b'SANSOR started with a mere three- seed certification scheme. SANSOR isSouth Africa was the first country person team and today our team com- also providing phytosanitary support toin Africa to successfully introduce and prises 10 exceptional staff membersallensure safe international trade, trade sup- adopt GMO crops. The first crops were experts in their respective fields. As anport to overcome trade barriers, supportplanted in 1998 and the adoption of the association we are still growing, whilethe industry with coordinated industry- technology became a game changer providing support to the South Africanrelated research, and of course to providefor South African farmers. GMOs are industry by advocating for science-basedseed quality assurance to South Africanregulated under the Genetically Modified policies and legislation both locally,and international farmers though ourOrganisms Act (Act 15 of 1997). regionally in the African content andseed certification system. SANSORs seedThere are a number of additional internationally, she adds. certification model is globally recognized.acts and regulations in South Africa The SANSOR office handles inter- At present SANSOR has 86 full mem- that regulate various aspects regarding national inquiries and extends its activebers comprising local and internationalthe importation, propagation, stocking, liaison through full membership of theseed companies, as well as 33 membersdenomination and sale of seeds, plants International Seed Federation (ISF) andthat fall into different categories, such asand propagating material. Some of these the African Seed Trade Associationcompanies that provide services to seedinclude the Agricultural Pests Act (Act 36 (AFSTA). SANSOR is also very activecompanies as well as research institutes.of 1989) and the Biodiversity Act (Act 10 in the Organization for EconomicSANSOR also have a number of honoraryof 2004). Co-operation and Development (OECD)members.These laws provide an enabling and the Association of Official SeedThe South African seed companiesenvironment to seed companies and Certifying Agencies (AOSCA), as well astrade in more than 75 crop species, andallow local and international companies the International Seed Testing Associationin 2021 the value of these amounted toto operate in a competitive environment (ISTA).approximately $76 million.bringing their best genetics and quality SANSOR is unique in that it alsoProduction-wise, given the climatic andseed to farmers. The laws support the full offers seed certification, a value added toenvironmental constraints, South Africavalue chain and are beneficial to the agri-seed companies through the voluntarycan compete with the best in the worldcultural industry as a whole and also pro-and although the average yield acrossmote sustainable agricultural practices. the country is lower, some farmers in theAs a seed industry we recognize that irrigation areas are realizing maize yieldsfood systems should be equitable, inclu-well above than 20 tons/ha and on dry- sive, and environmentally friendly, but land 12 tons/ha. According to the Nationalwe also acknowledge that we are faced Crop Estimates Committee, in 2021/2022,with an enormous challenge to produce the total production of maize in Southsufficient, safe, and nutritious food. The Africa amounted to roughly 15.5 millionseed sector is a critical partner in the tons. In the 2022/2023 planting season,food value chain. South Africa and Africa they expect the production of maize to becan play a critical role in meeting the approximately 15.9 million tons. production volumes needed to feed the South Africa also exports maize andworld. Seed forms the foundation of food soybean and according to the Nationalproduction and is a vital starting point for Agricultural Marketing Council. It iscrop production. Quality seed is, however, expected that the country will export annot only needed for food production, but approximate total of 3.2 million tons ofalso for land restoration, rehabilitation, maize and soybean this year. (2.9 mil- reclamation and conservation, Chetty lion tons of maize and 320,000 tons ofpointed out. soybean)Climate change, access to new tech-Breeders enjoy excellent intellectualnologies, changing diets and production property rights in South Africa. Althoughenvironments will keep the seed industry South Africa has only ratified UPOVwith SANSOR taking the lead busy for 1976, the South African Plant Breedersyears to come.SWRights Act (Act 20 of 2018) is based on UPOV 1991. In addition, South AfricasWHERE Plant Improvement Act (Act 53 of 1976)ON THE WEBensures seed is of a high standard to protect farmers with strict quality andThe story of seed in South Africa goes as far back as 1950read germination guidelines.more on SANSOR and the South African seed industry onwww.sansor.org/about-us/ INTERNATIONAL EDITION 2023SEEDWORLD.COM /49'