b'A MORE INCLUSIVE PAYMENT SYSTEM DSI-related contributions to the CBDs multilateral mechanism The current payment structure of the MLS, although inexpensive, is(Cali Fund) on seed turnover.relatively rigid. Companies accessing material from the system faceThis kind of alignment would give companies the legal clarity a benefit sharing model that generates a huge administrative cost forthey need and avoid overlapping obligations that could discourage traceability and doesnt fully match the different ways in which seedparticipation. Its about making one system work well, rather than companies operate. For some, especially those working intensivelylayering multiple ones on top of each other, adds Andrea Mertens, with crops like vegetables, a possibility of subscription would makelead of expert hub legal at KWS and vice-chair of the Euroseeds sense. For others, particularly those focusing on crops like maizeCommittee on Plant Genetic Resources.or soy, the current system of single access remains adapted but the never-ending obligation to trace the use made of the initial geneticEXPANDING ANNEX I TO REFLECT REALITYresource, including when its share in the heritage of the varietiesWhen the Treaty was adopted in 2001, its Annex I listed a specific obtained is infinitesimal, can feel disproportionate. set of crops and forages that were covered by the MLS. But in To address this, Euroseeds proposes a more flexible paymentpractice, breeders also work with many other crops outside Annex architecture. This would include three options: I. This limits the potential value of the system, both for users andFull subscription covering all crops and PGRFA, for benefit-sharing. Subscription per crop for companies with mixed portfolios, Euroseeds is therefore calling for an expansion of Annex ISingle access for occasional users or for targeted researchto include all PGRFA, paired with a negative list approach. This projects. means that countries could choose to exclude specific sensitive crops This flexibility would make it easier for a wider range of com- if they wish, but the default would be broad coverage.panies to participate. It would also allow for a more predictableIf we really want the MLS to support global food security, we and sustainable flow of benefit-sharing funds, which is critical toneed to give breeders access to the full diversity of genetic resources. the Treatys success. Expanding Annex I is a critical step, says Pris.Federico Vittorio Pisani, manager development cooperationThis would increase the added value of the MLS for compa-and genetic resources at Euroseeds explains it clearly: Not everynies and public sector breeders alike. It would also generate more company uses the MLS in the same way. We have highly specializedbenefit-sharing resources for conservation and sustainable use. Last companies, diversified ones, and those with limited needs for addi- but not least, Mertens observes that this is the best way to address tional genetic material. By giving them the flexibility to choose howthe criticism that the seed sector does not sufficiently foster crop they contribute, we can bring everyone into the system, instead ofdiversification.excluding those for whom the current model simply doesnt work.Under this model, companies with high breeding activity across many crops (Type 1) might opt for a full subscription. Those with limited interest in MLS material (Type 2) might prefer single access. Companies with mixed portfolios (Type 3) could combine subscription per crop with single access. This way, the payment base broadens without penalizing any particular business model.This inclusive approach would not only increase participation but also the overall volume of benefit-sharing contributions. Instead of raising rates for a few, the goal is to make it easier for many to engage.RECOGNIZING DSI AS PART OF THE SYSTEMThe debate around Digital Sequence Information (DSI) has been one of the most contentious in international biodiversity negotia-tions. DSI refers to genetic sequence data derived from physical genetic material. Because it can be accessed and used globally with-out physically transferring seeds or plant material, it challenges existing access and benefit-sharing frameworks.Euroseeds takes a clear position: DSI should be considered part of the PGRFA. When a company accesses material through the MLS, the benefit-sharing obligation should also cover the DSI derived from that material. This avoids creating parallel and poten-tially conflicting systems.The full subscription option can be a powerful tool here. By covering both PGRFA and DSI, we create a simple, predictable mechanism that benefits everyone, Pris notes.This approach also calls for coordination between the Treaty and the CBD. Euroseeds supports the idea of an agreement between the Treatys Governing Body and the CBDs Conference of the Parties (COP). Under such an agreement, seed companies thatFederico Vittorio Pisani is the manager development cooperation and genetic subscribe fully to the MLS would be exempted from additionalresources at Euroseeds. NOVEMBER 2025|SEEDWORLD.COM/EUROPEISEED WORLD EUROPE I 5'