About Our Company
The Ransom Seed Laboratory, Inc. is an independent, privately held seed testing facility. Mrs. Aleta Meyr, R.S.T. (Registered Seed Technologist) is the sole stockholder and president of the operation which has served the seed industry continuously since 1933. The lab offers prompt, scientific service testing on seeds for germination, purity and all-states noxious weed exams on a wide variety of vegetables, flowers, natives, herbs and field crops. A full listing of available tests are described under Services.
Our staff includes three Registered Seed Technologists, a certification issued by the S.C.S.T. (Society of Commercial Seed Technologist). Germination and purity tests are conducted in accordance with A.O.S.A. Rules for Testing Seed; or upon request, tests can be analyzed according to International Rules or Canadian Methods and Procedures.
As the director of a small, agricultural service seed testing laboratory, it has been a joy to work closely with the seed industry, offering quality testing and problem-solving services; creating a pleasant and stimulating work environment for my employees and serving on SCST and ISTA committees to promote high industry standards.
On July 1, 1933, Elizabeth Ruth Ransom, “Betty”, opened the Ransom Seed Laboratory on Terminal Street in Los Angeles, California. The lab offered seed testing services to the expanding south-western seed trade…
Meet the Team
ALETA ATWATER MEYR
President and CEO of the lab. Aleta, has been actively involved in seed testing, lab management, training and teaching, and several related committees since 1968. After graduating from U.C.S.B. in 1970, Aleta went on to receive her Registered Seed Technologist, R.S.T, certificate in 1971. Work for the Society includes Active Co-Chairperson for the Joint SCST, AOSA Flower Seed Committee from 1983 to 2003, being a member of the ISTA Flower Seed Committee, and accepting the Director at Large position for the SCST from 2002 until 2005. She was awarded the SCST Meritorious Service Award in 1994.
"I enjoy my days at the lab, always full of challenges and invigorating projects. The lab tests a wide variety of species, and we try to keep up with new technologies, ever-changing workloads, in-house quality control and employee training and relationships. Each day adds to my knowledge and enjoyment of the plant kingdom and to my sense of personal fulfillment. Many thanks to the seed Industry for continual support and for giving me the opportunity to maintain an independent seed testing laboratory. It has been an adventure to carry on the business that my mother, Betty Ransom Atwater, started in 1933."
TAYLOR
Our Administrative Assistant Taylor joined the lab in 2021 after receiving her B.S. in Business Administration at California State University, Channel Islands.
“I really enjoy working in a peaceful environment with like-minded people.”
MICHAEL ABERLE
Michael received his B.A. in Biology from University of San Diego. and a M.S. in Phytopathology from UC Riverside in 2000. He began working for Ransom in 2001 and became a Registered Seed Technologist in 2007. Currently he performs many TZ tests on horticultural species and vigor tests. He is a co-chair of the AOSA/SCST TZ subcommittee.
MARIBEL PENA
Maribel joined the lab staff in the fall of 2006. Her job includes purity and germination testing, and assisting in laboratory management. In May, 2019, she became a Registered Seed Technologist and has participated in seed schools in Iowa, North Carolina, and Idaho.
“I enjoy being part of this team at Ransom Seed Lab. It is a perfect working environment; friendly people and a great ocean view.”
ANTONIA CARMONA DE PENA
Antonia has been with the lab since 1997. Her duties include cleaning and planting the seed.
“It has been a great experience for me to learn about all the different types of seed. I really enjoy the people I work with and the way they make me feel welcomed into the group.”
ROMELIA MORALES
Romelia began working for Ransom Seed Lab in September of 2017 after working for another seed laboratory for nine years. Her job includes planting the vast variety of crops we receive into our lab. She is also learning how to evaluate first counts.
“I love coming to work every day and enjoy planting different kinds of seeds.”