Report of the
TECHNICAL MEETING ON SEED POLICY AND PROGRAMMES
IN THE NEAR EAST AND NORTH AFRICA
Larnaca, Cyprus
27 June - 2 July 1999

 

1. INTRODUCTION

The Meeting was organised by the Agricultural Research Institute in Nicosia, Cyprus in close collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). It was held in Larnaca from 27 June to 2 July 1999. The meeting was convened under the FAO's mandate to facilitate the implementation of the Global Plan of Action for the Conservation and Utilisation of Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, adopted by the International Technical Conference on Plant Genetic Resources held in 1996 and in line with the recommendations of the World Food Summit.

Government designated participants attended from the following Near East and North African (NENA) countries: Cyprus, Djibouti, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Pakistan, Sudan, United Arab Emirates and Yemen. Participants from international organisations, international agricultural research centres, governmental and non-governmental organisations, and public and private sector organisations involved in the seed industry also attended the meeting. Other participants attended the meeting as observers and on their own capacity.

The Meeting was opened by Mr. P. Aristotelous, Deputy Director General, Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment on behalf of His Excellency Mr. Costas Themistocleous, Minister of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment of Cyprus. This opening speech followed the keynote address of Dr. Mahmud Duwayri, Director of the Plant Production and Protection Division on behalf of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

The objectives of the Meeting were to:

• Develop appropriate policies concerning governmental, commercial and small-scale enterprises in seed production and seed distribution, designed to enhance efforts of government-supported initiatives on the variety needs of small-holder farmers in particular, with special attention to the needs of women farmers;
• Provide, and promote as appropriate, an enabling environment, where such an environment does not already exist, for the development of small-scale seed enterprises;
• Strengthen linkages between genebanks, plant breeding organisations, seed producers, and small-scale seed production and distribution enterprises;
• Consider seed quality control schemes particularly those appropriate to small-scale enterprises; and
• Consider legislative measures, which allow distribution and commercialisation of landraces and farmers' varieties and obsolete varieties, if they meet the same distribution and commercialisation criteria for disease, pests, health and the environment, as conventional or registered varieties.

2. THE MEETING

To establish a framework for discussion at the meeting, a reference document was prepared by the FAO. This was supplemented with several technical thematic papers on the development of policies and programmes designed to achieve a sustainable supply of crop seeds and crop genetic resources for food and agriculture in the NENA region. The following sections give a brief summary of each paper presented and highlight important features of the discussion following each presentation:

2.1 Seed Production and Improvement Assessment for the Near East and North Africa

The reference document was prepared by the Seed and Plant Genetic Resources Service (AGPS) of the Plant Production and Protection Division (AGP) of FAO and was based on contributions provided by Member Governments and information from relevant workshops and meetings. The document briefly reviews the agro-ecological and socio-economic setting in the region as well as its overall agricultural development, which shows a heavy reliance on food import, making the NENA region the largest food-importing region in the developing world. Among the many contributing factors to this situation is a shortage in supply of improved seeds for major crops.

The status of the formal seed supply system in the region varies from one country to another. Only a few countries can claim to have a well-developed formal seed sector with good infrastructure, seed laws and certification system as well as variety evaluation procedures. While physical and technical constraints contribute to these factors, it is increasingly clear that many of the weaknesses in the seed sector in the NENA region are due in part to policy and management-related factors and socio-economic issues. The paper emphasises the paramount importance of creating conditions conducive to balanced development of the formal and informal seed supply systems. In doing so, governments need to recognise the importance of the informal seed systems and introduce policies and necessary actions to stimulate their growth. The paper then puts forward wide-ranging proposals, which could provide a basis for national plans of action in accordance with the specific conditions and needs of each country.

The paper concludes by stressing the need for better co-ordination and harmonisation of national, regional and international efforts to enhance the seed industry in the region. It proposes the formation of a consultative body to assist countries in the region and to mobilise resources.

In the ensuing discussion, participants made the following points:

• Appropriate attention should also be given to research in seed and planting material production in floriculture and fruit trees.
• Training in seed technology, including training of farmers, is needed in the region.
• There is a need to establish a Consultative Forum as an appropriate means to address the complex issues raised by the paper. The participants stressed that the role of member countries and organisations and the expected output of the Consultative Forum must be defined.
• There is an urgent need to establish a seed unit in every agricultural research centre/main station responsible for interfacing with farmers.
• Many countries in the region need help to set up national seed policies that correspond with their priorities and to mobilise resources.
• The meeting realised that there is a need to establish bi-lateral and multi-lateral projects to work together in the region. In this regard, several countries, in particular Iran, expressed a willingness to collaborate on this approach when necessary.
• There is a lack of information exchange and a strong need to share basic information.
• The quality of information presented in the reference document for the purpose of the meeting was praised.

2.2 Privatisation of the Seed Sector in the Near East and North Africa

During the 1980s, the role of the private sector in developing countries received greater attention. Governments were encouraged to withdraw from direct involvement in production and marketing and to concentrate on policy matters. Because it is a ‘commercial’ activity, seed supply was included in the privatisation process. However, despite the strategic importance of seeds in agriculture, it is difficult to establish a viable business based on seed supply. Therefore, the privatisation process requires active and careful management by government.

In order to encourage greater private sector activity, it is first necessary to reconsider regulatory barriers and subsidies so that there is a ‘level playing field’ for all participants in the seed sector. It is also possible to offer indirect support through quality assurance services and some financial incentives. However, even with a favourable policy environment, seeds of some crops are intrinsically difficult to commercialise, including some important staple food crops (cereal and legume) of the NENA region.

Multinational companies may enter the seed sector. However, they are highly selective in terms of crops and agricultural areas. In practice, only communities located in the most favourable areas are likely to benefit from their activities. It is therefore important that indigenous private seed companies evolve. Small seed enterprises, which have lower capital and management costs, may play an important role in the development of the seed supply sector, if they are supported in the establishment phase. As the seed sector becomes more diverse, it is important to have a national forum in which different interests are represented. The establishment of national seed associations may act as a positive factor in supporting the emerging private sector and representing its interests to government.

The paper concludes by stressing that there is a continuing role for government to maintain a favourable policy environment so that the private sector can benefit from all commercially viable parts of the seed market. Furthermore, other aspects of the seed supply system may require a more active input by government if all farmers are to benefit from new varieties and improved seed.

In the ensuing discussion, participants made the following points:

• The progress of privatisation varies widely in the region. The region should be creative in encouraging involvement of the private sector in seed supply systems.
• There is a need to promote local entrepreneurship, which requires training at all levels.
• There was a concern regarding responsibility for preserving genetic diversity. It was also proposed that germplasm of commercial varieties and progenitors should be preserved.
• It is necessary to find ways to involve the private sector in seed certification. It was proposed that, while quality assurance should be the responsibility of the government, in the medium term private companies should consider introducing internal quality assurance schemes. The need for training in quality assurance was also expressed.
• The need to involve qualified international and local NGOs in the seed sector was re-emphasised.
• There was concern about emphasising efficiency considerations at the expense of equity, causing resource-limited farmers to be less well served in the future.

2.3 Management, Conservation and Utilisation of Plant Genetic Diversity in the Near East and North Africa

Sustainable utilisation of plant genetic resources is an essential component in increasing the efficiency of resources utilised for food production. Reliance of the breeders in the region on material provided by international centres has resulted in a reluctance to utilise indigenous genetic resources of the region. As a result, conservation of these resources has suffered and despite the genetically diverse flora in the region, only a small fraction of this plant genetic diversity is being conserved. This is being done under unsatisfactory conditions with inadequate information. There are large differences among countries of the region in their efforts for conservation and utilisation of plant genetic diversity and often there is not a proportionate balance in conservation vs. utilisation capacity. It is estimated that there are more than three hundred crop species and varieties, which are not taken care of by breeders in the region, and that these are maintained by farmers as landraces. To support the development of a sound seed industry through sustainable utilisation of plant genetic resources, the following suggestions were made:

• Develop information on ex situ accessions maintained across the region by characterising and evaluating these accessions while taking into consideration breeding objectives.
• Collect genetic resources native to the countries of the region and identify gaps in existing collections.
• Promote co-operation in the field of plant genetic diversity within and outside of the region.
• Take appropriate measures in support of both conservation and utilisation of plant genetic diversity to correct the imbalance in capacities in conservation and utilisation of plant genetic diversity in countries of the region.
• Establish a forum to promote joint efforts in breeding among countries in the region.

In the ensuing discussion, participants made the following points:

• Both of the users - breeders and farmers - should preserve plant genetic resources. Plant breeders are involved in conservation but they only conserve materials that are useful to them.
• Minimisation of plant genetic erosion is of paramount importance in the region. Every action should be taken in this direction.
• In order to minimise costs, preservation in gene banks can be done in selected centres for the whole region. Policy makers in different countries in the region complained about the lack of use of genetic material kept in their facilities.
• Questions were raised about farmers’ varieties and Farmer’s Rights.
• The certification of farmers’ varieties (landraces) should be possible, but their legal protection appears to be difficult.
• Ways and means to fund conservation activities including Farmers’ Right should be found.

2.4 Improved Seed Production and Technology Transfer to Farmers in the NENA Region

Transfer of technology (TOT) to farmers is essential to ensure that farmers appreciate the crucial importance of using improved seed to achieve sustainable, higher crop yields. The stakeholders in the TOT process include agriculture credit organisations, including private banks who provide short and medium term loans to farmers, manufacturers and suppliers of agricultural machinery and inputs, the public and private sector seed industry, NGOs and farmers co-operatives. All of these stakeholders need up-to-date information on new varieties and sources of improved seed in order to advise their clients to make more efficient use of the credit and farm inputs.

The main responsibility for TOT lies with the agriculture extension departments within the provincial or state agriculture departments. A radical change in the approach to TOT, assigning a major role to the private sector and farmers’ organisations, has not been attempted in any of the NENA countries. TOT by the research institutions to the farmers is an attractive approach, especially in situations where mono-commodity research institutions (e.g. Rice Research Institutes) have been developed on major crops. The private sector can be very effective in TOT, particularly if the information is backed by a supply of credit and inputs that can help translate improved technology into actual on-farm production. Research in seed science per se, which is almost non-existent in the NARS, needs to be emphasised. To increase the supply of quality seed, efforts should be made to support private sector seed production through appropriate incentives. Linkages to the informal seed sector should also be strengthened to increase the supply and use of improved seed.

Transfer of technology through the public sector extension agencies is generally not considered sufficiently effective. The role of these agencies should be more focussed and better defined, and the career structure of the extension staff should be improved and linked to higher achievements. There should also be better linkages between the research and extension organisations so that extension personnel are regularly updated about new technology. Mono-commodity research institutes should also undertake TOT as a part of their mandate and establish a two-way link with farmers. TOT by the private sector, particularly dealers in agricultural inputs, seed suppliers, NGOs and farmers co-operatives, is quite effective and can be further improved through better liaison with research institutes to obtain regular information.

In the ensuing discussion, participants made the following points:

• Much money is spent on developing new varieties, which are not properly utilised due to inadequate extension services. Some participants suggested that research stations and institutions could do a better job than the existing extension services in transferring knowledge to farmers.
• Commodity and location specific transfer of knowledge and technology can be more appropriate and effective than a general approach.
• Introducing seed science courses into the curricula of universities and other relevant teaching institutions will advance the transfer of knowledge.

2.5 Seed Legislation and Regulatory Measures in the Near East and North Africa

Seed legislation in the NENA countries generally does not cover all aspects of variety release, seed quality control, seed marketing and distribution. Furthermore, legislation has been satisfactory in a number of countries, but is practically absent in many others. In some countries, the importation of varieties of food crops is covered by legislation, especially on vegetables (grown under irrigation) and hybrid seed (corn, sunflower). There is a need for the formulation of processes controlling and facilitating free trade of seeds and also protecting and improving local seed exchange systems. In some countries, informal systems account for most of the seed supply.

Legislation on intellectual property rights and plant variety protection is almost completely lacking in the region. Introducing such legislation will promote investment as well as encourage progress on variety improvement as all the players concerned (farmers, scientists, and investors) will be protected.

In the case of grain and forage cereals, the main source of seed comes from farmers, which is supplemented by the national seed production systems. There are ways to introduce breeders’ rights in the region to promote innovations and progress in developing improved varieties and at the same time to protect the rights of farmers. Following UPOV or the EU acceptable systems, small landowners (producing less than 100 tonnes of grain) should be allowed to reproduce their own seed of registered varieties though not allowed to trade seed.

The adoption of the TRIPS agreement along with registration of varieties, conservation of plant genetic resources, seed production and trade will improve access of farmers to improved varieties. Legislation developed in the EU and UPOV guidelines on protecting new varieties could be the basis for developing efficient seed production and distribution systems in the countries of NENA. However, certain features of the region, namely low productivity, small farms, low inputs, the need to protect farmers’ rights and at the same time improve farmers access to new plant varieties, must be taken into consideration before introducing new legislation. FAO could assist countries to improve and complete their legislation by developing general principles, based on international agreements and the EU experiences, which could be adapted to the conditions of each country in the NENA region.

In the ensuing discussion, participants made the following points:

• Intellectual property rights and PVP legislation are necessary in order for plant breeding, seed production and trade to progress. When preparing regulations, governments should seek co-operation from the private sector, to minimise and/or more easily solve future problems.
• Government efforts must be intensified to increase the use of certified seed. However, because government funds are limited, it was agreed that the private sector should play a more active role (including inspection and testing of their seed) while the government can play a regulatory role.
• The need for assistance in testing cultivars and drafting new legislation was emphasised.
• The need for harmonisation of seed legislation and regulations was stressed. This is an area in which collaboration and mechanisms should be developed. Problems in harmonising seed laws were also discussed. Phytosanitary problems constitute major barriers to international seed trade.
• Assistance from international and regional organisations should have a positive effect on efforts to harmonise legislation.

2.6 Regional and Sub-regional Co-operation in the Seed Sector in NENA

High quality seed is critical to sustainable agricultural growth and food security. However, seed remains on the periphery of agricultural development in the NENA region. Seed supply systems are inefficient and weakly linked to the world seed industry. National seed supply systems are at different levels of development in terms of organisational structure, policies, regulations, certification technology, trained man power and germplasm management, and breeding and testing vary from rudimentary to strong. Farmers’ participation in variety development, which is essential for adoption of improved varieties, is minimal. Major constraints to farmers' participation include weak generation of improved varieties, lower adoption levels of available improved varieties and lack of proper institutional links, in addition to inconsistent policies and regulations. Despite similarities in farming systems, economic policies and the potential for the development of several shared crops in the region, co-operation remains weak.

Improving regional co-operation may be achieved through:

• Strengthening methods of seed production including variety development, seed multiplication, processing, distribution and marketing.
• Harmonising seed legislation to facilitate seed production, regional trade and phytosanitary aspects of seed production.
• Harmonising of seed policies.
• Instituting seed associations at national, sub-regional and regional levels.

Possible institutional arrangements for co-operation include sub-regional and regional consultative fora. The seed sectors in the region should improve contacts with international organisations. Sub-regional associations, which are likely to be more functional, and will improve regional communication and collectively contribute to a stronger regional seed forum should be established.

In the ensuing discussion, participants made the following points:

• There is need for a model seed law to facilitate production and trade across the region. The law should facilitate the involvement of all sectors concerned.
• The harmonisation of seed legislation will require analysis of existing rules in different countries.
• The role of seed associations to exert pressure on governments and the need for co-operation was stressed. Regional and/or sub-regional fora should be more efficient in dealing with specific issues.
• In order to achieve harmonisation, an in-depth assessment of the situation in each country should be undertaken. FAO should help in this assessment. It was suggested that it would be useful to have an umbrella organisation to co-ordinate harmonisation activities.
• There is an urgent need to develop mechanisms to get proper attention of policy makers who are involved in decisions regarding harmonisation.
• Realistic national legislation is required for efficient regional co-operation.
• Development of human resources is urgently required in the area of seed science and related subjects.

2.7 Assessment of Vegetable Crop Seed Production and Supply in the Near East and North Africa

The importance of vegetable crops is evident, based on both the large acreage and high cash income generated from vegetables in comparison with other crops. However, productivity of vegetable crops is highly variable among countries in the region due to the low quality of seed or the use of cultivars that were bred for other climatic zones. This confirms the importance of using high quality seeds of varieties specifically developed for the region. In general, there was a dearth of information on vegetable seed production and supply in the region. While many of the local varieties and cultivars are lower in productivity in comparison with imported hybrids, they may have special taste, disease resistance and/or tolerance to abiotic stresses. Efforts to improve local varieties could result in higher yield while maintaining the adaptability to local conditions.

The constraints facing seed production in the region include: a) lack of required financial support for researchers working in the production of breeder seed; b) severe deficit in technical personnel to support successful breeding programmes; c) lack of tools and equipment required for the production of seeds and proper storage facilities; d) difficulty in exchanging plant materials between countries; and e) an absence of standardised breeding fields resulting in the production of low quality seed.

Only a few countries in the region have concrete plans for strengthening the vegetable seed sector. Most countries were slow in establishing national gene banks and/or central facilities for plant genetic resource collections. It is only in recent years that some of the countries have established such facilities or started to do so. The participation of the domestic private sector in vegetable seed industries was seriously limited in the last decades. Private enterprises should be encouraged to take the lead in vegetable seed production, preferably in collaboration with other private or public institutions. It is also necessary to improve local and regional breeding programmes.

In the ensuing discussion, participants made the following points:

• Participation of the private sector is vital to vegetable crops and seed production.
• Competition from imported seeds dictates the need for joint ventures.
• Registration of varieties from the private sector must be facilitated. However, the private sector must supply the necessary documentation, such as a variety description and other technical information.
• In vegetable production, the quality of seed is critical to crop yield and produce quality.

2.8 Forage and Pasture Seed Production and Supply in Near East and North Africa

The extent of permanent pastures, cultivated forage land and rangeland indicates a reasonable potential for livestock production in the Near East and North Africa. However, the success of range improvement programmes and forage production operations depends on several factors, among which is the availability of sufficient quantity of good quality seed in time.

The forage and pasture seed sector is faced with two types of constraints. The first is specific to the seed sector while the second relates to the development of range improvement activities in general. Furthermore, the demographic pressure has in some countries engendered a high demand for agricultural and livestock products. This has pushed farmers to overexploit pastoral resources and to convert productive rangelands into marginal croplands. The paper and the ensuing discussion stressed the following points:

At the technical, institutional and policy level, there is a need to:

• Elaborate national strategies and plans for the production of forage and pasture seeds.
• Promote private sector involvement in forage and pasture seed production.
• Intensify research in seed production, especially forage and pasture crop seed.
• Co-ordinate research, extension and seed production.
• Develop on-farm participatory research on seed production.
• Promote the integration of the formal and informal seed systems.
• Establish seed legislation and regulations for these crops.
• Intensify job training of farmers and extension staff.

At the regional level:

• Strengthen existing networks dealing with forage and pasture seed production in the region. The exchange of plant materials, expertise and information linked to research on forage and pasture species should be promoted.
• Reinforce activities of the international centres and institutions (FAO, IPGRI, ICARDA, CIHEAM, etc.) in the region related to training and collaborative research.

In the ensuing discussion participants made the following points:

• Forage seed production is considered a by-product, and therefore has not been given much support for development. The interest of the private sector in this area is limited.
• Privatisation of forage seed production is premature due to economic and other considerations.
• It was proposed that FAO assists in drafting model legislation and that each country in the region revises it according to local conditions and requirements. However, some guidelines must first be formulated by countries in the region.
• Action on technical, institutional, and policy aspects of forage seed supply must be taken at national and regional levels.
• Assistance by international centres and institutions (FAO, ICARDA, and IPGRI) should include training, collaborative research, technical advice, and support to networks.

2.9 National Seed Policy and Strategies for the Near East and North Africa

Governments have the responsibility to ensure adequate food supplies at reasonable cost. Policies should stimulate the development of the agricultural sector. For maximum effectiveness and at least cost to national resources, seed of improved varieties should be a major concern. This is particularly important in an era of rapid population growth and economic re-structuring. In general, it can be concluded that policies and strategies pursued during the past 50 years have not enabled the formal seed sector to successfully meet the needs of resource-poor farmers for important food crops. The percentage of quality seed of improved varieties supplied by the formal seed sector is still very limited

The paper discusses the importance of an effective, up-to-date, long-term, and realistic National Seed Policy backed by strategies to adopt and implement the policy. A national seed council, or a comparable mechanism, represented by a variety of actors in the seed sector, is essential to the formulation of policies and strategies for the future of the seed sector. Such a council also provides a structure through which greater continuity of goals and policies can be achieved.

In regard to privatisation, governments should create a market for seed and a favourable environment for the private seed sector to thrive. An investment promotion program is one of the mechanisms to attract the private sector and other incentives were also proposed. The paper also briefly discusses policies designed to enhance involvement of the informal seed sector and concludes that this sector needs to be supported in such a way that it can ultimately develop into a formal sector. Participatory plant breeding as well as the need for small, low overhead seed companies is discussed.

The paper concludes by discussing emergency seed relief. Preparedness is the key issue. A major component of any strategy designed to increase seed security is to have information available, which will allow quick responses in emergency situations. The strategy may also include: (a) initiation of national and regional seed security stocks; (b) strengthening of national seed industries to ensure that seed is available in the region when disaster occurs as well as to enable the production of quality seed for seed security stocks; (c) strengthening regional co-operation; (d) harmonisation of national seed policies, rules and regulations; and (e) regional variety evaluation.

In the ensuing discussion participants made the following points:

• It was pointed out that the development of seed production was not as expected, a major reason being the fact that it was not market oriented, but mainly technology oriented. Therefore, the governments must create a market for seed.
• It was argued that farmers are sensitive in their work and if properly trained, would do better at producing seeds than anyone else. Incentives to small-scale seed production enterprises must be given without too much interference by the government.
• It was mentioned that due to political reasons, some countries do not give the opportunity to the private sector to go into seed production.
• National policies should aim at harmonisation, and mechanisms should be designed so that each country is informed of other seed-related developments in the region. Seed rehabilitation and seed relief were given as examples.
• In order to encourage private enterprises, a favourable economic environment is necessary together with investment promotion programmes and incentives by the government.
• It was also suggested that development of the informal sector would complement further development of the formal seed sector.

2.10 General Discussion

The NENA region is a major importer of food grains. Self-sufficiency is declining by 1% per year on a regional basis. Despite this, agriculture remains the largest sector of the economy in many countries. Agriculture plays a critical role in maintaining the livelihoods of the rural population and contributing to balanced economic development and social stability. The access to quality seeds of well-adapted improved varieties is a key factor in sustainable development.

The staple food crops of the region are all cereals and legumes for which farmers must obtain seed every year. In most areas, only one crop per year can be grown on rainfed land and average yields are low. Irrigation is available in some countries, but water is a limiting factor across most of the region. Because of the existence of many well-developed urban markets, high-value cash crops, such as vegetables and fruits are of great importance. Likewise, the intensive production of fodder for direct feeding to animals and for cash sale in urban areas is an important part of crop production.

Despite the importance of agricultural productivity in the region, the current status of seed supply is not satisfactory. Farmers’ needs for seeds are not always satisfied. There are also delays in delivering new varieties to farmers, and in many cases, farmers still have a very limited choice of varieties. In addition, the more specialised crops of the region have received very little attention.

The sector is constrained by a mix of policy, technical and economic factors. In particular, there is insufficient recognition of the importance of seed by policy makers and of the need to update policies to take into account changing circumstances in the world seed market.

Pressure on the environment in many parts of the region requires careful management to achieve sustainable agricultural productivity without damaging the natural resource base. For this reason, seeds of fodder and pasture crops must also receive attention in addition to the food grains.

Key issues discussed

In light of the above and the background information provided by the thematic papers, the following specific issues were discussed.

2.10.1 Need for a mechanism for regional and sub-regional co-operation in the seed sector, with the following broad objectives:

• A visible focus for all efforts to strengthen the seed sector;
• A forum for exchange of information and experience;
• A facilitating mechanism for mobilising support and resources; and
• A catalyst for developing pilot and larger scale projects, which will make an innovative contribution to the seed sector of individual countries and to the region.

2.10.2 Strategic issues

• National seed policies and strategies which define the role of the public and private sectors;
• Harmonisation of seed legislation and regulatory measures, including phytosanitary measures for seed-borne diseases;
• Effective utilisation of available plant genetic resources; and
• Seed security.

2.10.3 Research, training and technology transfer

• Promote better representation of seed technology in the curricula of universities and other teaching institutions to increase awareness of the seed sector among all agricultural professionals and technicians;
• Strengthen human resource development generally and, in particular, improve practical training in all seed-related activities;
• Give more attention to seed science research and improve the interface between research and the seed sector; and
• Maximise the efforts of all extension providers to ensure effective diffusion of information on new varieties and improved seeds.

2.10.4 Action required for specific crop groups

• Improve information on the supply of seeds and planting material for horticultural and fodder crops;
• Emphasise the production and improvement of well-adapted local materials;
• Conduct research on production procedures to maximise yield and quality of these seeds and improve the competitiveness of local production; and
• Exchange information and expertise within the region through bilateral and multilateral arrangements and projects and with the assistance of international agencies.

2.10.5 Donor Support

The distinguished delegate from GNIS (France) expressed his willingness to seek financial support from government agencies for work on seed regulations and seed information management in the NENA region, provided that these activities are part of a solid technical programme under the consultative forum.

 

3. RECOMMENDATIONS

THE REGIONAL CONSULTATIVE FORUM ON SEED POLICY AND PROGRAMMES FOR THE NEAR EAST AND NORTH AFRICA

The Meeting proposed and agreed to establish a Regional Consultative Forum on Seed Policy and Programmes for the Near East and North Africa and requested that it be placed under the aegis of the FAO. The forum will be open to all countries interested in the development and improvement of the seed sector and crop genetic resources in the region. The Consultative Forum will facilitate inter-country scientific collaboration on seed production, with the assistance of relevant establishments and fora to promote crop genetic resources evaluation, conservation and utilisation. The Forum will initially function on a voluntary basis until a formal status is designed and approved by the respective member governments. The Consultative Forum will be composed of: institutions from each member country (represented by an officially designated specialist – focal point); international institutions that are active in the seed sector in the region; a representative of national seed (trade) association) or of seed company(ies) in case no national seed associations exist, and invited resource persons. The Consultative Forum was given the acronym Consultative Forum on Seed in the Near East and North Africa (CFS-NENA).

To address regional scientific issues of difficult nature, the forum will be supported by specialised scientific and technical working groups. These specialised groups will link the seed initiatives in different parts of the region to the Consultative Forum, which in turn will connect the region to other regional initiatives on seed development, conservation and utilisation of crop genetic resources.

The regional Consultative Forum will also play a role in harmonising and strengthening on-going networking initiatives in the seed sector and promote new undertakings at national and sub-regional levels. In this respect, the existing regional and inter-regional seed and crop genetic resources networks (such as the WANA Seed Network and PGR WANANET) have been identified to actively participate in the Forum.

The Forum encourages the participation of countries/institutions/organisations that are interested to collaborate in this endeavour.

The meeting recommended that FAO should explore the possibility to assist in establishing and launching activities of the Forum. The FAO should provide technical support in the harmonisation and guidance on technical and policy issues and explore possibilities for financial support of the activities of the Consultative Forum.

Consultative Forum Co-ordination and Strategy

The general meeting of the Consultative Forum will be convened every 2 years and will be overseen by a chair and a vice chair elected by the meeting. The first general meeting will be tentatively held in 2001 and Cyprus offered to host this first general meeting.

An interim co-ordinating committee has been established to work in close collaboration with FAO to keep the momentum of the meeting and to carry out the activities towards the constitutional establishment of the Consultative Forum. The interim co-ordinating committee will be composed of a general co-ordinator and the six working group co-ordinators, designated during the adoption of the report of the meeting. The date and place of the first meeting of the interim co-ordinating committee will be decided in consultation with FAO. It is envisaged that the interim committee will conclude its work when the first forum meeting is held.

Six working groups were defined to carry out the scientific and technical work identified as pertinent for the development of the seed sector in the region. Each working group will be led by a co-ordinator.

Working Groups will organise meetings on specific technical topics. Associating these meetings with other national and international workshops, symposia or conferences will be pursued as means of facilitating participation.

All group co-ordinators should officially confirm their acceptance to the interim committee with copy to the FAO Seed and Plant Genetic Resources Service (Dr U.G. Menini, AGPS) within three months.

The designation of co-ordination responsibilities will be subject to periodic review at each meeting of the Consultative Forum, and revision whenever necessary, with a view to ensuring that the Consultative Forum and its working groups continue to receive all the support and leadership required. In this regard, questions related to the functioning of the Working Groups will be referred to the Interim Committee, which will take interim measures as necessary to ensure efficient operations.

The structure of the Consultative Forum is represented in the following chart.

P.M. = Planting material

3.1 The Role and Functions of the Interim Co-ordinating Committee and Consultative Forum

3.1.1 Interim co-ordinating committee

Make preparations for the establishment of the Consultative Forum, including the following specific actions:

• Communicate with all countries and international organisations of the region in consultation with FAO to confirm their interest in participation in the Forum.
• Prepare information explaining the role of the proposed Forum and circulate this to interested parties, including a website in association with FAO.
• Prepare a draft constitution for the Forum taking into account the recommendations made at the Cyprus meeting and to be approved at the foundation meeting of the Forum.
• Prepare the foundation meeting of the Forum.
• Co-ordinate the activities of the different working groups.
• Promote specific meetings on technical subjects.
• Promote efforts to obtain funding assistance from donors and financing agencies for the activities of the Forum and the working groups.

3.1.2 Consultative forum

The consultative Forum will thereafter be responsible for the activities listed below and any other relevant issues:

• Facilitate communication among the different working groups and regional seed and crop genetic resources networks.
• Facilitate adaptation of the working arrangements of the Forum to meet member requirements and to ensure efficiency of operations.
• Co-operate to identify and obtain funding assistance from donors and financing agencies for strengthening the Forum activities.
• Actively participate in issues and undertakings in the other regional initiatives and fora of the FAO and other relevant regional institutions concerned with seed policies and programmes.
• Oversee the co-ordination of the working groups and the management structure of the Consultative Forum after its official status has been recognised.
• Assist in the formulation of national seed policies and projects.
• Provide consulting support to member countries.

To facilitate general communications and sharing of information, it was agreed that one or more websites should be developed. Duplication of the site in French, Arabic and other languages would further facilitate communication. The FAO/AGPS Service will also provide linkages in its website for this purpose.

3.2 Technical Working Groups and Co-ordinators

The meeting identified specific issues to be addressed by the technical working groups, which will form the basis for the Consultative Forum. Participation in the working groups is open to any interested scientists, organisations and associations, as well as researchers from the private sector.

3.2.1 The role and functions of the technical working group co-ordinators

The responsibilities of the technical working group co-ordinators were defined as follows:

• Develop and guide activities appropriate for the working group.
• Prepare and disseminate annual progress reports on working group activities and promote appropriate scientific contributions to be included in the Consultative Forum newsletter.
• Promote specific meetings on technical subjects within their groups’ area of activity.
• Develop communications, through electronic and other media, to facilitate sharing of information and intra-group contacts.
• Prioritise the work of their group depending on the resources available and the perceived needs of member countries.

The profile and provisional agenda for the six working groups were established by the meeting as follows:

3.2.2 Technical working groups

I: Working Group on Seed and Planting Material and Crop Genetic Resources Information Management

Objective: To promote and facilitate the collection and exchange on seed production and crop genetic resources information in NENA

Activity 1: Develop a regional database on seed supply systems and crop genetic resources currently maintained in the region.

Means of Action:

• Design and implement an inventory at the national level of seed supply systems and crop varieties currently grown by farmers in the region.
• Construct a relational database on seed supply systems and crop genetic resources that are maintained and used at national agricultural research institutes, international agricultural research centres and by the private sector in the region.

Activity 2: Build a web site with linkages to web pages such as the CG Centres and other appropriate sites to provide access through the Internet to these databases.

Means of Action:

• Construct a World Wide Web site to facilitate access through the Internet on seed and crop genetic resources, which are currently maintained and/or used in the region. This information would be used for the identification of the seed systems and crop varieties that are currently grown by farmers in the region. It would also provide information about the seed systems and crop genetic resources that are maintained and used by public and private plant improvement programmes.

II: Working Group on Seed Rules and Regulations

Objectives: Assist countries of the region to update their seed legislation and regulations to take account of changes in the seed industry both nationally and internationally.

Through this process, also promote the harmonisation of seed laws, regulations and standards to facilitate trade within the region.

To make the task manageable, and to reflect the different technical agencies that may be involved, the following proposed activities deal with the components of seed legislation and regulation separately.

Activity 1: Preliminary assessment of needs and priorities

Means of action:

• Review the current status of seed laws and regulations within the region and identify sub-regions within which a more uniform regulatory framework would be desirable.
• Based on this review, assess the willingness of countries to participate in this activity in principle, and the extent of their needs for seed laws, certification standards, and plant variety protection.
• Identify key contact agencies and persons in the participating countries, and for each of the selected topics.
• Prepare a realistic and prioritised schedule for implementing the proposed activities for each of the major crop groups.

Activity 2: Preparation of a draft seed law.

Means of action:

• Collect and review existing seed laws of participating countries, and any draft revisions, which have been prepared.
• Harmonize seed regulations facilitating better seed movement and exchange in the region by drafting a model seed law.
• Translate into Arabic and circulate to the participating Ministries for comment.
• Convene a meeting to review and approve the model law and propose and advocate its acceptance by participating governments.

Activity 3: Revise and update uniform field and seed standards for the major crops of the region.

Means of action:

• Collect and review existing field and seed standards for the major crops of the region.
• Prepare realistic minimum standards and procedures as the basis of a draft sub-regional certification scheme.
• Circulate to certification agencies in the sub-region for comment and incorporation of needed amendments.
• Prepare a draft regional certification scheme for consideration by Governments and their technical agencies.

Activity 4: Elaborate on phytosanitary regulations and regional harmonisation.

Means of Action:

• Assess phytosanitary regulations of all countries in the region and identify constraints for harmonisation.
• Based on this assessment and in close collaboration with the FAO, especially the secretariat of the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) and Prior Informed Consent (PIC), and other international organisations involved in plant and seed health, define eventual actions to be undertaken in the region to improve standards and facilitate seed movement across countries.

Activity 5: Elaborate on a plant variety protection law in accordance with the existing seed laws

Means of action:

• Assess the current status of variety description/registration procedures and facilities in the participating countries
• Assist countries in the preparation of a model PVP law based on the UPOV 1991 Act and also with the model seed laws, mentioned in Activity 2.
• Translate into Arabic and circulate to the participating Ministries for comment.
• Convene a meeting of the concerned staff to review implementation of the draft law and possible regional collaboration in variety testing.
• Prepare a revised draft law and propose or advocate its acceptance to participating countries, particularly those, which have signed the WTO agreements.

III: Working Group on Technology Transfer and Training

Objectives: To promote national programmes of research, education, and training on seed production and technology at academic, technical and practical training institutions.

To strengthen farmers’ capacity to produce high quality seed

Activity 1: Carry out a survey of recent seed research and output to be used for training activities and develop an inventory of training capacity in the major sub-regions.

Means of Action:

• Design and implement a survey of relevant training programmes and training institutions at the national and regional level.
• Design and implement a survey of informal training methodologies and activities within local communities documenting indigenous knowledge relative to farmers' (women and men) seed production and management systems.

Activity 2: Develop a comprehensive training programme policy that addresses the needs of the national seed programmes and regional co-operation on seed security which includes all relevant stakeholders.

Means of Action:

• Design and implement seed training programmes that reflect the needs of the major sub-regions and the major seed sector stakeholders.

Activity 3: Develop an approach to farmer and farmer community training with particular emphasis on the informal seed sector.

Means of Action:

• Carry out an assessment of the respective and complementary roles played by women and men in seed sector activities, which underpin seed security.

Activity 4: Design and implement mechanisms for information dissemination and networking relative to farm-level methodologies to improve seed and planting material production and management.

Means of Action:

• Design ways of exchanging important information on seed production between farmers, farmers groups, local communities, etc.
• Design ways to successfully communicate with farmers (women and men) on improved seed and planting material production and management practices, including multiplication, storage and marketing seeds and planting material of adapted varieties.

Activity 5: Develop information on seed technology equipment suitable for small seed production farmers.

Means of Action:

• Assess seed technology equipment and facilities at national level and promote field demonstration on modern machinery.

IV: Working Group on Forage and Pasture Seed

Objective: To promote forage and pasture seed production in the region

Activity 1: Identify and harmonise the mechanisms for the production of high quality seed of pasture and forage crops in the region.

Means of Action:

• Conduct a thorough review of public and private agricultural infrastructure in the region. Identify those with adequate facilities to multiply seeds of varieties adapted to the agro-ecological and socio-economic conditions under which the respective crops are grown.
• Develop an action plan to facilitate the multiplication of forage, and pasture seeds crops.
• Design guidelines for promoting sustainable development of forage and pasture seed production at the regional level.

Activity 2: Identify common constraints in the utilisation of forage genetic resources within the region.

Means of Action:

• Identify priority crop to be considered for forage seed production in the region and develop appropriate guidelines for national extension services.

Activity 3: Promote distribution systems for seed of adapted forage, and pasture crops in the region.

Means of Action:

• Provide guidance to national extension services on programmes to be undertaken in order to assist farmers to improve pasture crop production through high quality seeds.

Activity 4: Develop reliable statistics of relevant data and information on pasture, and forage seeds.

Means of Action:

• Update and maintain proper database related to forage and pasture genetic resources, crop production and seed requirements and availability, including research activities and scientific information on forage seed. Disseminate this information through the World Wide Web.

V: Working Group on Seed Security

Objective: To assist countries in their efforts to overcome seed shortage in normal or emergency situations

Activity 1: Design regional, sub-regional, and national mechanisms and programmes to establish an ongoing system for storage and supply of seeds of locally adapted varieties.

Means of Action:

• Determine national-level mechanisms and programmes enabling linkages among the major stakeholders at the regional, sub-regional, and national levels.
• Liaise with the technical working group on the harmonisation of seed rules and regulations to determine constraints to the movements of seed stocks of adapted varieties in disaster situations.
• Design regional, sub-regional, and national mechanisms and programmes to make better use of the information provided by early warning systems.
• Liaise with the other technical working groups of the Consultative Group.
• Determine effective strategies for the multiplication and delivery of seed in disaster situation.

Activity 2: Collect relevant information in order to quickly respond to the occurrence of a disaster.

Means of Action:

• Identify household consumer preference and other socio-economic data.
• Collect information on major crops and varieties and farming systems in the region affected by a calamity and disaster and available seed stocks of regionally adopted varieties.
• Determine mechanisms enabling linkages among the major stakeholders at the regional, sub-regional and national levels to procure appropriate seed stocks.

VI: Working Group on Horticultural Seed and Planting Material (Vegetable, Fruit, Ornamental, and Medicinal Crops)

Objective: To promote sustainable development of vegetable seed production at national and regional level

Activity 1: Identify strategies and mechanisms for the development of vegetable seed and planting material production in the region.

Means of Action:

• Identify vegetable crops deserving investments and promote national policies to facilitate growers to produce vegetable seed.
• Develop programmes for improving sustainable vegetable seed production and market at national and regional levels.
• Keep record of the organisations and facilities working on vegetable seed production in the countries of the region.

Activity 2: Provide and update database related to vegetable seed production for the region.

Means of Action:

• Develop and maintain proper database related to vegetable crop production and seed requirements and availability at country level, as well as on research activities on vegetable seeds. Dissemination of information through interactive home page on the World Wide Web.

3.2.3 Co-ordinators

The interim co-ordinating committee

Co-ordinator: Mr. Ayman ABDOU-HADID
Professor of Horticulture
P.O. Box 68, Hadajek Shobra
Cairo, Egypt

Working group co-ordinators:

Working Group I: Seed and Planting Material and Crop Genetic Resources Information Management

Co-ordinator: Mr. Abdel Adnan NOUR
Ministry of Agriculture
Head of Plant Production Control Division Amman, Jordan

Working Group II: Seed Rules and Regulations

Co-ordinator: Mr. Michael R. TURNER
Head of Seed Unit, ICARDA
P.O. Box 5466
Aleppo, Syria

Working Group III: Technology Transfer and Training

Co-ordinator: Mr. Majid DEHGHAN-SHOAR
Associate Professor of Seed Technology
Head of Seed Technology Department
General Director of International and Regional Organisations
Ministry of Agriculture and Technology,
Tehran, Iran

Working Group IV: Forage and Pasture Seed

Co-ordinator: Mr. Mohammed TAZI
Director, Centre de Production des Semences Pastorales
B.P. 79 El Jadida
Morocco

Working Group V: Seed Security

Co-ordinator: Mr. Chéhandé BEJJANI
Head of Import-Export Department
Ministry of Agriculture
Lebanon

Working Group VI: Horticultural Seed and Planting Material (Vegetable, Fruit, Ornamental, and Medicinal Crops)

Co-ordinator: Mr. Ayman ABDOU-HADID
Professor of Horticulture
P.O. Box 68, Hadajek Shobra
Cairo, Egypt