holistic view over the seed sector, with the capacity to see trends and pre-empt potential disease issues,” he says.
The ISO 17025 labs in the Eurofins cluster use recognised methods including ISTA,EPPO and ISHI. More than 500 pathogen tests for bacteria, fungi, viruses, nematodes using PCR, qPCR, ELISA, plating and microscopy are now available. The laboratories also provide custom assays, method validation, resistance screening and artificial inoculation.
“Over decades, Eurofins has proven to be a reliable testing partner and our new seed service will follow the same best practice model. Our cluster of European laboratories will offer a fast, efficient and cost-effective service provided by experts who are leaders in their field,” concludes Mr El Ghazouani.
N.B In the Netherlands more than 200 tests have been approved by the NVWA, including disease and pest detections. This enables the test results to be used for official purposes.
This service is part of the Eurofins Seed Solutions (ESS), which offers a comprehensive value proposition across discover, accelerate, validate, assure, launch, seed and breeding partners gain access to an integrated suite of services spanning the entire seed value chain - from early genomics-driven discovery and trait development to testing, validation, quality assurance, and market access.
By combining capabilities across genomics, field and laboratory testing, production support, and regulatory expertise, ESS enables partners to streamline development, ensure quality and compliance, and efficiently bring improved varieties to market.
For more information please contact Commercial Director Dr. Abdelnasser El Ghazouani, via abdelnasser.elghazouani@ftfr.eurofins.com
