The International Association of Plant Breeders (ASSINSEL) is to merge with the International Seed Trade Federation (FIS). The new organization will be called the International Seed Federation (ISF). The merger will officially take place during the World Seed Congress 2002 to be held at Chicago, USA, 27 — 30 May 2002. Assinsel was founded in 1938 and today brings together 45 different organizations involved in plant breeding worldwide, representing in turn over 1,000 companies. Close consideration is given to intellectual property matters and sustainable agriculture. The merger is due to companies being involved in most of the activities covered by the two Associations. The ‘Tree and Shrub Group’ of the ISF will meet in Beijing, China, 24^th August to 1^st September 2002). ww.worldseed.org E-mail isf@worldseed.org