The ICA and Acosemillas are calling on farmers and seed marketers to use authorized seed for first-semester plantings of rice, corn, cotton and sorghum.
The organizations said the use of authorized seed supports agricultural production, helps reduce pest risks and contributes to food security. They also noted that formal seed purchases are a key step in securing successful harvests and protecting Colombia’s phytosanitary status.
“The use of seeds authorized by the ICA ensures that the producer receives a sanitary, genetic, physical and phytosanitary quality input, these seeds represent up to 40% in the yield per hectare, optimizing the resources and effort of farming families. From the ICA we put our technical commitment to comply with the country, food security and Agrarian Reform¨ said Paula Andrea Cepeda Rodríguez, general manager of the ICA.
“The seed is the first link in the food chain. By choosing authorized seeds, the farmer not only protects his immediate investment, but also accesses technologies developed specifically to face pests and the effects of climate change,” said Leonardo Ariza, general manager of Acosemillas.
Given the supply of unauthorized materials, it is recommended that all producers support themselves in ICA Resolution 15141 of October 23, 2024:
- Purchase the seeds only in commercial establishments registered with the ICA.
- Check that the packaging or packaging is new and in good condition.
- Check that the packaging has the label attached, being difficult to remove or replace them with another label without showing signs of alteration or damage to this one.
- Verify the seed label information (% germination, % purity, % humidity, among others).
- Require the purchase invoice, the only document that guarantees the supplier’s support against any claim.
With 56 years of experience, Acosemillas continues to lead the defense of legality and intellectual property, convinced that a formal market is the basis for science and technology to continue transforming Colombian agriculture, according to a press release.
The ICA and Acosemillas outlined 10 points for farmers to consider when purchasing seed:
Guaranteed origin: Buy only from recognized commercial establishments with valid ICA registration.
Certified productivity: Authorized seed can improve crop performance and increase productivity by up to 40% per hectare.
Genetic quality: Legal seed helps ensure the vigor and purity needed for competitive crop production.
Technical support: Authorized seed comes with quality support in case problems arise in the field.
Phytosanitary protection: Authorized seed undergoes health controls that help prevent the entry of pests and diseases and protect the country’s phytosanitary status.
Invoice in hand: Farmers should always request a sales invoice as proof that they are purchasing an officially backed input.
Transparent labeling: Packaging should carry the original label and comply with ICA Resolution 15141 of 2024. Blurred or altered labels should raise concerns about the seed’s origin.
Climate adaptation: Legal seed is developed through research to offer varieties adapted to natural subregions and better able to withstand drought, flooding and environmental changes.
Research support: Buying legal seed supports researchers working to bring new technologies to Colombian agriculture.
Security for tomorrow: The organizations said formal seed use is key to strengthening Colombia’s agricultural future.
