National Seed Certification to Boost Agricultural Productivity and Export Potential
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Government of Jamaica are developing a national seed certification system to increase the supply and access to high-quality seeds, boosting agricultural productivity. The Improving Phytosanitary, Food Safety, and Market Access Opportunities Along the Hot Pepper Value Chain project hosted a Seed Certification Validation session on June 24, 2024, at the Bureau of Standards, Jamaica.
The session presented the first draft of the Seed Regulation's Technical Drafting Instructions, incorporating input from key stakeholders, including the National Seed Committee, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining; Bureau of Standards,Jamaica (BSJ) National Certification Body of Jamaica, input suppliers, seed producers and farmers. The session though specific to the hot pepper sub-sector, broadly supports the National Seed Policy and Action Plan, which focuses on ensuring the availability and accessibility of high-quality seeds.
FAO Seed Certification Consultant Dr. Lisa Myers Morgan guided the drafting process, emphasizing the comprehensive standards and procedures for seed certification from field production to marketing. The validation session covered certification phases, administrative responsibilities, field inspections, testing protocols, labeling requirements, and quality control measures.
A national seed certification system ensures consistent seed quality and genetic purity, providing farmers with reliable, high-yielding seeds. This uniformity enhances agricultural productivity, supports national food security, and boosts the economy through increased farm profitability and export potential. Certified seeds also help control seed-borne diseases and encourage the development of new, adaptable crop varieties, contributing to agricultural innovation.
Despite growing demand for Jamaican hot peppers, challenges persist in meeting international food safety and phytosanitary standards and maintaining a consistent supply of high-quality produce. The regulation will establish quality assurance instruments and seed quality control standards, increasing compliance and earnings for export markets, particularly in the EU, UK, USA, and Canada.
Project Manager Sanniel Wilson-Graham highlighted the project's support for the national seed policy, including developing a seed certification program, manuals and management database, and supporting research and capacity development for plant breeding in collaboration with the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI). Equipment and tools will be provided to Bodles Research Station and private seed suppliers to enhance seed production.
Julia Bonner-Douett, Director of Standards at BSJ, emphasized the project's potential as a model for the Caribbean. BSJ will also contribute to the food safety component and train stakeholders within the hot pepper value chain.
The Improving the Phytosanitary Food Safety and Market Access Opportunities along the Hot Pepper Value Chain” project is funded by the Standards and Trade Development Facility and implemented by FAO in collaboration with the Bureau of Standards, Jamaica, and the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries.