AUSTRALIAN seedsman and business leader Donald Coles has been elected president of the International Seed Federation (ISF), the 10th person to hold the position. He will serve a term of two years.

“The role of agriculture in the steady supply of quality, healthy food has been greatly highlighted during the COVID-19 crisis. Today seed is widely recognised as an essential good and a key element in food production,” Mr Coles said.

Donald Coles

“This gives us further determination to ensure the efficient movement of quality seed to continue to deliver benefits to the entire value chain.

“In addition, it is very important to ensure continued innovation. New plant breeding methods can continue to contribute solutions to the global challenge of building sustainable food systems in the face of climate change as well as meeting an ever-growing consumer demand for quality, healthy food. Seed creates food in a matter of weeks.”

Mr Coles is managing director of Valley Seeds in Victoria and is a past director of the Australian Seed Authority.

In 2012, he was elected president of the Australian Seed Federation.

He has held national positions within Australian Government agencies and affiliated bodies such as the Gene Technology Regulator.

His career of over 40 years spans supply chain management, quality assurance systems, retailing and retail supply.

During this time, he has been directly involved in breeding new plant varieties, specifically the development, maintenance, and auditing of trial protocols for forage, turf seed and cereals.

Australian Seed Federation (ASF) general manager, Osman Mewett, said: “We are pleased to announce that ASF member and past ASF president Donald Coles, from Valley Seeds in Victoria, has been elected as the 10th President of the International Seed Federation.

“The ASF congratulates Mr Coles on his appointment and welcomes the opportunity it provides for the Australian seed industry to be recognised on the global stage.”

Source: International Seed Federation

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