SASRI’s FAS Achieves International Accreditation
Keith Collings (Diagnostic & Analytical Resource Manager)
SASRI’s Fertiliser Advisory Service (FAS) has been serving South Africa and other sugarcane-producing countries for the past 71 years. In February 2025, FAS achieved ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation through the South African National Accreditation System (SANAS) for leaf and Fertiliser analysis.
In today’s competitive agricultural landscape, precision and trust are essential. For FAS providing soil, leaf and fertiliser analysis, ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation represents more than just a milestone—it is a mark of global credibility and scientific excellence. This international standard, developed specifically for testing and calibration laboratories, ensures that analytical results are accurate, consistent, and defensible.
In addition to this achievement, FAS has also maintained ISO 9001 certification through the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) for the past 11 years, demonstrating a long-standing commitment to quality management and customer satisfaction.
Understanding ISO/IEC 17025 and its Importance in agriculture
ISO/IEC 17025 is the internationally recognised standard for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories. It covers every aspect of laboratory management—from testing methodologies and quality assurance to staff competence and equipment calibration. Accreditation under this standard means that the laboratory meets stringent technical and management system requirements.
In agriculture, particularly in leaf and fertiliser analysis, accurate test results directly influence on-farm decisions. Fertiliser applications, nutrient management plans, and crop productivity all hinge on the reliability of laboratory data. ISO/IEC 17025 ensures that these results are not only precise but also traceable and scientifically validated.
Benefits of ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation
For the agricultural client—whether a farmer, agronomist, co-op, or research body—17025 accreditation offers a range of benefits:
1. Confidence in Results
With ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation, customers are assured that test results are generated using validated methods by trained technicians and verified through rigorous quality controls. This means greater confidence when making nutrient management decisions.
2. International Recognition
Because ISO/IEC 17025 is globally recognised, test results from an accredited laboratory are accepted across borders. This is especially valuable for multinational agricultural enterprises or export-oriented growers who need consistent, comparable data, regardless of location.
3. Improved Traceability and Transparency
Every step in the testing process is documented and traceable. Should questions arise, customers can count on clear audit trails and well-maintained records, providing transparency and accountability.
FAS’s accreditation is a reflection of its ongoing commitment to quality, scientific excellence, and service to the agricultural sector—including sugarcane, avocado, macadamia, and banana industries.
For more information contact FAS on 031 508 7475 or email fas@sugar.org.za.
