Ames, Iowa, USA
August 2025
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Adelaida Harries, a respected scientist, policy leader, and Fulbright scholar whose career left an indelible mark on the global seed sector.
Before joining Iowa State University’s Seed Science Center, Adelaida led the Argentine National Seed Institute’s policymaking in biosafety, plant variety protection, seed certification and testing, variety release, seed import and export, and phytosanitary issues. At the Seed Science Center, she served as a research scientist and co-leader of international projects that harmonized seed policies and regulations in the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), and the Asia-Pacific region.
Her expertise in seed certification, plant breeders’ rights, and quality assurance earned her recognition across continents. Even after her retirement from Iowa State, she continued to share her knowledge as co-owner of C&H Consulting, working with governments and organizations to strengthen seed systems worldwide.
A Fulbright scholar, Adelaida received her B.Sc. in Agronomy and Engineering from the Universidad de Morón in Argentina. She will be remembered as a pioneer in seed policy, a generous collaborator, and a valued member of the international seed community.
Her legacy of advancing seed science and policy will continue to inspire colleagues, students, and partners around the globe.
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