About Us

The SADC Seed Centre is a specialized agency established by the SADC Secretariat in 2011 to coordinate the implementation of the technical agreements on the Harmonized Seed regulations in the SADC region. The Centre is located at the SADC Plant Genetic Resource Centre  in Lusaka, Zambia.

The SADC Seed Centre was established following the technical success and outputs from the SADC Seed Security Network (SSSN) project, which was set up in 2004 to address the challenges of seed supply in the SADC region. Working closely with Member States, the SSSN successfully developed a harmonized system of seed regulations in the SADC region with respect to seed variety release, certification and phytosanitary requirements for seed. The harmonization of seed regulations in SADC is another practical example of commitment of SADC Member States to regional integration. It involved a series of technical negotiations based on science and practical experiences of Member States.  

Objective

The objective of the SADC Seed Centre is to contribute to food security in the region through facilitating implementation of the Technical Agreements on Harmonization of Seed Regulations in the SADC Region. The SADC Seed Centre also functions as a lead agency and advisor to SADC in all areas of seed policy, seed supply, and seed information and assists in capacity development. The Seed Centre is eventually expected to provide strategic support to organizations engaged in disaster analysis and provision of emergency seed and facilitate better coordination of the supply of foundation seed in the region. It is also expected to work closely with all key stakeholders in the seed industry of the region.

Primary Objective: Improved productivity, sustainable food security and poverty reduction in the SADC region through improved seed security and access to quality seed.

Immediate Objectives:

• Regional seed trade enhanced through the Harmonised Seed Regulation Systems (HSRS)

• Information on all seed issues collected and disseminated in the region

• National and regional disaster preparedness improved

• Funding for SADC regional seed activities secured

• Capacity of National Seed Authorities to implement the HSRS enhanced