Profile 5 Seed Quality

Rationale:

Seed quality relates to the indices of key seed quality attributes, both physical and genetic, which affect the ability of the seed to germinate and continue proper growth under the normal field conditions. These attributes must be assessed to meet a pre-determined threshold before the seed can be considered suitable for planting crops. Therefore seed quality control, being the process by which the key attributes of seed are assessed, is the element which confers credibility on the value of the seeds of improved varieties used for crop production.

Seed quality control is required to be operational at all levels of certified seed production, including pre- and post- control activities, through marketing. This functional exercise requires specific equipment, facilities and particular technical know-how for its discharge. The regulatory aspect is basically a public function and continues to be so even where the private sector is advanced, and under some scenarios granted authority under licensing arrangements to carry out this task on behalf of the government.

In its developed form, quality control is in the form of seed quality assurance system to guarantee that the seed meets appropriate high quality through certified procedural mechanisms for seed crop production and quality check and regulation..

In almost all the African countries surveyed, there is an arrangement to ensure that seed production and other activities in the seed chain adhere to laid down rules and regulations. In several countries, these rules and regulations are contained in formal seed legislation or Seed Law and ensuing Regulations. In others, legislations have been proposed but not yet formally passed and the control mandate and activities are under some form of administrative sanctions.

A proper seed quality control programme needs more than just legislation. It requires also an implementing and enforcing body and adequate facilities and resources such as seed laboratories and trained staff, whose knowledge in the art needs to be updated in line with the development of newer technologies in the industry. In Africa, only a few countries totally lack these facilities and resources. The majority of countries have a seed quality control agency and some level of seed laboratory arrangement and trained staff. But a majority of them do not have satisfactory seed quality control arrangements. A high number of countries who started well have floundered as public funds have dwindled. Laboratories lack critical equipment; mobility is grossly insufficient; staff training has come to a halt; and the credibility of the entire programme has fallen into doubt.

Whereas all the seed laboratories follow and adhere to ISTA rules and regulations, it has been also observed that for several crops indigenous to Africa, ISTA has no procedures or rules for their quality evaluation. Additionally, African seed programmes are unable to participate, to any degree of advantage, in international seed trade as many of their crops are not in international seed trade or of great commercial value outside of Africa. In addition, lack of a formal forum for African seed analysts makes it impossible for African seed laboratories to systematically develop procedures for crops not listed in ISTA rules for seed testing. These issues may be more appropriately addressed when African seed testing laboratories and managers form an association of African seed testing laboratories to address them in commonality.

Another burning issue relating to quality control relates to seed trade amongst African countries. Access to seed markets across national borders is currently hampered by unduly restrictive seed certification and variety release requirements which differ from country to country, and which, together with unscientifically–based phytosanitary and foreign currency regulations, function as non-tariff barriers and hamper seed exchange. Currently, under the auspices of Regional Economic Communities, (RECs), and FAO, harmonization processes intended to engender the adoption of harmonized seed rules and regulations have been initiated to reduce hindrances to seed trade.

Objective:

The objective of the project is to improve the quality of seeds being produced by African seed programmes through the development of appropriate seed quality control strategies, code of conduct and procedures for seed quality control, seed testing, capacity building, facility development and assistance in the formulation and implementation of legislations and harmonization processes.

Activities:

In addressing the seed quality assurance problems and issues which confront Africa’s seed industry, the project will work in close cooperation with global organization/institutions specialized in seed quality control such as ISTA and OECD. It will also work closely with national seed programmes, national policy makers, seed trade associations and RECs.

At the continental level the project will:

• Coordinate and oversee development of strategies with relevant partners (OECD, IPPC and ISTA, associations of seed producers, regional organizations and the private sector) to develop continental-wide models for quality assurance.
• Prepare a model code of conduct for the use of quality seed in emergency situations, to assist country and regional planning efforts.
• Compile and disseminate information on legal frameworks to facilitate the development of regional and continental-wide variety catalogues and assist in harmonizing regulatory frameworks across Africa (seed certification, plant quarantine, variety release, etc.).
• Assist African seed testing laboratories and seed quality control agencies to form a continental association of seed testing laboratories which will create a forum for regular discussions of seed issues and provide a strong support for African seed trade

At the regional level the project will:

• Review existing mechanism for seed production and exchange and design harmonized
policies, legal frameworks and procedures.
• Develop regional variety catalogues.
• Organize meetings and consultations with international organizations, such as OECD, IPPC and ISTA, associations of seed producers, regional organizations and the private sector to develop and use model procedures for quality assurance in local seed systems.
• Develop a model code of conduct for the use of quality seed in emergency situations.

And at the national level, the project will:

• Review and assess documentation procedures on seed control, certification and quality assurance systems, and draft recommendations to improve the situation.
• Undertake a detailed review at the national level of existing arrangements for seed quality management, and national procedures, and formulate appropriate laws and regulations as required to ensure seed quality assurance procedures.
• Monitor, widely publicize and enforce national seed quality assurance laws and regulations.
• Develop national variety catalogues.
• Develop supporting implementation manuals.
• Support to national seed laboratories (equipment, training of staff)

Expected Results and Outputs:

The project will result in the entrenchment of a much higher quality assurance perspective in Africa’s seed industry, allowing farmers and other consumers of seed to reap the benefits of higher crop productivity and quality which will result in better incomes and more assured seed security.

Specific outputs will include:

• Strategies and codes of conduct for quality assurance of key African crops developed and being implemented.
• An association of African seed testing laboratories formed
• African seed laws and regulations harmonized.
• Regional seed policies and legal frameworks developed and adopted.
• Critical issues affecting national seed quality assurance identified and options to overcome obstacles identified
• Relevant national laws and regulations for seed quality assurance formulated, adopted and implemented.
• Seed quality assurance capacity developed and enhanced