International aspects of the unification of European and Central Asian countries’ legislation in the fields of testing varieties and seed production

10:00-12:30 (Budapest time) 

FAO considers crop improvements, as well as delivery of high-quality seeds and planting materials of selected varieties to growers, necessary for improved crop production and meeting growing environmental challenges. FAO, in line with the priority activities of the Second Global Plan of Action, assists member countries in strengthening seed production programmes, taking into account the comparative advantages of both the public and private seed sectors, and encouraging linkages between breeding and seed systems.

Recent events have revealed a strong reliance on imported seed in some countries – a complementary relationship under normal circumstances that could be converted into a vulnerability during a pandemic crisis. Sustainable national seed systems could guarantee that high-quality seed varieties are developed and made available to farmers and other concerned stakeholders in a timely and cost-effective manner. This could be accomplished through strengthened seed distribution and policing mechanisms, as well as the development of national capacities in seed production, certification, and marketing. Certification schemes and standards are essential for long-term viability and quality management of seed value chains.

On the other hand, the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), which is an international organization for regional economic integration, has interest in promoting the joint work on testing varieties and seed production, in order to advance harmonization and cooperative work between members states. In this regard, they are interested to know if the standards and tools developed by the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants-UPOV, the OECD Seed Schemes, and the International Seed Testing Association-ISTA, could be used as a reference for this purpose. As a result, the technical support of FAO was requested.

Main objective of the event:

Exchange information about the potentials of using international seed standards at national and regional levels under the framework of the EAEU to enhance national seed systems to face adverse climate events.

Expected results:

a)      Alternatives of harmonization/adoption of the regional seed standards in the framework of EAEU, identified to enhance the national seed systems of state members, as well as their complementarity and synergies, using the experience around international seed standards.

b)      Challenges and opportunities analyzed and defined for the development of a regional strategy/road map for strengthening national seed systems, based on the accessibility, availability, and opportunity of high quality seeds, with an integrated approach to increase crop production and achieve food security, with the support of FAO technical cooperation.

Speakers:

• Csaba Gaspar, Programme Manager, OECD Forest Seed and Plant Scheme, Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD);
• Andreas Wais, Secretary General, International Seed Testing Association;
• Peter Button, Vice Secretary-General, International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV);
• Szabolcs Ruthner, Regulatory Affair Manager, International Seed Federation;
• Wilson Hugo, Agricultural Officer, FAO; and
• Andrei Drobyshevski, Chief of Agricultural Subsidies Sector of the Agricultural Policy Department, Eurasian Economic Commission.

Moderators

Zsuzsanna Keresztes, FAO

Birim Mor, FAO

Andrei Drobyshevski EEC