Seed Testing QMS and Laboratory Manager – Asia Roberts-Yalland

Asia Roberts-Yalland

My role at Niab

Part of the management team in the Analytical Services department, my role involves managing the team’s workload and developing and maintaining our quality management system within the Official Seed Testing Station (OSTS). This is an integral element of retaining our accreditation from the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA).

This gives licence to our analysts to carry out seed testing using ISTA-approved methods for exporting seed. We also work closely with APHA, seed growers and merchants, allowing us to support the seed trade both nationally and internationally.

I get great satisfaction from trying to improve the efficiency and quality of our work, but the most enjoyable aspect of my role is teaching on internal and external courses, getting to know people and how they learn and supporting them to achieve qualifications in seed testing and seed sampling. I also sit on the ISTA committee for Tetrazolium testing, which works to develop and promote the Topographical Tetrazolium test as a rapid seed viability test. 

My previous experience

I built the foundation of my plant science knowledge through my undergraduate studies, before various short-term posts at Aberystwyth University assisting with plant health research in laboratories and glasshouses. This experience showed me the connection between plant science and agriculture, leading me to complete a MSc in Managing the Environment. Here I learned more about the importance of UK agriculture in shaping our environment.

I started as a temporary field trials assistant at Niab in 2017, adding field experience to my theoretical experience of agricultural science. I was introduced to Seed Testing – an unknown career to me – working as a seed analyst for six years, before moving to my current position.

My qualifications

  • BSc Hons. Biology
  • MSc Managing the Environment
  • UK Seed Analyst Qualification Division 1-7
  • Licensed Seed Sampling
  • UK Seed Analyst Laboratory Management

My future

Continuing to support our team and contributing to the department’s development. Working in seed testing is a great place to witness, and be part of, the
future changes that are inevitable in global agriculture. We will see the changes in what crops are grown in response to the changing environment, and the evolution of technology used to support the seed trade.