Introduction
In response to growing member demand for deeper engagement in technical and advocacy work, APSA is implementing reforms to enhance the impact of its Standing Committees (SCs) and Special Interest Groups (SIGs). These groups play a vital role in shaping APSA’s policy direction on key issues such as seed movement, innovation, intellectual property, biodiversity, and more.
In addition to their policy-shaping functions, SCs and SIGs actively organize programs that benefit APSA members and strengthen the seed sector. These include study tours, knowledge-sharing webinars, learning platforms, and technical workshops. By fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange, these groups serve as dynamic platforms for consolidating expertise, aligning positions, and driving collective action across Asia and the Pacific.
Objective
This Call for Nominations aims to enhance planning and transparency by inviting APSA members to actively contribute to the work of SCs and SIGs. Held every three years, the nomination process brings fresh perspectives and specialized expertise to strengthen the technical groups.
By communicating vacancies in the groups, APSA encourages broader member participation and engagement. These efforts ultimately support the development of a resilient and innovative seed sector in Asia and the Pacific, one that contributes to global food security and ensures farmers have access to high-quality seeds.
Call for nomination for the SCs/SIGs and subgroup below:
The Special Interest Groups (SIG);
Special Interest Group on Vegetables and Ornamentals (SIG Veg & Orn) – 15 seats inc. Chair and Co-chair
Special Interest Group on Field Crops (SIG FC) – 15 seats inc. Chair and Co-chair
The Standing Committees (SC);
Standing Committee on Seed Technology (SC Seed Tech) – 15 seats inc. Chair and Co-chair
Standing Committee on International Trade and Quarantine (SC ITQ) – 15 seats inc. Chair and Co-chair
Standing Committee on Intellectual Property Rights and Biodiversity (SC IPR & Bio) – 15 seats inc. Chair and Co-chair
Standing Committee on Plant Breeding Innovations (SC PBI) – 15 seats inc. Chair and Co-chair
Sub Group under SIG Veg & Orn
APSA R&D Advisory Group – 15 seats inc. Chair and Co-chair
Key criteria:
APSA invites its members to participate in the functioning of the SC or SIGs and support in its activities and programs.
The committee member should possess experience in the focus subject area of the SCs or SIGs for which they seek membership of the Committee. To view SC, SIG and Working Groups scope, objectives, and criteria for membership: CLICK HERE
Any APSA member can become a member of the SC or SIGs (all membership categories)
Each SIG/SC will consist of a maximum of fifteen (15) members including Chair & Co-Chair. (Minimum = Chair and Co-chair).
One representative of APSA active member can be a member of maximum 2 groups of SIGs and SCs.
Each member can nominate one representative to participate in each SIG or SC.
Maximum 3 persons from the same country on each SIG/SC.
The tenure of a SIG or SC chair and members will be for three (3) years. The co-chair is normally assigned from the EC.
Meeting: at least 4 times a year via VDO conference call.
To view more the Terms of Reference, Roles & Responsibilities for APSA Committees, please CLICK HERE
Nomination Process:
All nominations will be reviewed by the APSA Secretariat and the APSA Executive Committee.
Application deadline: 20 October 2025
Acceptance of the new committee is subject to approval of the APSA Executive Committee.
What to submit:
Your biography and brief information of your company
Maximum 500 words on your key competencies and how you expect to contribute to the APSA SCs/SIGs.
Please click on the link below, sign in to your APSA Account, and fill-out the necessary details within the form and attached documents.
If you have any inquiries regarding the new committees, please contact
If you cannot sign-in to your account, please contact APSA Membership Coordination Manager, Komsak (Bobbie) Kamjing (komsak@apsaseed.org)