Implementation of the SADC Harmonized Seed Regulatory System: Progress and Future

Prospects

K.C. KawongaInterim Coordinator

SADC Seed Centre

Introduction

• The quality of seed is one of key determinants of crop yield meaning

• The availability of quality seed affect crop productivity and food security

• Facilitation of seed trade would positively impact on regional seed security

Introduction Cont.

• Recognize A dual seed system : Informal and Formal sector.

• Both of which need proportionate development intervention support.

The Objectives

• Inform the stakeholders in the seed value chain on the progress and future prospects of implementation of the harmonized seed regulation in the SADC region.

• Get feedback from stakeholders on how best the Zambian seed sector can domesticate the implementation of MOU on the HSRS

What is SADC doing to transform the Seed System in the Region?

Direction of Change

Current•segregated, small, and difficult to access

• National variety testing and release

• diversity of national regulatory systems

• Variable national standard in SPS, seed certification and quality assurance

Effect• Limit investment by

entrepreneur• Unnecessary repeated

testing• Increase cost of variety

release• Delays farmers• access to new improved• complicates intra

regional trade

SADC HSRS

• Addresses three areas: • a) Common variety

testing and release• b) Common seed

certification and quality assurance

• c) Common sanitary & Phytosanitary

• d) New plant variety protection (PBR)

Process Composition of HSRS What it entails

A) Development of HSRS

Stakeholder consultationsMember StatesRegional International organisations: ICRISAT; CYMMTFarmer organisations

B. Approved .by Council(2007, 2009)

a) Common variety testing and release

MOU on

Implementation

of SADC Seed Regulation (+Technica

l agreements with Procedure manuals)

• Test & release in 2 Member states

• Breeder’s own volition apply for regional variety release

• Released Variety is Registered on a SADC Catalogue

b) Common seed certification and quality assurance

• Register seed crops• Pass field inspections &

Lab tests• Gets SADC certification • To access regional market

c) Common sanitary & Phytosanitary measures

• Agreed on common disease and pest of Regional importance

• Field Seed Crop and seed lot are inspected

• Gets a SADC Certification

Progress

• HSRS was Approved by Council of Minister-2007• MOU on the implementation of the Harmonized

seed regulatory system .was approved in May 2009

• 10th Member States signed the MOU June 2013• The MOU entered into force on 7 July 2013• Now the region can forge ahead with its

implementation.

Implementation

• National authorities will implement the harmonization systems (Agreements)-based the principle of subsidiarity

• The Systems make use of existing, national facilities

• The SADC Secretariat (Seed Centre) simply plays a coordinating and facilitating role.)

• Qualifying var: maize (41); G/nut (6); Beans (8) etc.

Future Prospects

• The implementation process will begin with Member States domesticating the regional technical agreements into their respective domes tic seed laws in order to effect the HSRS technical agreements. The specific activities will be centred on enforcement of the agreed procedures and standards on variety release, seed certification and phytosantary measures.

Future Prospects

• Implementation the SADC Harmonization Systems requires :– Plant Variety Protection is introduced in more SADC

Member States,– Plant breeders and seed companies will make increasing

use of the Systems– Finance for HSRS implementation is mobilized

i) establishment of SADC Seed Centre

Conclusion

• The implementation of the HSRS offers prospects to increase regional seed security and improved agricultural productivity through increased investment in variety development that the expanded market offers and ease intraregional movement of safe seed especially during times of disasters.