Challenges and Opportunities Challenges and Opportunities Presented - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Domestication of the Harmonised Seed Security Project (HASSP) through the Food, Agriculture and Natural R P li A l i N t k(FANRPAN) Resources Policy Analysis Network(FANRPAN)

Challenges and Opportunities Challenges and Opportunities

Presented at the FANRPAN – HASSP Common Vision Workshop Kopanong Hotel and Conference Center , Johannesburg South Africa 20-21 May 2010

Mary Mgonja International Crops Research Institute for Semi Arid Tropics Eastern and Southern Africa Region Nairobi Kenya

Presentation

• Seed and agricultural productivity

Seed and agricultural productivity

• Challenges in seed system for SSA
• Harmonized Seed Security Project
• ESA, WASA

Th 3 t f HASSP

• The 3 components of HASSP
• Domestication of HASSP: Challenges and Opportunities
• Summary
• Open for input and further discussion

Seed

• Key ingredient for improving agricultural productivity
• Preferred tool for re establishing livelihoods of farmers affected by disaster
• Preferred tool for re establishing livelihoods of farmers affected by disaster
• Facilitate food resource diversification
• As an important prerequisite for attaining food security in Africa

Revitalization of the seed industry is needed to enhance farmers’ access to quality seed

Seed Industry development in SSA

5 -10 % of farmers in SSA can access quality seed of improved varieties (WB 2003)

• Lack of commercially viable or effective product (seeds) deployment systems
• Lack of consistent quality & supply impede uptake
• Seed markets are segregated, small & difficult to access

L h i i & l d b f d b k d

• Lengthy variety testing & release procedures before seed can be marketed
• Variation in national standards for seed certification and quality control
• Quarantine & phyto-sanitary measures for seed complicate trading btn countries
• Seed prices are not subject to efficient competition & this limits farmers’ choices
• Seed prices are not subject to efficient competition & this limits farmers choices

Call for harmonization of seed laws & regulations to create a regional market

Seeds Trade Harmonization

Harmonization is the process of bringing together regionally different approaches (policies, laws, regulations and different approaches (policies, laws, regulations and procedures ) into a unified strategy The ultimate aim of harmonization is to increase the flow of seed across national borders

ECA : The Policy Analysis & Advocacy Program (PAAP) SADC: Seed science Center – Iowa State University (SSC – ISU); ICRISAT, CIMMYT , SADC member states WCA: West Africa Seed Alliance (WASA); AGRA, USAID, AFSTA, ECOWAS

Harmonization of Seed Policies Eastern and Central Africa (ECA) Eastern and Central Africa (ECA)

• Seed and plant variety protection

acts either changed or enacted in acts either changed or enacted in Tanzania, Rwanda & Uganda

• Technical agreements to ease
• Technical agreements to ease

variety release & seed certification negotiated

• Broad agreement at technical level

between Kny, Ug & Tz

• Political approval through the East

African Community (EAC) is yet to be sought be sought

• Concern that approval by EAC

ld l d th b f would exclude other members of ASARECA

West Africa Seed Alliance

• Analyses in WCA show that farmers still do

h h l i l i i not have access to technological innovations because of inadequacy of the seed system

• WASA established in 2009
• Multiple Resource partners: USAID,AGRA,

ECOWAS

• Collaborating partners WCA
• Implementing partners
• ICRISAT

CNFA

• CNFA
• SSC-ISU

West Africa Seed Alliance (WASA)

To establish a sustainable commercial seed industry in West Africa capable of: West Africa capable of:

Ensuring that farmers have affordable, timely and reliable access to adapted genetics and traits in high quality seeds and planting materials; Playing a leading role in the growth and development of viable agricultural inputs systems; Supporting the development of African agro-industry; and Supporting the policy commitment and call by African Union Leaders and NEPAD member states for the Intensification of Leaders and NEPAD member states for the Intensification of Agriculture at the Abuja Declaration at the African Fertilizer Summit and in line with commitments to CAADP

History of Seed Policy discussions in SADC

2010: Signing , Discussion on domestication of HASSP 2011-13: Implementation of HASSP in 4 countries 2006-2008: Phase 1 funding of SSSN ; Formulation of the 3 harmonization systems & endorsement & HASSP 2001 2003:SSASI Discussion on harmonization Q&C SPS schedules for operationalisation 2000: The “sui generis” protection of plant varieties ; SSASI 2001-2003:SSASI, Discussion on harmonization, Q&C, SPS Regional workshops: 1993 On farm seed production 1994: Discuss study on Harmonization of seed laws 1987: Danagro study of national laws 1988: SADCC technical experts Regional Seed Production & supply 1987: Danagro study of national laws

Components of the agreed Harmonized S d S it P j t (HASSP) Seed Security Project (HASSP)

• Crop Variety Testing, Registration and Release

Crop Variety Testing, Registration and Release System,

• Seed Certification and Quality Assurance System
• Quarantine and Phytosanitary measures for Seed.

Domestication of the Harmonized S d S it P j t (HASSP)*

• It is in the context of implementation of the agreements

Seed Security Project (HASSP)*

• It is in the context of implementation of the agreements

where possible challenges could arise

• r

be anticipated. p

• The Objective of this ppt is to articulate on

the ”D i i f h H i d S d S i ”Domestication

• f

the Harmonized Seed Security Project (HASSP)” in the identified target countries,

• Identify potential constraints as well as exploring
• pportunities for better implementation of the proposals

pp p p p in the target as well as in the other countries and also in

• ther regions.
• The 3 components of HASSP

1: SADC Variety Release System 1: SADC Variety Release System

SADC Variety Release System SADC Variety Release System

The purpose is to make it easier and cheaper for new and existing varieties to gain access to SADC and existing varieties to gain access to SADC countries This in turn will stimulate availability of more varieties, encourage more companies to invest in seed business in SADC countries, and thus Increase the farmers’ choice Increase the farmers choice

SADC CROP VARIETY RELEASE COMMITTEE (SVRC) COMMITTEE (SVRC)

• Will be established to provide technical guidelines

in variety testing, registration, and release.

• The SVRC will develop and update variety

The SVRC will develop and update variety release guidelines & procedures

• Identify and recommend procedures for utilization

in the variety testing registration and release in the variety testing, registration and release system;

SADC CROP VARIETY RELEASE COMMITTEE (SVRC)

• Assist in technical backstopping of the

established system established system.

• Each SADC Member State should designate a

Each SADC Member State should designate a National (Seeds/Variety) Authority that will implement the system implement the system

Th D i t d N ti l A th it * The Designated National Authority*

• Will facilitate implementation of the system in

the respective Member State;

• Facilitate testing, registration and release of the

variety at the national level; variety at the national level;

• Will endorse release of the variety at SADC

level; and level; and

• Advise breeders, seed companies and other

stakeholders on procedures in the area of stakeholders on procedures in the area of variety testing, registration and release.

SADC Variety Catalogue

A li t f i ti l d f k ti i th

SADC Variety Catalogue

• A list of varieties released for marketing in the

region will be developed and maintained. Th li t ill b ll d th SADC V i t

• The list will be called the SADC Variety

Catalogue (the catalogue). I l i f i ti i th t l ill

• Inclusion of new varieties in the catalogue will

be determined by minimum requirements as

• utlined by the SVRC
• utlined by the SVRC.
• Seed of varieties listed in the Catalogue can be

sold in all SADC Member States without sold in all SADC Member States without restrictions related to variety.

Varieties included in Catalogue

• Varieties of any crop for which DUS and VCU

data is available may be listed in the catalogue.

• DUS descriptions will be according to UPOV

DUS descriptions will be according to UPOV guidelines.

• VCU information will be derived from field

experiments conducted in the major agro experiments conducted in the major agro- ecological zones over a minimum of 2 seasons.

SADC Variety Release Committee (SVRC) SADC Variety Release Committee (SVRC)

• Will develop guidelines for VCU testing.
• A unique numbering system will be instituted

q g y

• The variety will have a name and may have

synonyms, in different countries. synonyms, in different countries.

• Varieties entered on the catalogue will be valid for

20 years 20 years.

• Inclusion in the catalogue will incur an application

fee and upon successful registration an annual fee, and upon successful registration, an annual fee.

Regional Variety Release g y

Before a ariet can be entered in the catalog e it

• Before a variety can be entered in the catalogue it

must be released in at least 2 SADC countries.

• Thereafter, the Variety Holder may apply for

regional release through the National Seeds A th it i f th t i h ti l Authority in one of the countries where national release was obtained.

• The application must be accompanied by a

reference sample, proof of national clearances in at l 2 SADC i DUS d VCU least 2 SADC countries, DUS and VCU test results.

Varieties already released in SADC Member States

h d d i h h l i

• r those under production when the catalogue is

established will automatically be entered in the catalogue provided: catalogue provided:

• an application is submitted with the necessary

information including DUS and VCU data; information including DUS and VCU data;

• and the variety is listed on the National Variety List of

at least 2 Member States. at least 2 Member States.

• Landraces will be eligible for registration while

genetically modified varieties will not be eligible for g y g registration until a SADC consensus is reached on the registration of genetically modified varieties.

Variety Database a ety atabase

• A variety database covering all crops will be

developed, updated and maintained.

• The database will include all varieties in the region,

g , comprising rejected varieties, released varieties and landraces.

• The details of the database which will be accessible

to all Member States, are to be determined by the SVRC.

Possible challenges around the SRVR protocol and requirements

• The variety holder selects two SADC and applies for

national variety testing and release in the two countries

• The challenge here would be if the crop or the target

agro ecologies of the two countries are not matching agro ecologies of the two countries are not matching then the variety holder may not be able to meet the very basic requirement of testing in any of the two countries targeted in the implementation of HASSP

Possible challenges around the SRVR g protocol and requirements

• In the country where application for regional release is filed,

national release requirements must be met national release requirements must be met

• In the second country of national release, requirements for

national release must be met.

• The variety is released at the national in the country of

application and

• The variety is released at the national in the second country

The variety is released at the national in the second country I f th f li t d il t t i th ld b i ti

• In any of the four listed as pilot countries, there could be variations

in terms of time span to meet the national requirements for release and therefore this could result in delays and therefore this could result in delays

Possible challenges

The variety holder applies for SADC variety release through the NSA in the country of application and application form is accompanied by l f DUS VCU d f f i l l i h results of DUS, VCU, suggested name , proof of national release in the two countries and reference sample The speed with which the above listed documents can be accessed or processed may differ and this may cause further delays in the regional variety i t ti registration. Failure to pay fees for maintaining of the system and also limited capacity and unavailability of breeders to follow upon the system. Testing for VCU and DUS requires a fee and therefore the breeders must g q have access to funds to facilitate payment to the system. Participation may be limited to those countries with staff and resources and therefore may result into segregation of countries and create a type of hierarchy into segregation of countries and create a type of hierarchy

Possible challenges NSA verifies the application stores the reference seed sample seed sample The country of application for DUS testing is responsible y f pp f g p for the safe storage of a reference sample of the candidate

• variety. However this may be constrained by lack of

y y y f facilities such as lack of cold storage and or power failure

Possible challenges

• The variety is entered in SADC Variety catalogue for

marketing if appro ed or ith reasons for rejection if not marketing if approved or with reasons for rejection if not approved When inclusion of varieties in the SADC Variety Catalogue will incur an initial application fee and, upon successful registration, an annual fee for as long as the variety remains on the list. Failure to meet application fee may result into failure of entering Failure to meet application fee may result into failure of entering into the catalogues of excellent materials (If fees are not paid within thirty (30) days the entered materials will be automatically within thirty (30) days the entered materials will be automatically eliminated from the Catalogue.

Possible challenges

Testing for Distinctness, Uniformity and Stability (DUS) and crop specific requirements for Value of Cultivation and Use (VCU) This requires adequate biophysical data for each test site and crop This requires adequate biophysical data for each test site and crop management recommendations which are site specific to determine crop specific requirements for VCU . Need to collate that information specific requirements for VCU . Need to collate that information

Possible challenges

Safe storage of the reference seed sample by the country Sa e sto age o t e e e e ce seed sa p e by t e cou t y

• f application for DUS and period of validity of SADC

variety registration: Inadequacy of infrastructure such as power failure may result into loss of the reference sample With validity time being 20 into loss of the reference sample. With validity time being 20 years there is a possibility that a poor national staff succession plan may result into loss of institutional memory with regard to p y y g understanding of the timing for requesting for renewal.

Possible challenge

Fees: l h l f d l f l Failure to pay the initial fee and successive annual fees may result into missing out in registering some good materials because of financial constraints financial constraints Registration of Genetically modified varieties: the fact is g y f that in the interim GM will not be eligible for inclusion in the SADC Variety Catalogue, GM varieties can still be released at the i l l l h i h h ill b d national level; there is no assurance that there will not be seed

• r pollen mediated gene flow across national borders

2: SADC Seed Certification and 2: SADC Seed Certification and Quality Assurance System (SSCQA)

PURPOSE of the SSCQAS

The purpose of the SADC Seed Certification and Quality Assurance System is to ensure that :

• seed of varieties listed in the SADC Regional Variety

Catalogue and traded among SADC Member States is

• f consistently high and known quality, and
• that movement of the seed is more efficient and thus

less costly.

The SSCQA System

Will lead to better seed quality as a result of improved

• Will lead to better seed quality as a result of improved

facilities and skills;

• Save time and resources because importing countries no

longer need to retest the imported seed

• Allow more efficient movement of seed in the region through

the use of a common seed certification terminology, standards, procedures, seals and labels; and , p , ;

• Facilitate better targeting of relief seed.
• As a result of the above, farmers’ access to quality seed will

be improved.

The SSCQA System The SSCQA System Will include seed production of the following classes: a) Pre-basic b) B i b) Basic c) Certified seed (1st Generation) c) Ce t ed seed ( Ge e at o ) d) Certified seed (2nd Generation) e) Quality declared seed.

The SSCQA System

Will include only varieties of species listed in the

The SSCQA System

• Will include only varieties of species listed in the

SADC Common Catalogue for Crop Varieties.

• To further facilitate the operation of the system

SADC seed labels and seal will be introduced.

• All samples shall be drawn from seed lots by

authorized seed samplers according to ISTA rules. authorized seed samplers according to ISTA rules.

• Seed containers shall be fastened and sealed at the

time of sampling and the contents of each container indicated by the new SADC label.

The SSCQA System

T f d th ti f th t h f

The SSCQA System

• To fund the operation of the system, a scheme of

fees will be introduced to levy regionally traded seed.

• To ascertain that the System operates

y p satisfactorily, the national authorities will conduct post-control tests.

• Establishment and development of the SADC

System does not imply that seed produced under System does not imply that seed produced under

• ther quality assurance systems cannot be

traded in or between SADC countries.

The SSCQA System

Possible challenges

y

• Need for regular capacity building in record maintenance to

k i h ff keep pace with staff turn over C i i l i i l i h i l

• Capacity to continuously assist in solving technical

problems arising from the system

• Availability of specialists to serve in specific technical

i d i bl committees and resources to sustainably support functioning of such committees and capacity building

The SSCQA System

Seed classes and use of other international

y

certification schemes: Possible challenges Possible challenges The seed certification classes in the harmonized SADC Seed The seed certification classes in the harmonized SADC Seed Security may not comply with classes applied in other certification schemes and this may cause confusion certification schemes and this may cause confusion

3: SADC Quarantine and Phyto- sanitary measures sanitary measures

SADC Quarantine and Phyto-sanitary measures

The purpose of the SADC Quarantine and Phytosanitary measures for seeds is to:

• enhance safer harmonized and faster movement of

d th h t bli h t f Q ti seed through establishment of common Quarantine and Phytosanitary Measures for seed in the SADC region based on science region, based on science

SADC Quarantine and Phyto-sanitary measures

The measures will in particular lead to:

• Reduction of direct and indirect costs related to seeds

trade and at the same time encourage safe movement d di i ti f d and dissemination of seeds.

• Introduction of rationalized SADC pest lists for the

Introduction of rationalized SADC pest lists for the movement of seeds between Member States, and between SADC and outside countries;

• Procedures that are carried out in a transparent

d t d b i t d t ti manner and supported by appropriate documentation

Pest Lists Pest Lists

Two rationalized pest lists have been introduced:

• SADC list of pests which require control when seed is

traded between SADC Member States; and traded between SADC Member States; and S C f

• SADC list of pests which require control when seed is

traded into a SADC country from outside the region.

SADC Quarantine and Phyto-sanitary measures Possible challenges:

• Pests are dynamic and evolve and it is not clear how
• ften pests lists will be reviewed and hence review the
• ften pests lists will be reviewed and hence review the

quarantine list.

• The phytosanitary documentation and procedures

to be used in the harmonized seed system for y f SADC may need to be streamlined further and adopt common formats p f

General challenges or risks across the 3 harmonization areas : 3 harmonization areas :

• Member state failure to provide strong political support and good will
• Most of the activities supporting harmonized seed system require

pp g y q sustainable financial support, though currently availed by the donor it is not certain how funding will be sourced to support the system sustainabl

• Not certain how fast PVP will be introduced to more /all member states
• Adaptability and use of the system by breeders seed companies

NGOs

• Adaptability and use of the system by breeders, seed companies , NGOs

and development agencies P liti l i t bilit th d it i th t t t hi d

• Political instability or any other adversity in the target country may hinder

implementation

General challenges or risks:

• Countries capacity/skills incentives availability and

Countries capacity/skills, incentives availability and willingness to adopt, realign and comply with the new / amended procedures such as collection and sharing of p g information

• Facilities and physical premises may require major capital

injection to bring them to the minimum startd for operation especially with the seed testing facilities C ti it i th i i ti h ll d th

• Connectivity in the region is sometimes a challenge and th

can affect regular updating and retrieval of information

Opportunities that will lead to f l d ti ti f HASSP successful domestication of HASSP

• 1. The rationalization to harmonize the SADC seed

security system is based on scientific evidence and justification: ICRISAT & partners- AEZ and mapping regional variety adaptation

Opportunities that will lead to successfu domestication of HASSP

Address institutional challenge on

domestication of HASSP

Address institutional challenge on declining resources Constraints cut across borders Recommendation domains AEZ- GIS, traits , Multiple variety releases Multiple variety releases

Opportunities that will lead to successful domestication of HASSP

Mapped regional adaptation of varieties for scaling out

• Multi country release- sorghum Macia
• GIS mapping to determine potential

d t ti b d t i f l adaptation beyond countries of release

• Mapped adaptation of 12 sorghum

varieties: Handbook Implications/ Impact:

• Fast release: Macia in RSA 2005
• Regional seed market– economies of

scale

• Seed security, targeted relief seed

S d h i i d R i l V i

• Seed harmonization and Regional Variety

Release /registration-

Opportunities for successful domestication of HASSP

Mapping Mega Environments (CIMMYT to facilitate regional deployment of varieties dep oy e

• a e es

Mapped regionally released varieties

Opportunities to successful domestication of HASSP

2 Initiatives such as WASA, AGRA/PASS for capacity building of practical breeders and establishment of seed entrepreneurs will reduce threats on human resources human resources 3 Formation of AFSTA and National STA will facilitate dialogue among seed i h l t ti l b fi i i d t f SADC companies who are also potential beneficiaries and supporters of SADC HASSP 4 Product market creates a pull for seed demand and there are models tha link seed and product markets

• 5. Establishment of agro dealers reaching out to farming community will

increasingly create seed demand

• 6. Projects and development investors are increasingly becoming impact
• riented, hence most projects take a value chain approach that integrate

a workable seed system and product markets HASSP need to map a workable seed system and product markets. HASSP need to map these projects and establish collaborative partnerships to create synergies

Summary

• 1. Quality seed of improved varieties is a key ingredient to increased

y y g crop productivity

• 2. Challenges to farmers’ access to quality seed have been analyzed
• 2. Challenges to farmers access to quality seed have been analyzed

across SSA 3 Justification to harmonize seed regulations policies and laws have

• 3. Justification to harmonize seed regulations, policies and laws have

been documented and are based on scientific evidence 4 Three areas for SADC seed system harmonization have been

• 4. Three areas for SADC seed system harmonization have been

endorsed and domestication of the agreements is underway 5 Ch ll d i i f f l f h

• 5. Challenges and opportunities for a successful pursuance of the

agreements have been outlined for further discussion

• 6. Lessons to be drawn for better implementation in target /other

countries

Thank you !!! Thank you !!!