Seed certification framework review commences

By Conrad Mwanawashe

ZIMBABWE has started a process to review and update the 25-year-old Seed Certification Regulatory Framework that has become inadequate for meeting the compliance standards of international and regional systems, necessitating updates.

Seed certification is governed by the Seed (Certification Scheme) Notice 2000, which was established 25 years ago with crop-specific protocols. The local scheme, along with the OECD Seed Schemes, COMESA Seed Scheme, and SADC Seed Schemes, has varying minimum standards, leading to challenges for seed producers and traders.

Discrepancies in standards—such as isolation distances, permissible off-types, seed-borne pathogens, and laboratory testing—often result in local seed lots failing to meet foreign market requirements, limiting their market opportunities.

Additionally, substantial changes in the OECD international seed system are not reflected in local regulations, such as the differing terminology between “foundation seed” in Zimbabwean regulations and “basic seed” internationally, complicating compliance.

There is also a pressing need to reassess punitive measures for bogus agro dealers selling counterfeit seeds, as stakeholders advocate for better protections and market integrity.

The Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development, in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), is hosting a 5-day Write Shop to review and update the Seed Certification Regulatory Frameworks, according to Mr Edmore Mtetwa, Head of Seed Services Institute under the Agricultural Research, Innovation and Specialist Services.

“By adopting international best practices in seed certification and regulations, Zimbabwe can enhance its agricultural sector, improve food security, and increase exports. The landscape has changed over the last 25 years with many smallholder farmers being contracted by seed houses for seed production.

This requires revision of the old regulations to create an enabling and inclusive regulatory environment for seed industry growth without compromising on quality,” said Mr Mtetwa.

“Zimbabwe’s seed system enjoys recognition by two international standard setting bodies, particularly the OECD Seed Schemes as well as the International Seed Testing Association.

“And regionally, we are also compliant to two regional seed systems, the SADC Harmonised Regulatory System as well as the Commerce Harmonised Regulatory System. So, across those four systems, there are certain standards which are no longer agreed with our old regulations which were published 25 years ago, SI213 of 2000.

“The reason we are here today, is actually to review, update and realign the local legislation to become compliant with the international test practices,” Mr Mtetwa added.

The local seed certification scheme, the OECD Seed Schemes, the COMESA Seed Scheme and the SADC Seed Schemes all have different minimum standards in a number of attributes like isolation distances, permissible levels of off-types, seed borne pathogens and laboratory test standards.

“This presents challenges when specific seed lots are produced under the local scheme but suddenly find a market regionally or internationally given that the field certification procedures cannot be done or applied in retrospect.

Furthermore, there have been many other changes in the OECD international seed system which have not been reflected in the local regulations examples being the terminologies used for parental material used for seed multiplication which is still being referred to as foundation seed in the local regulations while the international system refers to it as basic seed,” according to Dr Patrice Talla – Subregional Coordinator for Southern Africa and FAO Representative in Zimbabwe.

“There is need to review the punitive measures applied to bogus agro-dealers who cheat farmers by selling counterfeit or fake seeds. Farmers and value-chain players in the seed sector have been calling for a review of these punitive measures for a long time. As such, the need to review, realign and update the Seed Certification Scheme Notice 2000 cannot be overemphasized,” added Dr Talla.

In Zimbabwe, seed certification regulations significantly impact farmers’ access to markets by establishing quality standards necessary for the commercial sale of seeds. While these regulations can enhance market access by ensuring seed quality—thereby improving crop yields and meeting export requirements—they can also create barriers, particularly for smallholder farmers.

“Challenges faced by these farmers include the high costs associated with the certification process, complex documentation and procedural requirements, and limited access to certified seed production technologies.

To mitigate these barriers, it is essential to simplify the certification process, subsidize certification costs, and provide training and support resources. By addressing these challenges, Zimbabwe can foster a more inclusive seed certification system that enables smallholder farmers to access markets more effectively,” said Dr Talla.

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