b"Systems Approach (SA) could be applied as an alternative to the current phytosanitary certification. A multilateral SA is a coordi-nated and harmonized framework designed to minimize the risks associated with the international trade of plants and plant prod-ucts implemented by multiplemore than twocountries. It involves a systematic and science-based approach that considers all activities during the entire production and supply chain, from the source to the destination, to ensure the safe movement of seed while reducing the spread of pests and diseases, she adds.Under a multilateral SA, seed com-panies can be certified as producing pest-free seeds based on their hygiene practices and protocols. The certification is done by the authorities of the country in which the seed is produced and is recognized by the other countries in the agreement, prefera-bly as many as possible. Certified compa-nies can ship seeds in a more predictable way between countries that recognize the system, says Langens. And collaboration with the IPPC would be the best way to achieve harmonization she adds.The overall objective of a multilateral SA is to facilitate safe international trade while effectively managing phytosanitary risks. By implementing a harmonized approach that considers the entire produc-tion and supply chain, countries can min-imize the introduction and spread of pests and diseases, protect their own agriculturalRose Souza Richards, seed health manager at ISF. Photo: ISFsystems, and contribute to global plant health security, explains Souza Richards.This approach can enhance global trade while ensuring the protection ofAs SA is an alternative to the currentaddressing of emerging pathogens.domestic agriculture, natural resources, andsystem and not a replacement, the sover- It would also protect domestic agri-biosecurity, adds Bezuidenhout. eign authority of countries would not beculture, says Souza Richards. By manag-compromised.ing phytosanitary risks through a systems BENEFITS OF A SYSTEMSIn a pilot study, it is currently tested asapproach, a country can protect its own APPROACH to whether it is possible to have an agree- agriculture and natural resources from the The increase in trade and in phytosanitaryment between NPPOs of four countriesintroduction and spread of pests and dis-requirements increasingly put a strain onregarding a list of relevant pests and a baseeases. This helps safeguard the country's NPPOs resources. A [multilateral] SAline set of mitigation measures for one crop.food security, environment and economy.would reduce that strain as it is a harmo- This is a first step to show that multilateralApart from these benefits, a SA is also nized alternative to consignment-by-con- acceptance is feasible, she says. beneficial for collaboration and information signment testing. The role of the NPPOIn addition to the benefits above,sharing. Implementing a SA often requires would change to overseeing the system,Bezuidenhout underlines that a SA wouldclear communication between and the joint which empowers them to fulfil their man- provide a long-term solution to the currentefforts of multiple stakeholders, including date more effectively, says Langens. Withpatchwork of phytosanitary certificationgovernment agencies, industry partners, ISPM45 Requirements for national plantthat currently differs by country. As such, itand international organizations. A SA protection organizations if authorizing enti- would give a more efficient and predictablerequires cooperation, knowledge exchange, ties to perform phytosanitary actions beingframework for the international movementand capacity building, which can benefit the published, NPPOs could also considerof seed; would lead to global harmoniza- overall phytosanitary system of the country.authorizing entities to support the auditing.tion of regulated pests per crop that wouldBy embracing a SA, countries can She adds that a SA would make riskfacilitate more efficient re-export; wouldstrengthen their phytosanitary systems, assessment by NPPOs easier as guidancereduce the workload for NPPOs as theyprotect their agricultural industries, pro-would be provided on the pests for whichwill overseeing the system instead of themote international trade, and contribute seed is a pathway. Also, there would berequirements for each and every consign- to global efforts in ensuring plant health suggestions for risk mitigation measures.ment, and it would allow more pro-activelysecurity.52ISEED WORLD EUROPEIEUROPEAN-SEED.COM"