For the

50th Anniversary of OECD

50th Anniversary of the OECD

63 countries participate in one or moreof the OECD Codes and Schemes

www.oecd.org/tad/code

OECD Codes and Schemes

Special Edition

C O N T E N T S

50th Anniversary of the OECD 3

OECD in Brief 4

Trade and Agriculture Directorate 6

Agricultural Codes and Schemes 7

Participating countries 10

The OECD Schemes and Africa 12

The OECD Codes and Schemes and Asia 13

� Seed Schemes 14

� Tractor Codes 22

� Fruit and Vegetables Scheme 29

� Forest Seed and Plant Scheme 36

Codes and Schemes Events in 2011 42

Further information 43

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50th Anniversary: celebrating best practices

Angel Gurría, Secretary-General of the OECD

The OECD’s 50th anniversary occurs at a time of rapid changes in the global governance architecture, spurred by the need to strengthen and deepen international co-operation. This is an opportunity and a challenge.

The "raison d’être" of this Organisation, is to be a source of evidence-based advice for governments and a standard setter to address many global challenges. Our multidisciplinary expertise, peer learning process and experience in identifying best practices can contribute to coherent, integrated approaches to address these challenges. We will continue working towards this aim, contributing to “better policies for better lives”.

Our 50th Anniversary celebration, from December 2010 to September 2011, will encompass a series of substantive events and debates, both at OECD headquarters and outside. Specific events in OECD Member countries and the launch of some of our flagship publications will contribute to national policy debates, support governments reform agendas and include a multitude of stakeholders.

These actions will enable us to anchor the anniversary into a substantive discussion about our present and future role. The 2011 Ministerial Meeting, chaired by the United States, will undoubtedly be an important milestone for the commemorations, coinciding with the French Presidency of the G20. 50 Years of OECD will involve celebration of the past, reflection on the present and focus on the future on the basis of close co-operation, support and engagement of OECD Member states and partner countries in the emerging and developing world.

Together, we can use this unique milestone to build on it a meaningful and solid bridge into the next 50 years.�

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OECD IN BRIEF

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), an inter-governmental organisation founded in 1961, provides a multilateral forum to discuss, develop and reform economic and social policies. Today it has 34 member countries1 The OECD’s mission is to promote policies for sustainable economic growth and employment, a rising standard of living, and trade liberalisation. It is at the forefront of efforts to help governments understand and respond to new developments and concerns so that economic and social developments are not achieved at the expense of environmental degradation.

The OECD brings together its Member countries to discuss and develop domestic and international policies. It analyses issues, identifies good policy practices and recommends actions in a unique forum in which countries can compare their experiences, seek answers to common problems, and work to co-ordinate policies. It shares expertise and exchanges views with more than 100 countries worldwide and engages in dialogue with business, labour, and civil society organisations on topics of mutual interest. The OECD is the largest and most reliable source of comparable statistical data and information on economic, environmental and social developments in its Member countries.

The OECD’s work is overseen by several bodies. At the highest level is the OECD Council, made up of Ambassadors from all Member countries. The Council’s main role is to review and approve the OECD budget and Programme of Work. The specific policy and technical work is directed by specialist Committees, supported by Working Parties and adhoc meetings, which bring together technical expertise from Member countries. The daily work of the OECD is coordinated and supported by its Secretariat in Paris, with 2 500 staff and a budget of over € 328 million.

1 OECD member countries in 2011: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Chile, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland,

France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea, Luxembourg, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States. The European Commission also participates in the work of the Organisation.

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TRADE AND AGRICULTURE DIRECTORATE

Ken Ash, Director

Trade and Agriculture Directorate

The Directorate for Trade and Agriculture (TAD) is the part of the OECD Secretariat that undertakes the work on behalf of the Trade, Agriculture and Fisheries Committees. The key objective of OECD work on trade is to support a strong, rules-based multilateral trading system that will maintain the momentum for further trade liberalisation, while contributing to rising standards of living and sustainable development. OECD also analyses food, agriculture and fisheries issues and provides advice to governments on practical and innovative options for policy reform and trade liberalisation, as well as facilitating the negotiation of international rules on official export credits. An important part of the mandate of the OECD is to provide analytical support to agricultural trade liberalisation, as well as estimating the effects of further trade liberalisation. Working closely with Member countries, the Directorate collects information and data, and develops modelling capacity to analyse the policy issues identified by

the Committees. The Committee for Trade, the Committee for Agricultureand the Committee for Fisheries are responsible for implementing the trade, agriculture and fisheries biennial programme of work, once it has been approved by the OECD Council.

The Directorate is structured around seven divisions that work together to deliver the work programme: Agro-food Trade and Markets, Development Division, Fisheries Policies, Agricultural Policies and Environment, Policies and Trade in Agriculture, Trade Policy Linkages and Services and Export Credits. Two other units are attached to the Directorate: Agricultural Codes and Schemes, and the Co-operative Research Programme. The staff of the Directorate is drawn from Member countries. In 2010 there were 120 full-time staff, and increasingly, the Directorate also welcomes staff on short-term appointments, consultants and trainees.

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AGRICULTURAL CODES AND SCHEMES

Wayne Jones, Head of Division

Agro-food Trade and Markets, Agriculture Codes & Schemes

The Communiqué from the 2010 OECD meeting of

Agriculture Ministers noted, among other policy principles,

that governments should ensure that the necessary

institutional, regulatory and policy frameworks are in place to

enable markets for food and agricultural products to function

efficiently, effectively transparently and fairly. The OECD

Codes and Schemes increases market transparency by

helping to reduce technical barriers to trade, enhances

market openness and access through the simplification of

procedures, and helps to strengthen market confidence by

ensuring product quality.

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Michael Ryan

Head of Unit – Codes and Schemes

The OECD Agricultural Codes and Schemes facilitate international trade through the simplification and harmonisation of documentary, inspection and testing procedures. For Seeds and Forests, the Schemes encourage the production and use of seeds or plants of consistently high quality for which trueness to name or source is guaranteed. For Tractors, the Codes enable an importing country to accept with confidence the results of tests carried out in another country, and in the case of Fruit and Vegetables, the Scheme promotes uniform classification and quality control procedures.

The Codes & Schemes were created in the late 1950s/early 1960s and the number of participating countries has been constantly rising. The Codes and Schemes are open to any OECD or non-OECD country that is a member of the United Nations or of the World Trade Organisation. In addition to the 34 OECD countries which are all members of at least one of the Codes & Schemes, participation currently encompasses 29 non-OECD Economies, including some of the major players in world trade (Argentina, Brazil, China, India, Russia, South Africa, Ukraine, etc.). There are also close co-operation with the UN family, especially the FAO and the UNECE, as well as specific non-governmental and industrial organisations.

The overarching objectives of the Codes & Schemes are to simplify existing international trade procedures; increase transparency, reduce technical barriers to trade; contribute to international harmonization of standards, environmental protection; and, to increase market confidence through enforcement of quality control and inspection procedures, as well as the traceability of the traded products. The objectives are achieved through ongoing dialogue with the designated authorities of Member Countries, Observers and, stakeholders including farmers, industry and trade.

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International certification differs from national certification, as domestic regulatory systems may vary to a large extent. A voluntary international system is a tool which heterogeneous countries can use for specific product characteristics, without having to change their domestic framework. The benefits from product certification and guarantees are shared between all stakeholders; consumers, producers, industry, exporters and importers.

For some of the Codes & Schemes, there are prerequisites for joining (e.g. National Seed Law). In all cases, the following general steps must be taken: 1) an official request to join is sent to the OECD Secretary-General, accompanied by the relevant documentation. 2) This is followed by an evaluation process, usually involving a short mission to the applicant country. 3) The evaluation report is circulated to the authorities of the participating countries and discussed at their annual meeting. 4) The final step is an internal OECD process resulting in a Council Decision. The whole procedure takes about one year.

The overall budget is around one million euros, with Seeds accounting for about 40%, Tractors 30%, Fruit and Vegetables 20% and Forests 10%. The annual fee for each of the Codes and Schemes is based on a lump sum payment plus a variable percentage payment based on a formula related to the size of the participating country’s economy (Gross Domestic Product).

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63 COUNTRIES PARTICIPATE IN ONE OR MORE OF THE OECD CODES AND SCHEMES

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ALBANIA, ARGENTINA, AUSTRALIA, AUSTRIA, BELGIUM, BOLIVIA, BURKINA FASO, BRAZIL, BULGARIA, CANADA, CHILE, CHINA, CROATIA, CYPRUS, CZECH REPUBLIC, DENMARK, EGYPT, ESTONIA, FINLAND, FRANCE, GERMANY, GREECE, HUNGARY, ICELAND,

INDIA, IRAN (Islamic Rep. of), IRELAND, ISRAEL, ITALY, JAPAN, KENYA, KOREA (Rep. of), KYRGYZSTAN, LATVIA, LITHUANIA, LUXEMBOURG, MADAGASCAR, MEXICO, MOLDOVA, MOROCCO, NETHERLANDS, NEW ZEALAND, NORWAY, POLAND, PORTUGAL, ROMANIA, RUSSIAN FEDERATION, RWANDA, SERBIA, SLOVAKIA, SLOVENIA, SOUTH AFRICA, SPAIN, SWEDEN, SWITZERLAND,

TUNISIA, TURKEY, UGANDA, UKRAINE, UNITED KINGDOM, UNITED STATES, URUGUAY, ZIMBABWE

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Countries Participating in the OECD Codes and Schemes in 2011 Seeds Tractors Fruit and Vegs Forest

Albania Argentina Australia Austria Belgium Bolivia Brazil Bulgaria Burkina Faso Canada ChileChina Croatia Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Egypt Estonia Finland France Germany Greece Hungary Iceland India Iran, Islamic Rep. of Ireland Israel Italy Japan Kenya KoreaKyrgyzstan Latvia Lithuania Luxembourg Madagascar Mexico MoldovaMorocco Netherlands New Zealand NorwayPoland Portugal Romania Russian Federation Rwanda Serbia Slovak Republic Slovenia South Africa Spain Sweden Switzerland Tunisia Turkey Uganda Ukraine United Kingdom United States Uruguay Zimbabwe

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The OECD Schemes and Africa

The OECD Codes and Schemes programmes contribute to reducing technical barriers to trade that particularly affect trade between developing and developed countries. By joining programmes such as the OECD Codes and Schemes, emerging and developing countries can reap the benefits of globalization and penetrate global markets. They will be able to export to foreign markets, at a regional level but also with partners on other continents.

Besides, trade has been recognized as a very efficient driver of growth. Africa is host to 10 % of the world population but the continent contributes so far to only less than 2% of the global trade. Being a member of the OECD Codes and Schemes provides a definite advantage to promoting growth thanks to increased trade in some key agricultural sectors.

Already ten countries on the African continent actively participate in the OECD Codes and Schemes.

Date of accession to the Schemes

Seeds Fruit and Vegetables

Forest

Burkina Faso 2008 Egypt 1998 Kenya 1973 2009 Madagascar 1998 Morocco 1989 2004 Rwanda 1994 South Africa 1961 1994 Tunisia 1978 Uganda 2005 Zimbabwe 1992

Among the 58 Member countries, 7 from Africa currently participate in the OECD Seed Schemes. Out of the 25 countries that are Members of the Fruit and Vegetables Scheme, 3 are on the African continent. There are 25 countries participating in the OECD Forest Scheme, including several tropical countries (3 from Africa) that are developing their seed trade for reforestation.

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The OECD Codes and Schemes and Asia

In 2011, the following Asian countries are Members of OECD Tractor Codes and Seed Schemes:

Date of accession to the Codes and Schemes

Seeds Tractor Codes

China 1988 India 2008 1988 Iran 1995 Japan 1967 1966 Korea 1995 Kyrgyzstan 2005

OECD Seed Schemes A Workshop on seed certification and the seed trade in Asia was organized during the 2010 Annual Seed Schemes Meeting held in New Zealand. The purpose of the Workshop was to develop a better understanding of the different systems for seed certification and trade in seed in Asian countries. Japan,India, the Asia Pacific Seed Association (APSA), Indonesia and Korea made a presentation on Seed Certification in their countries.

Tajikistan has expressed interest in joining the Seed Schemes and was invited as an Observer Country in the 2010 Annual Meeting of the OECD Seed Schemes to give a presentation on Seed production in Tajikistan.

OECD Forest Seed and Plant Scheme

Indonesia and Korea have expressed interest in the OECD Forest Scheme. They participated as Observers in the 2010 Annual Meeting and informed the Meeting on the Forest Reproductive Material certification system in their countries.

OECD Tractor Codes

The participation of Asian countries in the Codes is increasing. Three Asian countries hosted an OECD Test Engineers Conference, demonstrating the relevance of the programme in the region: Japan in 1997, China in 2005 and Korea in 2009. Over the last years, China has been one of the three countries with the highest amount of test reports sent to the OECD for approval.

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OECD SEED SCHEMES

What are the OECD Seed Schemes?

The OECD Seed Schemes provide an international framework for the certification of agricultural seed moving in international trade. The Schemes were established in 1958 driven by a combination of factors including a fast-growing seed trade, regulatory harmonisation in Europe, the development of off-season production, the seed breeding and production potential of large exporting countries in America (North and South) and Europe, and the support of private industry. Membership of the Schemes is voluntary and participation varies. There are seven agricultural Seed Schemes.

Participating countries With the recent accession of Ukraine, 58 countries from Europe, North and South America, Africa, the Middle-East, Asia and Oceania currently participate in the OECD Seed Schemes.

Objectives The objectives of the Schemes are to encourage the use of “quality-guaranteed” seed in participating countries. The Schemes authorise the use of labels and certificates for seed produced and processed for international trade according to agreed principles ensuring varietal identity and purity.

The Schemes facilitate the import and export of seed, by the removal of technical barriers to trade through internationally recognised labels (“passports” for trade). They also lay down guidelines for seed multiplication abroad, as well as for the delegation of some control activities to the private sector (“authorisation”). The quantity of seed certified through the OECD Schemes has grown rapidly in recent years and now exceeds 400.000 tonnes.

How do the Seed Schemes operate?

The success of international certification depends upon close co-operation between maintainers, seed producers, traders and the designated authority (appointed by the government) in each participating country. Frequent meetings allow for a multi-stakeholder dialogue to exchange information, discuss case studies, prepare new rules and update the Schemes. The UN family of bodies, a vast range of non-governmental organisations (ISF) and seed industry networks participate actively in the Schemes.

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Benefits of the Schemes � To facilitate international trade by using globally-recognised OECD labels and certificates (e.g. OECD labels are required to export seed to the European union).

� To build a framework to develop seed production with other countries or companies.

� To participate in the elaboration of international rules for seed certification.

� To develop collaboration between the public and private sectors.

� To benefit from regular exchanges of information with other national certification agencies and Observer organisations.

Annual List of Varieties � The Annual List of Varieties eligible for OECD certification includes varieties which are officially recognized as distinct, uniform and stable, and possess an acceptable value in, at least, one country.

� The List contains most of the internationally traded varieties whose number has grown steadily over the last thirty years. Currently, the number of listed varieties amounts to over 43 000, corresponding to 200 species.

Outlook As seed “consumers” become more demanding, there are greater needs for more uniform seed standards, while at the same time public financial resources for regulation and quality control are limited.

Co-operation among countries and stakeholders in the framework of the Schemes is a response to the concern for a market-responsive regulatory approach. Every country is confronted with a different legal framework, institutional barriers and trade relations; yet, the different approaches must remain consistent among countries entering international markets as importers or exporters.

Seed companies are responsible for establishing and maintaining the distinctness, uniformity and stability of their varieties, not only domestically, but also across borders. However, there is a need for minimum criteria (“rules of the game”) to be commonly defined, endorsed and enforced when multiplying seed in large quantities for the trade. The OECD Schemes provide this legal framework at international level.

For more information see: www.oecd.org/tad/seed

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The OECD Seed Schemes and the Past

New Zealand has been a participating member of the OECD Seed Schemes for the past 45 years having joined in 1966. Why did it decide to become Member in that time?

P.J.: The reason/justification for joining the Schemes and controlling certified seed through Government (i.e. the Ministry of Agriculture & Forestry [MAF]) in New Zealand relates to the importance good quality pasture has to our agricultural sector in terms of animal nutrition & welfare given their substantial contribution to both our domestic food chain and export trade. In addition, New Zealand’s membership to the Schemes facilitated our gaining and maintaining EU equivalence which has been an important aspect in developing an export herbage seed sector.

Could you mention briefly some developments in the Seed Schemes in the years following your country’s membership? (international exchanges, safety.…)

1. EU Equivalence: New Zealand is a significant exporter of herbage seed and as such requires official certification for EU equivalence and for international trading purposes.

2. Expanding Membership: This has broadened New Zealand’s export market base & better

facilitated acceptance within the international trade of certified seed.

3. Delegation of Authority: This development has enabled New Zealand to modernise the

delivery of seed varietal certification services, taking into account the de-regulation policies of the 1980/90s.

4. Modernisation of the Schemes Rules: As a member country of the OECD Seed Schemes New Zealand, through the Ministry of Agriculture & forestry as the National designated Authority, fully embraces and utilizes the Seed Scheme Rules as the basis of our MAF seed varietal certification system. Modernisation of the Schemes Rules and keeping them up to-date with developments in production, trade & technology has been the driving force behind New Zealand’s active participation within the Schemes.

This Scheme Rules facilitate the operation of our New Zealand seed varietal certification system for the provision of officially certified seed to those in the seed industry sector requesting certification. The current MAF seed varietal certification Standard has been developed in full consultation with, and agreement of, the New Zealand Seed Quality Management Authority. This organization represents all sectors of trade within the New Zealand seed industry.”

For the 50th Anniversary of OECD, Mr Peter Johnston, New Zealand, (Chair, OECD Seed Schemes), with his high level of expertise, provides his views on past, present and future of the OECD Seed Schemes.

This valuable statement is much appreciated in the context of the 50th

Anniversary of OECD.

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The OECD Schemes and the Present

The OECD Seed Schemes celebrated their 50th Anniversary in 2008. Now that 58 countries are Members of the Codes in 2011, what advantages are today offered by the Schemes? (particularly for new countries from Europe, Asia or Africa wishing to join).

P.J.: I believe the current key advantage of membership and participation within the Schemes is the acceptance of official seed varietal certification between participating countries. This acceptance of another countries certification (official assurance) allows for and facilitates the international movement or trade in officially certified seed. In turn this recognition expedites the certified seeds acceptance and entry into the receiving country’s seed certification system, or programme, and facilitates marketing of the certified seed through the integrity of the OECD certification status.

P.J.: In my view countries considering membership to the Schemes are initially driven by a mixture of perceptions associated with what they view are the values offered by becoming members of the Schemes. For the future I believe it will be important for the Schemes to make it very clear to prospective members the process to be followed to become a member, and relay the actual advntages of membership in terms of facilitation of international trade of officially certified seed between participating countries. In addition the Schemes need to carefully clarify prospective countries perceptions and expectations ensuring all are left with a clear understanding of their membership obligations and limitations with regards the provision of official seed varietal certification.

P.J.: Membership also offers participating countries delegates the advantage of full participation in determining the future direction, aims, goals, objectives and activities of the Schemes. This method of operating, based on concensus decision making, also determines and guides the pace of change within the Schemes Rules and method of operation.

The OECD Seed Schemes and the Future

The concept for the 50th Anniversary is “Better policies for better lives”. Based on your expertise and knowledge in the Seed field, what are your views on future challenges and developments in a changing environment? (taking into account modern communication, globalization, green growth, and international trade).

P.J.: As the commercial sector recognises and builds on the values associated with international trade in certified seed this in turn is driving the need for more countries to formalise their membership and participation within the Schemes.

P.J.: With the increase in membership the Schemes have experienced during the past ten years the need has also been recognised for the Schemes Rules to be under more or less constant review in order to address and reflect real time

(Continued)

Mr Peter Johnston, New Zealand, Chair, OECD Seed Schemes.

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technical developments. For the future I believe it will be extremely important for the Schemes to recognise the need to adopt a pro-active approach to reviewing the Schemes future strategic direction, methods of engagement and the Rules providing the basis upon which official seed varietal certification is provided. This will be necessary in order for the Schemes to not only keep pace with and embrace technical & technology developments but to also address challenges arising from an expanded operating base and better facilitation and resolution of commercial needs in a timely manner.

P.J.: In my view a clear focus on the core values of the Schemes purpose & role in the provision of modern technical Rules upon which participating countries provide official seed varietal certification with integrity will act as the primary basis for making progress happen.

(Continued)

Mr Peter Johnston, New Zealand, Chair, OECD Seed Schemes.

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The OECD Seed Schemes celebrated its 50th Anniversary in July 2008, during the Annual Meeting hosted by the US in Chicago

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The 2nd World Seed Conference, jointly organised by OECD, FAO, UPOV, ISF and ISTA, was held at the FAO, Rome, from 8-10 September 2009.

The World Seed Conference concluded that urgent government measures and increased public and private investment in the seed sector are required for the long term if agriculture is to meet the challenge of food security in the context of population growth and climate change.

Further to the 2nd World Seed Conference, OECD, FAO, UPOV, ISF, and ISTA agreed to work together on the development of a Concept document for collaboration amongst the five organisations in order to strengthen the seed sector in developing countries.

Left to right: Mr. Marcel Bruins from the International Seed Federation (ISF), Mr. Michael Ryan from the OECD, Mr. Michael Larinde from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO),

Mr. Michael Muschick from the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA), and Mr. Rolf Jördens from the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV).

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Covers of old publications dating back to 1981

“A Scheme for certifying herbage seed moving in international trade under an international certificate was

instituted in 1958”

“The emphasis laid on grassland improvement in recent years has been brought about by the realization that the grass crop has been neglected in almost every country”

New brochures circulated in 2010

These guidelines are intended to address the methods used to determine varietal purity and

identity.

The purpose of these Guidelines is to identify responsibilities of each party in the seed

multiplication process.

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OECD TRACTOR CODES

What are the OECD Tractor Codes?

The OECD Standard Codes for the official testing of agricultural and forestry tractors are a set of rules and procedures for tractor testing with the aim to facilitate trade by updating international rules to certify tractors and their protective structures. Implementation of the Codes ensures that protective structures and performance criteria are carried out on a comparative basis, thus increase transparency, simplify international trade procedures, and open markets.

Participating Countries

Currently, 27 countries implement the Codes; of which, 23 are OECD Members and 4 non-OECD Economies (China, India Serbia and Russia). Observers include CEMA, CEN, IFAP, ISO and UNIDO.

How do the Tractor Codes operate?

National testing stations in each participating country carry out the tests on tractors to be commercialized according to common procedures. Test results are submitted to OECD for approval and the verification of individual tests are subcontracted to a Co-ordinating Centre. Approved tests are published and used by tractor manufacturers, sellers and buyers. Summaries of performance tests are available on-line.

What is OECD’s role? OECD facilitates co-ordination at the international level, with frequent meetings. These meetings enable dialogue amongst stakeholders, exchange of information, discussion of case studies, preparation of new rules and amendments to the Codes. Since the Codes were established in 1959, over 3 000 tractors have been tested for performance characteristics, and over 10 800 tractors have been tested for noise measurement at the driving position, and driver protection, in the case of tractor roll-over. In addition to regular meetings of the Codes, Test Engineer Conferences are held every two years, each time in a different country. The primary purpose of these conferences is the observation, review and discussion of testing practices by test engineers.

Users of the Codes Countries use the Codes for various purposes including national testing, tenders, import regulations, etc. In addition, farmers and other stakeholders benefit from them as an important source of comparable information on safety and technical reliability.

Outlook The OECD Tractor Testing Codes are in constant evolution with the growth in demand for greater harmonization across countries as new tractor models continue to proliferate. They have become an important international reference in the certification of tractors and their protective structures, underpinning existing international agreements, and contributing actively to the harmonization of regional and global standards. There is regular updating of the Codes so as to identify significant improvements in technical performance, safety and environmental protection.

For more information see: www.oecd.org/tad/tractor

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The OECD Tractor Codes and the past

Your country joined the Tractor Codes in 1988. What benefits and advantages has your country gained from the early membership?

R.H.: The United States joined the Tractor Codes in 1988. While much of the existing performance code at that time had been developed from the Nebraska Tractor Test Laboratory practices and procedures, Nebraska law was changed in this year to allow for direct participation in the Tractor Codes and to allow the use of OECD Tractor Codes for tractor testing. Early membership allowed tractor testing to become simpler as reciprocity with other OECD testing stations greatly reduced the number of foreign tractor tests performed at Nebraska. Further, the ability to perform protective structure testing using OECD codes has been a benefit for the North American tractor market.

Can you indicate key evolutions a few years after your country joined the Codes (security, noise, power levels…)

R.H.: The development of a hydraulic power test in the late 1980's was meaningful as by this time, hydraulic power had become a well used source of tractor power for implements. Participation in the OECD Tractor Codes was instrumental in gaining US government acceptance of the OECD developed static and dynamic ROPS tests also in the early 1990s. Although noise at the operator ear has been measured at the Nebraska Tractor Test Laboratory since 1970, the development of Code 5 for sound testing has been a part of the reduction in noise at the operator ear from 95+db in 1970, to levels seen today, often in the low 70 db range.

The OECD Tractor Codes and the present

The OECD Tractor Codes celebrated their 50th Anniversary in 2009. Now that 28 countries are Members of the Codes, what are, according to you, the key evolutions in the OECD Tractor Codes that new Members could benefit from?

R.H.: OECD Tractor Codes provide a consistent and internationally accepted method for providing farmers, dealers, and manufacturers with comparable tractor performance data that can allow the most appropriate tractor to be selected for a particular application. Further, operator comfort is enhanced due to the reporting of noise measurements of the tested tractor. Finally, and most importantly, OECD testing of protective structures insures users and regulating bodies that tractors complying with the OECD protective structure codes offer sufficient protection to the operator in the event of an over turn or falling object. In much of the world, tractor over turns account for the majority of serious injuries and deaths from accidents with agricultural tractors.

For the 50th Anniversary of OECD, Mr Roger Hoy, USA (Chair, OECD Tractor Codes), with his high level of expertise, provides his views on past, present and future of the OECD Tractor Codes.

This valuable statement is much appreciated in the context of the 50th

Anniversary of OECD.

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The OECD Tractor Codes and the future

The concept for the 50th Anniversary is “Better policies for better lives”. What are your views on future challenges and technological developments linked to the Tractor Codes? Based on your expertise and knowledge in the field, how would you see the evolution of the Tractor Codes in a changing environment, taking into account sustainable development, green growth, globalization, or international trade?

R.H.: Tractors have changed significantly in the past 50 years and there is no reason to believe that additional improvements will not occur in the future to address changing farming needs and new applications. 50 years ago, tractors delivered power only through the drawbar and often through a rather dangerous flat belt drive. Today, tractors still deliver drawbar power but they also deliver power through the PTO and hydraulics. It is reasonable to assume that electric power will become a power outlet that must be measured as well in the near future. Tractors have grown significantly in size and power and this growth is likely to continue as in some areas, fewer farmers are required to produce more output requiring higher capacity agricultural machinery. The additional power and weight brings challenges to OECD to insure that safety and performance codes remain relevant to continue to provide the assurances for farmers they have come to expect. Additionally, new risks will be identified with new technologies and farming practices that must be studied and addressed.

(Continued)

Mr. Roger Hoy, USA, Chair, OECD Tractor Codes.

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The First Test Report was approved in 1959

Since 1959, test reports are approved by the official Co-ordinating Centre, provided that tests have been

satisfactorily carried out in accordance with the procedures laid down in the Tractor Codes.

The OECD Tractor Codes contain a set of rules and testing procedures on performance and safety.

The brochure can be found on the Tractor Website at following address:

http://www.oecd.org/tad/tractor

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Delegates of the Tractor Codes at the Test Engineers’ Conference hosted by Turkey in 2007, Ankara/Istanbul during a demonstration.

Delegates of the Tractor Codes at the Test Engineers’ Conference hosted by Korea in 2009 at a plenary session.

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OECD FRUIT AND VEGETABLES SCHEME

Objectives of the OECD Scheme on Fruit and Vegetables

The main objective of the OECD Fruit and Vegetables Scheme is to facilitate international trade through the harmonization of implementation and interpretation of marketing standards. A further objective is to facilitate mutual recognition of inspections by participating countries. The Scheme is well known for its explanatory brochures on standards, but is also involved in defining inspection procedures that are recognized in many countries, and in sponsoring training courses. The Scheme also organises peer reviews with the goal of helping the reviewed country improve its quality inspection system.

Participating Countries Currently, 25 countries participate in the OECD Scheme, including several major exporting countries, for all or some of the products covered.

How does the OECD Scheme operate?

The OECD Fruit and Vegetables Scheme provide a complete and internationally harmonised export quality inspection system for member countries. The mutual recognition of inspections is strengthened through implementation of peer reviews on national quality inspection systems, organisation of meetings for the heads of national inspection services and workshops for the inspectors. Frequent meetings also allow for a comprehensive dialogue amongst stakeholders in reviewing and elaborating the OECD standards' interpretation, as well as defining inspection procedures.

Outlook Inter-governmental quality standardisation for fruit and vegetables remains essential for reducing technical barriers to international trade, as well as increasing transparency to consumers. The interpretation of standards is indispensable to applying them in practice and here the Scheme and its explanatory brochures on standards and inspection guidelines will continue to play a pivotal role.

The peer review activity on national fruit and vegetables inspection systems is well received among member countries and has become a core activity of the Scheme. It helps countries to improve policy making, adopt best practices, and comply with established international standards and principles.

As many African and Asian countries are specialized in fruit and vegetables production, they would benefit from implementing the Scheme to build up their export capacities.

For more information see: www.oecd.org/tad/fv

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International Standards for Fruit and Vegetables Brochures published in 2010

These brochures are published within the framework of the Scheme for the Application of International Standards for Fruit and Vegetables established by OECD in 1962. They comprise

explanatory notes and illustrations to facilitate the common interpretation of the standard in force.

The brochures also include a USB key with the electronic version of the publication. They can be purchased from the OECD bookstore, online at www.oecdbookshop.org

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The OECD Fruit and Vegetables Scheme and the past

Your country joined the Fruit and Vegetables Scheme in 1963. Why did it decide to become Member in that time?

R. B D: The export of fresh fruit and vegetables was very important at that time to Israel. Joining the OECD Fruit and Vegetables Scheme enabled the Israeli Inspection Service and the export industry to become more familiar with international quality standards, inspection methods etc. It also enabled Israel to meet exporting and importing Scheme Member Countries and learn about their activities, working procedures etc.

Could you mention briefly some developments in the Fruit and Vegetables Scheme in the years following your country’s membership? (international exchanges, standards, explanatory brochures.…)

R. B D: Developments in the Fruit and Vegetables Scheme in Israel:

� Israel, since joining the scheme, was the rapporteur of the following produce: avocadoes, mangoes, Chinese cabbage and lately, the new citrus brochure.

� Israeli membership contributes to harmonization with the Israeli produce- importing countries.

� Organising and participating in Heads of National Inspection Services Meetings and other International Training Courses sponsored by the OECD had a significant and important contribution to the Israeli export of fruit and vegetables.

The OECD Fruit and Vegetables Schemes and the present

The OECD Fruit and Vegetables Scheme will celebrate its 50th Anniversary in 2012. Now that 25 countries are Members of the Scheme in 2011, what are the advantages offered today by the Scheme? (particularly for new countries from Europe, Asia or Africa wishing to join).

R. B D: The OECD Fruit and Vegetables Scheme allow the member countries:

� To contribute to and influence the creation and updating of new and existing quality standards, brochures and inspection methods.

� To meet and integrate with leading and very experienced exporting and importing Scheme Member Countries. For example, Heads of National Inspection Services Meetings and Peer Reviews of the Fruit and Vegetables Quality Inspection Systems of different Scheme Member Countries.

� A forum to introduce and reflect the member country needs and experience.

� To learn from the work and discussion procedures of the OECD Scheme.

The member country can implement the knowledge gained on the national level for the sake of its Inspection Service and industry.

For the 50th Anniversary of OECD, Mr. Ran Ben David, Israel, (Chair, OECD Fruit and Vegetables Scheme), with his high level of expertise, provides his views on past, present and future of the OECD Fruit and Vegetables Scheme.

This valuable statement is much appreciated in the context of the 50th

Anniversary of OECD.

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The OECD Fruit and Vegetables Schemes and the future

The concept for the 50th Anniversary is “Better policies for better lives”. Based on your expertise and knowledge in the Fruit and Vegetables field, what are your views on future challenges and developments in a changing environment? (taking into account modern communication, globalization, green growth, and international trade).

R. B D: The future in a changing world environment looks very interesting and offers some very important challenges to the OECD Fruit and Vegetable Scheme, such as:

� Collaboration with more international organizations in order to cover new quality standards and to reach a wider range of exporting and importing countries.

� To interest new developing countries with rising economies in the Scheme’s activities expecting they will recognise the importance of joining the Scheme.

� To update existing brochures, guidelines, working methods and Scheme’s activities, for example: Electronic versions of existing brochures, implementing range concept brochures for relevant produce, improving OECD website, promoting the Scheme activities in general and especially the brochures.

� To put on the agenda, to discuss and to examine the possibility of defining new categories for lower quality, for the existing fruit and vegetables standards, while taking into consideration the expected shortage and increasing food prices in the world.

(Continued)

Mr. Ran Ben David, Israel, Chair, OECD Fruit and Vegetables Scheme.

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OECD Peer Reviews

A Peer Review is a systematic examination and assessment of the performance of national fruit and vegetables quality inspection systems by experts from other countries

under the umbrella of OECD.

The ultimate goal of the peer review is to help to improve policy making, adopt best practices and comply with established international standards and principles. The examination is conducted on a

voluntary basis.

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Publications dating back to 1959

The OEEC European Productivity Agency published a Lexicon of Terminology Used in Fruit and Vegetables Trade in 1959. It included all professional terms related to certain

types of produce, their preparation, distribution and consumption in eight languages. This publication created a

common language within the fruit and vegetables sector across the Member countries. The OEEC activity on the

harmonisation of fruit and vegetables trade was continued in the OECD Fruit and Vegetables Scheme after its

establishment in 1962.

This brochure was intended for the manufacturers of packages wishing to rationalize their production as well as for the professional users (producers and traders) and for those concerned with transport.

Recent publications

These guidelines describe those methods of objective testing of fruits that have emerged as beneficial to both inspection Services, and the fruit industry in general in

determining acceptable levels of ripeness. and quality.

This publication summarizes the outcome of the OECD Meeting of Heads of National Inspection Services, including all presentations made during this event.

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Experts examining quality standards during an International Training Courseheld in Slovakia in 2010

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OECD FOREST SEED AND PLANT SCHEME

Objectives of the OECD Scheme for Forest Reproductive Material

The OECD Forest Seed and Plant Scheme is a certification tool to facilitate international trade in forest seeds and plants. The Scheme aims to encourage the production and use of forest reproductive materials that have been collected, processed, raised, labelled and distributed in a manner that ensures their trueness to name. The Scheme reflects the wish for governments to have these materials correctly identified, with a view to minimising uncertainty in achieving successful afforestation.

Participating Countries Currently, 25 countries participate in the Scheme, including several tropical countries that are developing their seed trade for reforestation.

How does the Scheme work?

Different OECD labels are used according to the two categories for forest reproductive materials. The labelled product is then recognised internationally as a guarantee of quality and as a certificate of origin. Forest seed sources and stands are approved by participating countries as the basic material for harvesting the reproductive material, i.e., seeds; regions of provenance are delineated and carefully documented. A total of 275 species of trees are currently eligible for certification under the Scheme.

Latest developments Many countries, especially from the tropical part of Africa, South America and Asia, have expressed interest in the OECD Scheme when developing a domestic system for the quality control of forest seeds & plants. Some of them have already joined. Taking into account the increased interest, the Scheme’s intention is to adapt the OECD certification system of forest reproductive materials to conditions in tropical countries in the near future.

The demand for improved forest reproductive material is increasing. The Forest Scheme’s intention is to include advanced categories and new types of basic materials, such as clones and mixture of clones into the Scheme’s rules. It would help to fully cover the international trade of forest reproductive material.

Outlook There is growing awareness of the potential benefits of the OECD Scheme in the context of harmonising regulations and facilitating international trade in forest reproductive materials, including in tropical areas.

For more information see: www.oecd.org/tad/forest

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This document contains the Rules of the OECD Forest Seed

and Plant Scheme

The Strategic plan has three goals:

Update and develop technical aspects of the Forest Scheme; Strengthen the organization

and implementation of the Scheme; Improve, extend and develop communication

with all stakeholders.

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The OECD Forest Seed and Plant Scheme and the past

The OECD Forest Scheme was initially established in 1967 and was fully revised for the first time in 1974. Your country joined the Forest Scheme in 1998. Why did it decide to become Member in that time?

L.R.: Madagascar has joined the Forest Scheme in order to learn and apply international rules for forest reproductive materials production and trade. The process was supported by the Swiss Cooperation Agency in the context of capacity building of Madagascar and particularly the SNGF (Silo National des Graines Forestières).

Could you mention briefly some developments in the Forest Scheme in the years following your country’s membership? (international exchanges, safety.…)

L.R.: Development in the Forest Scheme in Madagascar: � national regulation of tree seed and plants is compatible with

international rules; � process of tree seed collection, storage and trade (local and

international) was improved; � OECD certificates are used not only for information for foreign

customers but also as marketing tools for tree seed exportation

The OECD Forest Seed and Plant Scheme and the present

The new OECD Forest Seed and Plant Scheme was established by Council Decision in 2007. Now that 25 countries are Members of the Codes in 2011, what are the advantages offered today by the Scheme? (particularly for new countries from Europe, Asia or Africa wishing to join).

L.R.: Integration of the Qualified Category for forest reproductive materials and consideration of tropical area conditions would interest new countries in joining the Scheme, particularly if decision makers are aware of genetic and ecological aspects of the tree seed domain. Also, with the process of elaboration and implementation of the Strategic and Action Plans, the Scheme would be dynamic and favour more and more information and materials exchange.

The OECD Forest Seed and Plant Scheme and the future

The concept for the 50th Anniversary is “Better policies for better lives”. Based on your expertise and knowledge in the Forest field, what are your views on future challenges and developments in a changing environment? (taking into account modern communication, globalization, green growth, deforestation, afforestation, and international trade).

L.R.: OECD Forest Seed and Plant Scheme could be an important international tool for world forest sector development and other related sectors (Environment, Agriculture, Trade…). Also, even if the Schemes goal is to enhance forest seed and plant international trade by insuring identity of circulated materials, its implementation would also allow country members to improve their own system at national or regional level. However, this implementation should be coherent with existing policy and strategy such as green growth or adaptation to climate change.

For the 50th Anniversary of OECD,Mrs. Lolona Ramamonjisoa, Madagascar (Chair, OECD Forest Seed and Plant Scheme), provides her views on past, present and future of the OECD Forest Seed and Plant Scheme.

This valuable statement is much appreciated in the context of the 50th

Anniversary of OECD.

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National Delegates of the Forest Scheme during a Technical Working Group Meeting, exchanging views with the Chair and Vice-Chairs of the Scheme, in preparation for the

Annual Forest Meeting.

Annual Meetings are sometimes followed by Technical Visits.

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Field visit hosted by Hungary in 2006

Technical visit organized by France in 2008

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Thanks to Contributors

For this special edition of the Codes and Scheme brochure, the Secretariat would like to express its sincere thanks to:

� Mr. Peter Johnston, Chair, OECD Seed Schemes. � Mr. Roger Hoy, Chair, OECD Tractor Codes. � Mr. Ran Ben David, Chair, OECD Fruit and Vegetables Scheme. � Mrs. Lolona Ramamonjisoa, Chair, OECD Forest Seed and Plant Scheme.

The OECD Secretariat also wishes to thank those who contributed photographs for this brochure.

________________

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OECD Codes and Schemes Events to be held at OECD and abroad in 2011

OECD Seed Schemes The 2011 Annual Meeting and Technical Working Group Meetings of the OECD Seed Schemes will be hosted by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA) / Turkey General Directorate for Agricultural Production and Development Seed Department in Instanbul, Turkey on 9-13 May 2011.

OECD Tractor Codes The 2011 Annual Meeting of the Standard Codes for Agricultural and Forestry Tractors will be held on 24-25 February 2011 at the OECD Conference Centre.

The next Test Engineers Conference will be hosted by DLG in Gross-Umstadt, Germany on 27-29 September 2011. The DLG is the National Designated Authority for the implementation of the OECD Codes in Germany.

OECD Fruit and Vegetables Scheme The 15th Meeting of Heads of National Inspection Services will be hosted by Hungary on 8-10 March 2011.

The OECD Workshop and Training on Marketrequirements will be held in Kenya in April 2011.

The 2011 Plenary Meeting is due to be held on 7-8December at OECD. It will be preceded by someProduce Working Group Meetings on 6 December.

OECD Forest Seed and Plant Scheme The Meeting of the Technical Working Group will takeplace at the OECD Headquarters on 27-28 (morning)April 2011.

The Annual Meeting of the Forest Scheme will be held atthe OECD Headquarters on 12 (afternoon) - 13 October.It will be preceded by the TWG Meetings on 11 and 12(morning) October 2011.

2011 will celebrate the International Year of Forests: http://www.un.org/en/events/iyof2011/

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Further information

The following OECD web pages can be consulted for additional information on the four programmes, (latest publications, news and events, rules and list of participating countries).

Agriculture (general): www.oecd.org/tad

OECD Directorate for Trade and Agriculture 2, rue André – Pascal 75775 Paris, Cedex 16 France

Codes and Schemes (general): www.oecd.org/tad/code

Seeds: www.oecd.org/tad/seed

Tractors: www.oecd.org/tad/tractor

Fruit and Vegetables: www.oecd.org/tad/fv

Forests: www.oecd.org/tad/forest

Contact:

Michael Ryan Head, Codes & Schemes E-mail: Michael.ryan@oecd.org Fax : +33 1 44 30 61 17

50th Anniversary of the OECD

63 countries participate in one or moreof the OECD Codes and Schemes

www.oecd.org/tad/code