b'GIANT VIEWSTO ENSURE THE SUCCESS OF CONTRA-SEASON PRODUCTION, REGULATORY CHANGE IS A MUSTAFTER MORE THAN25 years in the canola seed industry, I haveArgentina Seed Association, American observed firsthand how contra season production has becomeSeed Trade Association and Seeds a crucial element of industry success. The ability to advanceCanada are working with regulators on material quickly and get new technology into the hands ofinternational and bilateral solutions.farmers faster is essential for remaining competitive and meet- Two important initiatives include the ing customer expectations.adoption of electronic phytosanitary cer-One of the challenges to this is a regulatory system whichtificates (e-phytos) and the implementa-has not kept pace with technology development and is over- tion of a systems approach for regulation burdened and in many ways inefficient. If industry is toof international seed movement. be successful in meeting producer needs to address todaysLets look specifically at the systems Scott Horner, environmental, food nutrition and food security challenges,approach. This approach recognizes and Chief Commercialregulatory innovation and capacity must keep pace. The currentutilizes the quality management systems Officer, HyTechregulatory environment, both domestically in many countriesseed companies have in place to ensure the Production and internationally, is fragmented, with poor information shar- quality and purity of seed they produce. ing and old systems. All international seed shipments require The importance of contra season production and the globalspecific documentation, and in many cases seed trade cannot be overstated. Breeders rely on contra seasonphysical inspection by an official from nurseries to cut field screening time in half; this has becomethe National Plant Protection Agency of a mainstay for private and public breeding programs in mostthe exporting country, to ensure the seed crops. Commercial seed supply in crops like canola, corn andmeets phytosanitary import requirements some special crops rely heavily on the contra season to fast- of the importing country. track new technology to market and to recover regular seasonGlobally on an annual basis, more production shortfalls.than a million seed shipments are Its a critical time in the world for the solutions plant breed- physically inspected, and a phytosanitary ing and gene editing can bring to address the environmental,certificate issued. The resources required food nutrition and food security challenges we are presentedand cost of this process is staggering. By with. Regulatory modernization cant happen fast enough; itsaccrediting companies based on their overdue and a critical step for industry and government to take.effective quality management systems, Leadership and focus in this area by national, regional andsignificant time and cost will be saved international seed associations is needed.and the burden on regulators reduced. Individual seed companies need to step up and engage, too.Broad implementation of the systems Industry needs to be proactive with a sincere ask: how can weapproach is an audacious goal, with the help? Dialogue with regulators is necessary to identify gaps,potential to revolutionize seed movement, recognize challenges and consider solutions. The seed sectorcreating clear and tangible benefits for all needs to do the hard work of getting aligned both internallystakeholders.and externally with ag industry stakeholders.The future of the seed sector to do This alignment is important to create critical mass andwhat needs to be done to meet global the clear, coordinated messaging necessary to resonate withfood, fuel and environmental demands regulators. This will help ensure the contra season is the fastwill rely heavily on short-term success track, cost-effective solution it is capable of being. This will helpwith regulatory modernization.prevent confusion and uncertainty among regulators and seedSeed associations need to continue the producers and will help ensure the movement of seed is prop- hard work of engaging with regulators erly regulated to address the risk of pest and disease spread. and seed companies need to step up in The good news is there is work being done and importanta bigger way to support this work; its a progress being made in some areas. The Seed Association of thecritical time to create change and capture Americas along with national seed associations like ANPROS,the opportunity available to our sector. 56GERMINATION.CAJULY 2023'