b"FEDERICOSEED WORLD EUROPE (SWE): HOWSWE: HOW DO YOU ENVISION FOSDO YOU PLAN TO NAVIGATE THETERING COLLABORATION BETWEEN COMPLEXITIES OF INTERNATIONALEUROSEEDS AND INTERNATIONAL VITTORIOTREATIES LIKE THE NAGOYA PROTOCOLORGANIZATIONS TO ENHANCE THE IN FACILITATING ACCESS TO GENETICCONSERVATION AND UTILIZATION OF PISANI JOINSRESOURCES FOR PLANT BREEDERS? PLANT GENETIC RESOURCES?FEDERICO VITTORIO PISANI (FVP):FVP: Euroseeds should be a proactive EUROSEEDSNavigating the complexities of interna- partner in international platforms such as tional treaties such as the Nagoya Protocolthe FAO, OECD Seed Schemes, and the AS MANAGERor the International Treaty on Plant GeneticITPGRFA. By contributing industry per-Resources for Food and Agriculturespectives to these forums, we can align (ITPGRFA) requires balancing legal com- conservation goals with practical breeding DEVELOPMENTpliance with practical usability for breeders.needs. Collaboration also means co-de-In my view, an effective strategy would oper- veloping initiatives on genebank access, COOPERATIONate two-pronged: first, by actively engagingpre-breeding projects, and digital sequence in policy discussions at EU and interna- information (DSI) frameworks. AND GENETICtional levels to ensure rules are workable,SWE: WHAT IS YOUR APPROACH TO harmonized, and transparent; and second, by equipping Euroseeds members with clear, RESOURCES accessible tools for compliance. This includesDEVELOPING AND MANAGING AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS IN providing guidance on due diligence obliga- COOPERATION WITH THIRDCOUNTRY BRIDGING POLICY, INNOVATION,tions, updates on national access legislation,PARTNERS, ENSURING THEY ADDRESS AND GLOBAL COOPERATION INand simplified pathways for research use.THE SPECIFIC NEEDS OF LOCAL SEED THE SEED SECTOR. The goal is to reduce administrative burdensSECTORS?while ensuring plant breeders retain timelyFVP: My approach is based on listening and equitable access to the genetic resourcesfirst, plan carefully, and implement effec-that drive innovation. tively. Each local seed sector has unique constraintsbe it regulatory gaps, lack of SWE: WHAT APPROACHES WILL YOUinfrastructure, or limited breeding capacity. EMPLOY TO STRENGTHEN EUROSEEDS'By starting with participatory assess-ROLE IN GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT COOP ments and direct engagements, we can ERATION WITHIN THE SEED SECTOR? co-design projects that directly respond to FVP: To strengthen Euroseeds role inlocal priorities. From there, I would focus global development cooperation, my primaryon building long-term institutional capac-approach relies on leveraging Euroseedsity rather than one-off interventions. Success technical expertise and experience in plantmeans local seed systems that are self-sus-breeding, seed system management, andtaining, resilient, and better integrated into regulatory compliance. By applying ourglobal agricultural value chains, able to knowledge of high-quality seed production,create new economic opportunities for the genetic resource management, and Accesslocal and European seed industry.and Benefit-Sharing (ABS) frameworks, we can offer practical guidance that enhancesSWE: HOW WILL YOU ENGAGE WITH local seed systems while ensuring alignmentEU AND INTERNATIONAL BODIES TO with international standards.ADVOCATE FOR POLICIES THAT SUPA second approach is to activelyPORT EFFECTIVE DEVELOPMENT COOPpartner with European institutions andERATION IN THE SEED SECTOR?projects, including EU development pro- FVP: Advocacy is at the core of Euroseeds grams, research consortia, and multilateralmission. I support engaging directly with initiatives. Collaborating with these bodiesEuropean institutions, civil society, and allows Euroseeds to coordinate efforts, poolMember States to promote policies that resources, and influence policy frameworksencourage investment in plant breeding, that facilitate sustainable seed sector devel- ensure workable ABS frameworks, and opment.integrate the seed sector into broader EU Finally, I aim to creating deep, long- priorities like competitiveness, climate term partnerships to foster capacity buildingchange and biotechnology. Internationally, able to later mature into tangible economicI believe Euroseeds must keep a strong and opportunities. By working closely withconstructive voice in negotiations under the local institutions, seed associations, breed- CBD and FAO, pushing for science-based, ers, and cooperatives, we aim to strengthenpragmatic solutions that both conserve bio-institutional and technical capacity sodiversity and facilitate innovation. that communities can manage resilient, high-quality seed systems independently.Editors Note: This is an abbreviated version. For the full article, please check our website: www.seedworld.com/europe/ 28ISEED WORLD EUROPEISEEDWORLD.COM/EUROPE | SEPTEMBER 2025"