b'SINCE YOU ASKEDFORAGE & TURF BY: NIELS LOUWAARSLess InputMore Genetics!CHRISTIAN S. JENSEN Head of Corporate Product ManagementDLFcsj@dlf.comdlf.com@DLF_Seeds SHOULD WE OPPOSE DEVELOPMENT CO-OPERATION TOWARDS FARMERS SEED SYSTEMS?S eed has been recognised as an impor- This is anernments, seeks to pull parties out of policy tant agent for agricultural develop- stalemates and create safe spaces for discus-ment and food security for severalsions on the diversity of seed issues. Here, decades. Currently, several developmentabbreviatedtoo, considering the full width of seed sys-actors focus on communities rather thanversion. Scan thetems is essential.established companies in their attempts tocode for the full make the best seed available to farmers.column.BUILDING BRIDGES: This follows earlier attempts to developCOLLABORATION FOR A effective formal seed systems in the GlobalRESILIENT SEED SECTORSouth. Exchanges on how best to improveinstead invested more in bottom-up ruralSome donors prefer to support farmers seed the seed situation face serious challenges,development. systems and rights, but within an ISSD but there is light at the end of the tunnel. framework, others may back complemen-THE RISE OF FARMERS SEEDtary initiatives that fill gaps and expand SHIFTING VISIONS IN SEEDSYSTEMS farmers choices. Supporting farmers sys-DEVELOPMENT COOPERATION Seeds eventually returned to the agenda,tems can be principled or respond to the The world of development workers appearsand farmers seed systems were increasinglyformal sectors failure to provide seeds for guided by certain visions, or fashions,valued. Support for local initiatives began inmajor self-fertilizing crops or reach remote, that shape their interventions. There is athe form of community seed banks, partici- resource-poor farmers.long history of tunnel vision. In the 1950spatory plant breeding, and seed fairs, usingSuch support may not immediately and 60s, it was the Green Revolution: wefarmer-field schools as a tested method- benefit commercial seed businesses, but with just need to develop better varieties, andology. More recently, local seed businessa broad perspective, it can yield long-term yields will go up; farmers livelihoods willdevelopment has become the new trend,gains. In Uganda, support for seed-pro-be secured, and food security enhanced;with farmer cooperatives producing seedducing communities has fostered local seed we dont have to worry about seeds sinceunder FAOs quality declared seed con- businesses, requiring business-friendly gov-farmers will share the best varieties amongcept. On-farm management of crop geneticernment policies. In Ethiopia, attention to themselves. diversity (alongside genebanks) is appealingfarmers seed systems in an ISSD approach In the 1970s, it became clear that newto policymakers and donors. Commercialhas strengthened phytosanitary services, varieties did not automatically reach farm- seedsmen may not find such projects imme- important for international trade.ers. Governments were assisted to set updiately profitable. As development cooperation faces seed production, mainly on public farms,Other efforts, with varying success,pressure in several countries, recognition and distribute it through public extensionaimed to support local seed entrepreneurs inof seeds as agents of rural development, services, with significant support from themultiplication and distribution. These ini- food security, and potentially sustainable FAO and development donors. tiatives, commonly based on publicly bredbusiness has risen among public donors In the 1980s and 90s, this was fol- varieties, received slightly more favourableand foundations. This is the moment for lowed by massive investments in seed certi- attention from the commercial sector. the private sector to contribute knowledge, fication and testing infrastructure, and thewhile respecting the importance of other introduction of seed legislation modelledINTEGRATED APPROACHES: ISSDseed systems and not pursuing short-term on U.S. examples (applied in India) andAND BEYOND interests alone. Lack of experience with European models (adopted in most AfricanThe current approach has staying powercrops like cowpea, finger millet, or cassava countries). These laws prescribed that allbecause it encourages looking beyond silos.does not preclude support, co-funding, or seed in the market had to be certified andThe African Union adopted Integrated Seedquality improvement initiatives. Public-sold by registered distributors. As a result,Sector Development (ISSD), recognisingprivate club SeedNL demonstrates that farmers seed saving and exchange becamethe coexistence of formal and farmers seedbroad support for seed systems is welcomed illegal, even where it continued to supplysystems and valuing the combination ofacross countries. Development cooperation over 90% of the seed used. knowledge systems and genetic resources.remains a vital ally, even for those focused At the start of the century, seedsISSD provides policymakers and stake- on rapid decision-making and short-term largely disappeared from the agenda,holders with a broad vision of farmers seedgoals. except for research by or through theneeds.CGIAR. Limitations of technology-drivenThe Seed for Food Coalition, of whichNiels Louwaars is a Seed World Europe col-solutions had reduced donor interest, whoISF is a member alongside NGOs and gov- umnist and Seed Systems Specialist.SEPTEMBER 2025|SEEDWORLD.COM/EUROPEISEED WORLD EUROPE I 25'