b"EDITORS MESSAGEFROM MULTILATERALISM TO PLURILATERALISM: WHATS AT STAKE FOR THE GLOBAL SEED SECTOR?However, the downside is that reach- disrupt this equivalence. Similarly, if some ing consensus among numerous countriescountries decide to develop plurilateral can be slow, politically complex, and some- plant variety protection regimes that differ times results in lowest-common-denomina- from UPOV standards, it could undermine tor outcomes. Multilateralism also strugglesthe predictability breeders currently enjoy.to adapt quickly to emerging challenges such as biotechnology, gene editing, orIS GLOBAL ORdigital sequence information (DSI). PLURILATERAL BETTER?For the seed sector, which thrives on PLURILATERALISM:cross-border movement, harmonization, SPEED, FLEXIBILITY, ANDand trust in regulatory systems, multilater-FRAGMENTATION alism remains essential, especially in foun-BY: MARCEL BRUINS Plurilateral agreements, on the other hand,dational areas like phytosanitary standards allow like-minded countries to move faster(IPPC), seed quality (ISTA), and certifi-and be more ambitious. They offer flexibilitycation (OECD). These systems offer a level I n recent years, the global landscape ofto address emerging issues without waitingplaying field and reduce transaction costs trade and regulatory governance hasfor a global consensus. For example, a groupfor companies and countries alike.seen a gradual but significant shiftof countries might develop new rules on theHowever, plurilateralism can com-from multilateralismwhere decisionsdigitalization of seed certification or on cli- plement multilateralism, particularly are made through broad-based globalmate-resilient varieties, setting standardswhen innovation outpaces existing global consensusto plurilateralism, whichahead of multilateral institutions. rules. In areas like digital traceability, cli-involves agreements among a limitedThis approach may better accommo- mate-smart varieties, or genome editing, number of like-minded countries. Thisdate innovation and regional diversity. Forplurilateral pilot initiatives could act as evolution is increasingly visible in the seedseed companies, this can mean quickertesting grounds, later feeding into broader sector, where harmonization of rules ismarket access, simplified regulations inmultilateral processes.crucial for facilitating trade, innovation,aligned countries, and opportunities forThe key is ensuring that plurilateral and biodiversity conservation. advanced R&D collaboration. efforts are transparent, inclusive, and inter-Yet, plurilateralism is not withoutoperable with existing global frameworks. MULTILATERALISM: trade-offs. A fragmented regulatory land- Rather than replacing multilateralism, A FRAMEWORK FORscape risks creating barriers for countriesplurilateralism should serve as a bridgeINCLUSIVITY AND STABILITY outside the agreements. For smaller seedenabling progress where possible, while Multilateral institutions and agreementsproducers or countries with limited regu- maintaining the coherence and legitimacylike those under the World Tradelatory capacity, navigating a patchwork ofof global systems.Organization (WTO)have long pro- differing rules can be costly and confusing. vided the global seed sector with a relativelyMoreover, plurilateral rules may reflect theA BALANCED PATH FORWARDstable and predictable regulatory environ- interests of dominant players, sideliningThe global seed sector stands at a cross-ment. Instruments such as the Internationalthose of developing countries or small- roads. While multilateral systems provide Plant Protection Convention (IPPC),holder farmers. the bedrock of international cooperation, International Union for the Protection ofthe growing role of plurilateralism offers New Varieties of Plants (UPOV), OECDIMPACTS ON THE GLOBAL SEEDopportunities for agility and innovation. To Seed Schemes, and the International SeedSECTOR harness the best of both worlds, stakehold-Testing Association (ISTA) standards are allThe shift to plurilateralism could reshapeersincluding seed companies, regulators, examples of multilateral systems that facili- seed trade and governance in signifi- and farmer organizationsshould advocate tate seed trade, protect plant breeders' rights,cant ways. If plurilateral groups begin tofor plurilateral initiatives that reinforce, not and ensure quality and phytosanitary safety. establish their own certification systemsfragment, global norms.The key strength of multilateralismor intellectual property frameworks, itIn a world of increasing complexity, lies in its inclusiveness. Global rules applymay challenge the authority or relevanceneither approach alone will suffice. A stra-equally, offering developing countries aof global bodies like UPOV or ISTA.tegic blend of multilateral legitimacy and voice in shaping standards. For instance,Regional blocs could set divergent stand- plurilateral pragmatism may be the best the OECD Seed Schemes allow countriesards, making it harder for seed companiesway forward for a resilient, inclusive, and to certify seed for international trade basedto operate across multiple markets. innovation-driven seed sector.on commonly agreed standards. Similarly,For example, while OECD Seed ISTA-accredited labs enable global trust inSchemes offer harmonized certificationMarcel Bruinsseed quality, and UPOV provides a globalaccepted in over 60 countries, a plurilateraleditorial director, Seed World Europeframework for protecting plant varieties. alternative adopted by a regional bloc couldmbruins@seedworldgroup.com4ISEED WORLD EUROPEISEEDWORLD.COM/EUROPE | SEPTEMBER 2025"