b'When it Comes to Moving Seed,a Systems Approach is NeededThe International Seed Federations World Seed Congress discusses the importance of moving seed globally.Alex MartinMOVING SEED INTERNATIONALLYcomes withIf we have the ability to harmonize what were looking for, challenges. Based on the International Standards forthat would give the opportunity for all other NPPOs to have Phytosanitary Measures (ISPM) 14, the current approach to seedconfidence that what was done is sufficient to satisfy the require-movement internationally is rather cumbersome.ments for their needs, Winn says. At the International Seed Federation (ISF)s World SeedWhen it comes to a timetable, panelists from The Road to a Congress from May 16-18 in Barcelona, Spain, two panelists joinedSystems Approach panel guesstimate a timetable of 10 years to together to answer: is this really the best approach to movingimplement a systems approach, but Winn believes it might be seed, or is there a better way? able for some countries to speed that process up. Moving seeds around the world is challenging, ISF says in aWere having some bilateral projectsmaybe for that it video on Channel World Seed. It requires multiple phytosanitarywill take less time to define bilateral agreements or system measures to prevent the risk of pests, plant diseases and noxiousapproach, says Natalia Fernandez Eraso, seeds and traits weeds.conosur, Bayer. We need to build from small projects to bigger Approximately 300 types of seed commodities are shippedprojects with science basesit could take less than 10 years, but worldwide, with 180 NPPOs deployed to certify those shipments,it will take time. according to ISF. Theres incredible pressure placed on NPPOsOne benefit is NPPOs have been more open to listening to and creates many challenges getting seed to farmers in a timelydiscussions from the seed sector. manner.The conversations we have on systems approach are shared One proposed solution is making its way to the forefront of we share the same view with the NPPOs and the IPPC, Eraso discussions: a multilateral systems approach. Ideally, this wouldsays. That wasnt always the same, and its good to hear that simplify the challenges for NPPOs while still fulfilling their needs.NPPOs are seeing the value of the implementation of systems The multilateral approach would be followed under ISPM 38,approach across the globe.and allows seed produced in an approved NPPO supply chainBut, when it comes to furthering the discussion with NPPOs, to be imported or exported to countries with a phytosanitaryEraso says having a science-based discussion is necessary. certificate without the need for specific declarations for individualWe are seeing that there is no harmonization mainly due to a pests, ISF says.lack of scientifically-based regulations, she says. Thats a clue to Itll be challenging in the beginning to implement a sys- be all on the same pageand the global nature of our industry tems approach, says Rick Winn, quality assurance manager ofmeans we dont send seed from one country to the other. We re-HM.CLAUSE.export several times. Its not an easy task. But itll be an excellent opportunity toIt all comes down to transparency and open communication.harmonize phytosanitary requirements that will facilitate seedIf NPPOs know what the industry does, then they will start movement worldwide, he adds. to understand which pests are truly seedborne or seed transmit-Though itll be a difficult task to accomplish, harmonizingted, she says. When NPPOs dont have the time, knowledge or the movement of seed globally is imperative. Currently, manyexperience in seed, things can get misinterpretedI think thats countries have their own regulation laws when it comes to seedwhere overregulation comes from.SWmovement. 18/ SEEDWORLD.COMOCTOBER 2022'