Technical Agreements on Harmonization of Seed Regulations - icrisat

Summary of Proposals
Organization and Funding of the Harmonization Systems
Formulation and introduction of the Southern African Development
Community (SADC) Harmonization Systems for seed are being
coordinated by the Project Management Unit (PMU) of the SADC Seed
Security Network (SSSN) in consultation with national Seed Focal Points
(SFPs) and other national and regional specialists. The work is being
carried out under the overall supervision of the Food, Agriculture and
Natural Resources (FANR) Directorate of the SADC Secretariat.
During 2004−2006 the SSSN has received financial support from the
Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC). Additional
support for the formulation of these <strong>Agreements</strong> (Systems) has been
derived from the United States Agency for International Development
(USAID) through the International Crops Research Institute for the
Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) and from SDC through the International
Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT).
The proposed Harmonization Systems do not replace current national seed
systems. These simply create common national standards and regulatory
procedures. The Systems make use of existing national facilities and are
managed by National Seeds Authorities (NSAs). They are based on the
philosophy that by accepting common SADC standards and procedures, a
substantial amount of repetitive, national testing can be avoided. Movement
of varieties and seed will therefore be easier, faster and cheaper.
During 2007−2012, the PMU, with technical support from a SADC Seed
Committee (SSC), will coordinate the introduction and operation of the
Systems. The Committee will have six members, four of which will be
selected among the SADC SFPs and two will be selected from National
Plant Protection Organizations (NPPOs). The six SSC members must
always be from six different SADC Member States. Each year, three SSC
members (two SFPs and one NPPO) will be replaced with representatives
from countries not represented on the Committee.
During 2007−2010, the performance and the advantages of the Systems
will be assessed. Seed companies will be encouraged to make use of the
Systems and contribute ideas for improvement. Adjustments in rules and
standards will take place. In these initial stages, no fees will be charged
and donor funding will therefore need to be sourced to support activities.
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