NETWORK ACTIVITIES

Core activities of the SADC Seed Security Network include the following:-

1. Facilitating harmonization of seed regulations

Seed movement and trade in the Region is impeded by regulatory restrictions. The Network is coordinating regional efforts for the development of simpler regulations and procedures, and their harmonization between countries. The focus is in particular on:

• Development and management of a SADC Crop Variety Release System
  The Network is coordinating technical consultations to reach agreements on procedures for regional variety release that is based on agro-ecological data than national borders. This effort is being pursued in collaboration with international agricultural research centres, National Agricultural Research Systems, Seed Institutions, both public and private and others. It is envisaged that when implemented, it will allow for a crop variety released in any of the SADC country to be produced and marketed in all the countries of SADC. This will save time and costs and ultimately more varieties will be available to farmers.


Mozambique delegates consulting each other at a SADC Variety Release Meeting - Gaborone Botswana

• Development and management of a SADC Seed Certification and quality Assurance system
  

  The Network is coordinating technical consultations with the view to reaching regional agreement on: A detailed technical system which introduces and uses common terminology, procedures, and standards for the various classes of certified and non-certified seed; A programme of closer collaboration among Member States concerning quality control of seed moving in regional trade which will include referee seed testing and auditing of the system.

  Seed Certification and Quality Assurance System Meeting at Maputo Mr. Tomas Bernadino Principal Secretary of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development - Mozambique

• Development and management of a SADC Phytosanitary for seed system and other issues related to import and export seed.
  

  The SADC Seed Security Network is coordinating technical consultations with regional stakeholders focusing on reviewing and rationalizing list of seed borne pests to be subjected to import and export controls for seed moving in regional trade. The Network is working towards achieving simpler testing and clearance procedures for import and export including negotiations for favourable tariffs for seed.

  Photosanitary Meeting in Pretoria - South Africa

2. Seed Information dissemination

The Network is facilitating exchange of information on seed and seed security in the SADC region through information products such as a bimonthly SADC Seed Update, and a SADC Seed News Magazine published twice per year, brochure and other seed materials.

3. Seed Training

Through its contacts with seed institutions in the SADC region, the Network is assisting stakeholders in defining seed training needs in various aspects of seed technology and seed programme management, and in mobilizing resources in support of training activities. Training activities are also being tailored to equip technicians to better understand the new issues of regional integration being introduced through harmonization of seed regulations.

Seed Technology Course at Seed Control & Certification Institute - Lusaka, Zambia

4. Improving national and regional disaster preparedness in seeds

The SSSN, through a network of Seed Focal Points located in all SADC member states provides and updates regularly, information for seed security including the following:-

1. Available seed stocks in the region at all times;
2. Inventory of seed houses (Seed companies, community based seed activities and projects, etc) operating in the SADC region;
3. Catalogue of crop varieties, including their owners, attributes, etc and
4. Current seed rules and regulations operative in the SADC Member States

In generating this information and making it available, the Network contributes to better disaster preparedness through improved access to quality relief seed of adapted and acceptable varieties. Further, sharing of information on seeds will lead to increased commercial seed activities and investment in the region.