b'and natural ecosystems, she says. Whilecountry circumstances or differing scientific the overarching goals of regulations are theperspectives.same, there can be variations in how coun-Trade Considerations: Phytosanitary tries approach these regulations for severalregulations are also influenced by interna-reasons: tional trade considerations. Countries mayNational Priorities: Each coun- adopt regulations to protect their domestic try has its own unique set of agricultural,agricultural industries from the introduc-environmental, and economic priorities.tion of pests and diseases through imported Phytosanitary regulations are often tailoredgoods. These regulations can be more strin-to address specific risks and challengesgent or deviate from scientific consensus to faced by a particular country. For example,safeguard national interests.a country heavily reliant on a specific cropNon-science-based regulations are might have stricter regulations to protectproblematic for multiple reasons. Increased against pests that could devastate that crop. phytosanitary regulation that takes aRisk Assessments: Phytosanitarynon-science-based approach contradicts regulations are typically based on scientificinternational standards and agreements. risk assessments conducted by NPPOs orAdditionally, these increasing regula-regulatory bodies. However, the interpre- tions significantly add to the costs and tation and application of scientific data canimpact the ability of seed companies to get vary. Different countries may have differentseed to farmers when they need it, says risk tolerance levels or interpret the availa- Bezuidenhout. ble scientific evidence differently. While the intent of phytosanitaryRegional Considerations: Countriesregulations is to be based on scientific data Merel Langens, global manager industry affairsoften collaborate within regional frame- and risk assessment, differences in inter-at BASFs vegetable seeds business and chair of the International Seed Federation (ISF) Systemsworks to harmonize phytosanitary meas- pretation, local conditions, and priorities Approach Expert Group. Photo: ISF ures. Regional organizations such as thecan result in varying measures between European Plant Protection Organizationcountries. Harmonizing these regulations (EPPO), the North American Plantand promoting international cooperation Protection Organization (NAPPO), or thecontinue to be ongoing challenges in facil-Asia-Pacific Plant Protection Commissionitating safe global trade.(APPPC) work towards aligning regu-lations within their respective regions.AN ALTERNATIVE: MULTILATERAL However, even within regional frameworks,SYSTEMS APPROACHthere may still be variations due to specificSouza Richards clarifies that a multilateral BENEFITS OF A MULTILATERAL SYSTEMS APPROACHImplementing a SA can bring several benefits to a country,efficiently. By focusing on specific stages within the particularly to its NPPO, says Souza Richards. Some of thoseproduction and supply chain, countries can prioritize key benefits include: their efforts and target resources where they are most Enhanced Plant Health Protection: SA is designed toneededminimize the risks associated with the introduction andReduced Strain on NPPOs: Implementing a SA can spread of pests and diseases. By taking the wholealleviate the burden on NPPOs by shifting the focus process from production and supply chain until packagingfrom individual consignments to a more systematic and into consideration, countries can significantly enhancerisk-based approach. This allows NPPOs to allocate their plant health protection. their human and financial resources more strategically,F acilitated International Trade: A well-implemented SAreducing the strain of conducting repetitive and resource-can facilitate smoother international trade in seeds. Asintensive inspections on every consignment. The use of the same system will be recognized by different countries,a SA can enable NPPOs to work more efficiently while trade will be easier and this can lead to economicmaintaining robust phytosanitary standards.benefits by promoting exports and expanding marketEnhanced Collaboration and Harmonization: Adopting opportunities.a SA encourages international collaboration and Predictable movement of seed: Fulfilling the requirementsharmonization among countries. It provides a common to become certified will likely take time and moneyframework for risk assessment, risk management, and for SA-participants. But if the system is accepted bycertification procedures, facilitating the alignment of multiple countries, it will greatly facilitate the internationalphytosanitary measures across borders. Improved movement of seed. collaboration enhances mutual trust and confidence among trading partners, leading to better coordination in Risk-Based Resource Allocation: A SA enables countriespest management and a more harmonized approach to to allocate their limited resources more effectively andplant health protection globally.50ISEED WORLD EUROPEIEUROPEAN-SEED.COM'