b'STRENGTHENING AFRICAS SEED CERTIFICATION: A COLLABORATION FOR FOOD SECURITYTHE G7 AND OECD EMBARK ON A PROJECT TO BOOST SEED QUALITY. BY: MARCEL BRUINS, SEED WORLD EUROPE EDITORIAL DIRECTORWHY IT MATTERS I n our global food system, seed lies at the heart of everything, says Csaba Gaspar, Head of Africa facesOECD Agricultural Codes and Schemes at some of the mostthe OECD. With over 80% of our food originating pressing foodfrom seed, ensuring access to quality seed is funda-security challengesmental for sustainable and resilient food systems.in the world. WhileAcknowledging the centrality of seeds for the continent holdsdevelopment, the G7 Agricultural Ministers have vast agriculturalendorsed a groundbreaking initiative to bolster potential, millionsAfricas seed certification capacity. Spearheaded by still suffer fromOECD, the project will be primarily funded by the hunger due toItalian government. In an exclusive interview with underdevelopedSeed World Europe, Gaspar and Aurelia Nicault, agriculturalProgramme Officer at the OECD Seed Schemes, systems, relianceshared the vision, parameters, and anticipated impact on imports, andof this ambitious project.limited access to high-quality seed.THE WHY: ADDRESSING AFRICAS Recognizing theFOOD SECURITY CHALLENGEStransformative roleAfrica faces some of the worlds most pressing food of seed certificationsecurity challenges. Hunger remains a significant in ensuring foodissue across the continent, driven by various factors,Csaba Gaspar, Head of OECD Agricultural Codes and security andincluding climate change, resource constraints, andSchemes at the OECD. Photo: Andrew Wheelerbuilding resilientunderdeveloped agricultural systems. At the same systems, thetime, Africa holds immense agricultural potential,numerous benefits stemming from these standards G7 Agriculturalwith vast tracts of arable land and a growing recog- and certification system. Ministers and OECDnition of the need for sustainable practices. By improving seed certification, Gaspar con-Seed SchemesOur food systems face a formidable triple chal- tinues, we can boost local production, enhance the have launched alengeensuring food security, providing nutritiousreliability of seed trade, and empower farmers with bold initiative tofood, and achieving sustainability while conservingbetter resources. This, in turn, improves livelihoods, strengthen Africasthe planets resources, and at the same time generat- reduces poverty, and strengthens food security across capacity in thising income and improving the livelihoods of farmersthe continent.critical area. Theand all others along the food chain, says Nicault. project aims notIn Africa, where food security is a critical concern,IN THE FIELD: FROM TRAINING TO just to supportreinforcing the capacity to produce and certify qualityTRANSFORMATIONagriculturalseed is not just importantits essential. This ambitious project unfolds in multiple phases, developmentCertification plays a vital role in this equation.each meticulously designed to address Africas in Africa but toGaspar explains: Seed certification builds trust. Itunique agricultural challenges while empowering serve as a modelensures high-quality seed production and facilitateslocal actors.for effectivetrade between countries and companies, reducingThe first phase is what we call Train the collaboration onreliance on imports and fraud. Its a linchpin forTrainers, Nicault explains. We will provide inten-sustainability.developing sustainable, resilient food systems. sive training to African seed certification experts, Currently, 12 African countries are members ofequipping them with the knowledge to train others. the OECD Seed Schemes, which provide an interna- This is about creating a self-sustaining system of tionally recognized framework for seed certification.expertise within the continent.This project aims to expand the membership of theThe second phase involves direct, in-country Schemes, allowing more countries to harness thetraining. 6ISEED WORLD EUROPEISEEDWORLD.COM/EUROPE | MAY 2025'