The British Association of Seed Analysts
History
The British Association of Commercial Analysts, as it was first known, was founded in 1923. Its main objectives were the advancement of seed testing and the co-operation and mutual advice of its members in matters relating to seed testing. In these early days the association also acted as an employment bureau circularising analysts with details of vacant posts which arose in seed companies.
The association was disbanded in 1938 but was reformed as the British Association of Seed Analysts (BASA) by Mr Wilfred Holliwell in the late 1950s and has flourished ever since.
Objectives
The objectives of BASA remain purely altruistic and have not changed since the association was first formed. Nevertheless in today's fast moving world of rapidly advancing technology and ever-changing legislation, the role of BASA has become increasingly important.
Key functions include liaison with various official organisations, governmental bodies and the dissemination of technical information to its members, relating to seeds and seed testing.
The BASA Committee meets four times each year. E-mail Newsletters are produced and circulated to members with articles detailing the latest technical developments in the areas of seed technology and seed testing as well as updating members on the activities the Committee is undertaking on their behalf.
Previous BASA Chairmen
1978 - 1980 Mavis Wood
1980 - 1982 Mai Morris Jones
1982 - 1984 Chris Baylie
1984 - 1986 Brian Tucker
1986 - 1988 Ray Smith
1988 - 1990 David Keep
1990 - 1992 Michael Nudds
1992 - 1994 Julia Kerley
1994 - 1996 Richard Blower
1996 - 1998 Gordon Bristow
1998 - 2000 Steve Stokes
2000 - 2002 Jane Rose
2002 - 2004 Tim Church
2004 - 2006 Gordon Bristow
2006 - 2009 Tina Littlewood
2009 - 2011 Jeremy Smith
2011 - 2013 Gordon Bristow
2013 - 2015 Helen Southall
2015 - 2017 Tina Littlewood
2017 - 2019 Paul Jackson
2019 to present Carol Allen
BASA Rules and Constitution
Objectives
The association shall be for the advancement of seed testing and for the co-operation and mutual advice of the members on matters appertaining to seed testing and seed testing laboratories. A primary objective of the association will be to give assistance to the seed trade.
Membership
The association is open to both qualified and unqualified seed trade analysts and other such persons as the Committee shall approve.
Officers
The association shall be the Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Honorary Secretary and Honorary Treasurer.
Executive
The Executive Committee shall consist of the Officers; the Chairman and up to eight other persons as may be elected at the Annual General Meeting.
Click here for details of the current Executive Committee
(Membership required)
Annual General Meeting
Is held once every calendar year.
Election of Officers - Honorary Auditor and Executive Committee
Election is held every two years at the Annual General Meeting.
Quorum
A quorum at a General Meeting shall consist of not less than 6 fully paid members.
Voting
Voting shall be restricted to fully paid members.
Any proposal and/or amendment(s) to a proposal to be put to a vote must be formally proposed and seconded.
A vote shall be taken on the amendment to a proposal prior to any vote on the proposal.
If the vote on the amendment(s) to a proposal is carried by a majority the amended proposal(s) shall stand. If the vote on the amendment(s) to a proposal is defeated, a vote shall be taken on the original proposal.
Amendments to Rules
May be amended at any time by a majority vote at a General Meeting, provided that due notice of each proposed amendment and the date of the meeting shall be notified to all members at least 21 days before the meeting.
Sub-Committee
May be formed for particular purposes as and when required, with powers to co-opt.
Subscription
A subscription shall be agreed at the Annual General Meeting. If a subscription is not paid within 6 months of the due date, the membership shall lapse. The due date in each year shall be the 1st of January.
Association's Finances
Control of the association finances are implemented under dual signatory control with the exemption of online/telephone transactions. When online/telephone banking transactions require implementation, one signatory control is permitted by one of the agreed signatory’s nominated by the association committee.
"For the advancement of seed testing"