Tài liệu seed policy and programmes in the near east and north africa pdf

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS “The Seed and Plant Genetic Resources Service ofthe Food and Agriculture Organization of the United [Nations 16 greatly indebted to the Government of Cyprus for kindly a

Seed policy

and programmes in the

Seed policy and programmes

in the Near East and North

Africa

Proceedings of the Regional Technical Meeting on Seed Policy

and Programmes in the Near East and North Africa

Larnaca, Cyprus, 27 June-2 July 1999

‘Seed and Plant Genetic Resources Service

Plant Production and Protection Division

FAO PLANT PRODUCTION

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PREFACE,

The development of a strong seed industry is erucal to improve the delivery of good quality seed to farmers and the development of agecultre ip the Near East and Noth Africa, In any discussion of sgricultural development strategies, the subject of seed has nique capacity to draw stention and Interest, Seed i the poral input the embodiment

of past hareess andthe promise of future ones, Iris not surprising cht seed is 2 prominent feature of many proposals for programnics and projects concemed with improving the productivity” of linited-resource farmers In addition, efforts 10 sirengthen the private sector in developing country sgncuhare often target the seed industry Unfortunately, these various seed initiatives have had relatively little impact on the majority of resouree-poor farmers

‘The growth ofthe private seed sector, whic is extcal to the development of the seed industry in the [Near East and North Alea, would require the establishment of enabling environment, This would Include the establishment of effective seed leyislation, especially provisions for intelletwal property rights and seed quality control In this sense, governments will need assistance in the development and implementation oftheir seed rules and regulations, In addition, due tothe potential teat that modern top improsement presents to crop #enete resources, which has been recognized by’ counties in the region, assistance in germplasm conservation practices to safeguard adapted local and improved

‘arctes i also critical nthe development of seed sector i the region, fn this regard, a regional seed auvisory bedy Would he needed to guide seed-tlated assistance at the regionsl, sub-egionel snd

‘ational levels in the Near East and North Arcs This body would also advise on the proper and telfetive ways to sao the private sector i he efors lo grengthen the seed industry i the region

less shundantly clear throughout the Neer East and North Afcca region that decision-makers are anaching great importance to strengthening the seed sector a» means to improving the lood security Station in their respective counties They are equally dausted by the complexity ofthe subject More Immpocantly, they are mereasingly eognisant ofthe fat that policy decisions en privatization, pricing, incentives and subsidies ad othet measures aflect directly the development ofthe seed sector

PAG traditionally has been instrament inthe technical and professional development of the seed systems in the counties of Near Fast and North Alfica, Now, they are in tum looking for FAO) fssistinee jn developing strategies, policies and programmes for the advancement of this very Important sector

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

“The Seed and Plant Genetic Resources Service ofthe Food and Agriculture Organization of the United [Nations 16 greatly indebted to the Government of Cyprus for kindly accepting t0 host this regional technical meeting on Seed Poli and Programmes for the Near East and North Aiea, We ae especially gteBl to the Agricultural Rescarch Institute of the Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment of Cyprus and the National Organizing Committee for theit competence in the organization ofthe meeting,

Finally, we sincerely thank all the participants, especially thse from the Near East and North Aftea, resource persons, intemational organizations, government and non-governmental organizations, and the private seed companies and associations, which esponded tothe invitation to attend this meeting

UG Menini

Chief, Seed and Plant Genetic Resources Service

Plant Production and Prowction Division

FAO, Rome

“T OF ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS

Association of Agncultre Research Insitutions in the Near East and North Aiea

‘Arlo Center To the Staies of Aig Zones and Dry Lads Plant Production and Proectin Division (FAQ)

Seed and Pant Genetic Resources Service (FAO) Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (Iran) [Agncultral Research and Extension Auhnrty (iemen)

Agricultural Research Institute (Lebanon) International Association of Plant Breeders forthe Protection af Plant Varieties

‘Convention on Biological Diversity

“Consglatiee Forum on Soed in the Near East and North Afitca

‘Consultative Group lar fntemational Agcicultral Resear International Cente for Tropial Agriculture (CGLAR) International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CGIAR) International Potato Center (CGIAR)

CConsration on Inerational Trae in Endangered Species oeificient of protection eflor

‘esoxyribanueieie acid Distinctiness Uniformity and Stability plan Seed Association

European Union Food and Agriculture Organization ofthe Uated Nations Farmer first and lst

Federation Intemationale du Commerce des Semen

‘General Agreement on Torifs and Trade

‘Gross Damstie Frode

‘Gross National rode

‘Global Pan of Action

‘Groupement National Inespeofessionnel des Semenses et Plant (France)

‘General Organization for Seed Multphestion (Syria)

‘German Agency lar Technical Cooperation International Agrialtural Research Center International Center for Agricultural Research in Dry Areas (CGIAR) Ingemational Crop Research Institute (CGIAR)

Iermationa! Fund for Auniculture and Development JnemationalSnstue for Tropical Agriculture (CGIAR) Istematonal Plan: Gene Resource Institute (CGIAR) Invematonal Pant Protection Commitee

Iellectual Properey Rights Institut National des Recherches Apronomigues de Tunisie Ingetnational Rice Research Institute (CGIAR)

Inrmational Service for National Agricultural Reseatch Ingermatonal Seed Testing Association

Jow-income fond-defieit countries

‘Mulisectors Support Prowrams (Fgypt) National Agriculture Research System [Near Fast and Nom Aiooe

[Non-Goermments Organization Difce des Céreales et des Beteraves Suerines (Lebanon) (Organization for Eoonomie Co-operation and Development Plant Breeders Rights

plant variety protection Fesouree poor farmers Seed Improvement and Development Programe Socite Nationale de Camsmerealisation des Semences(Maroceo?

‘Seed Prntion Cemer{Cypnis) Seed Rewistration and Certfication Center (Turkey) Sub-Saharan tien Seed Inative

lranster of technology Trade Related aspects of Intellectual Property Rights United Arab Emirates

United Nations Development Programe Offive af the Unis Nations Disaster Rel! Co-ordinator United Nations High Commission for Refugees

‘United Nations Indusuial Developent Organization International Union toe the Protection of New Vaneties of Plants United States of America

United States Agene) for International Development Village Cooperative Creat Society (Cypris)

value or eultvation use West Asia an! Nosh Aiea

\West Asia and Noth Aliea Plant Genetic Resources Nebsork World Food Programme

World Intellectual Property Organization World {nformation and Farly Warming System World Trade Organization

REPORT OF THE TECHNICAL MEETING (ON SEED POLICY AND PROGRAMMES IN THE NEAR EAST AND NORTH AFRICA,

“Conferenee on Plant Genetie Resources held in 1996 and in Tine with the recommendations ofthe World Food Summit,

Goverment designated participants attended from the following Near East and Nonh Atieem (NENA) counties: Cypmas, Djibouti, Egypt, Iran, lag, Jordan, Lehanon, Libya, Moroeeo, Onn, Pakistan, Sudan, United Arab Emirates and Yemmen Pariepanls Rom intemational organisations, international agricultural research cents, govenimental and non-governmental oxganisaions, and public and private sector organssations involved in the seed industry also alended the meeting (Other participants attended the meeting as observers snd on their own capacity:

The Meeting was opened by Me; P Aristotelaus, Deputy Director General, Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment on behaif of His Excelieney: Mr, Costas Themstocleous, Minister of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Fnvironment of Cyprus This opening speech followed the keynote address of Dr Mahmud Duwayrs, Director of the Plant Production and Protection Division on behalf of the Food and Agriculture Organization ofthe United Nations The objectives ofthe Meeting were to

‘+ Develop appropriste policies concerning governmental, commercial and small-seale

‘enieeprses in Seed production and seed distribution, designed to enfanee efforts of {goverrment-supported initiatives on the variety needs of small-holder farmers in particular, with spectal atention othe needs of women farmets:

+ Provide, and promote as appropriate, an enabling environment, where such an environment

«oes not already exis, fr the development of small-scale seed enterprises

© Strengthen linkages between genebanks, plant breeding organisations, sesd producers

small-scale seed production and distribution enterprises,

= Consider seed_ quality control schemes particularly (bose appropriate 10 vmall-seale

Serpses and

+ Consider legislative measures, which allow distribution and commercalsation of landraces

‘and farmers’ varieties and obsolete varieties, if they meet the same distribution and

‘commercialisution criteria for disease, pess, health and the envionment, as conventional

‘or registered varieties,

THE MEETING

To establish a Hamework for discussion at yhe meeting, a reference document was prepared by the FAO This was supplemented vith several (echmeal thematic papers of the development of policies snd programmes designed to achieve a sustainable supply of crop seeds and erap went tebldre wn the NENA region, The following sections give & brit

ted and highlight imporiansleatuzes of the discussion following each

Fesourees lor food and

summary of each paper prs

‘overall egncultral dovelapment which shows a heasy rlinoe on food import making the NENA, fegion the ltgest food-nporting gion In the developing world Among the many eon d0 16 ths tution 2 shortage n supply imap seeds for majo crops,

Tie slate ofthe formal seed sopply sistem in the region varies Gms one country to another Only

4 few countries can claim to have a well-developed ladnal seed sector with good infiastucue, Sod las and certification system as well ae variety evaluation procedvres, While physical and technical eanseants contribute to these Factors it is meveasinly clear hat many athe weaknesses Inthe seed sevtor inthe NENA region are dc it part to policy and maragement-telated factors and Ssowio-ceonomic issues, The paper emphasises the paramount importanee of erating gomitions sondueixe lo balanced develapment ofthe formal and informal see supply svstems In doing 8, [governments need to recnghise the importance ofthe informal sed systems and introduce policies and necessary actions 40 stimllate thet growth, The paper then puls forward wide-ranging proposals, which gould provide a basts for national plans af getion in accordance with the specific sondidons an needs of each county

1h ae ens discussion, participant made the following pons:

+ Appropriate avention should als be given to reseotch in seed and planting material

production n florculure and frat tees

+ Training m seed technoogy inclaing traning of formers, 1s needed m the region,

© There isa need to establish a Consultative Forum as an appropriate means o address the

complex issues raised by the paper The paticipanis stressed that the role of member

‘countries and organisations and the expected! output ofthe Consultative Forurn must be

detined

+ “There isan urgent nec o establish a seed unit in every agricultural research centre ain

sation responsible for atrfacing wth farmers,

Many courtnes inthe resion new help o setup national seed policies tht correspond with their priorities and to mobilise resources

+ the meeting read that there vs a need to establish bilateral and multi-ateral projects to

‘work together i the region In this regard, several countries in patcul ran, expressed a

‘wllingness 1 collaborate oa this approach when necessary

= There is lack of information exchange and a strong need ta she basi sfermation +The quality of information presented in the refewence document lor the purpose of the

cing 95 praised

2.2 Privatisation ofthe Seed Sector in the Near East and Norlh Afriea

Dring the 1980s, the roe of the private seotor in developing countries receive! greater attention, Governments were eneouraged to withdraw from divet volvement sn prodction and mee sand lo concentrate on policy matters Because is a ‘commercial’ activity, seed supply Was included in the privatisation process, However, despite the strategie importance of seeds im agriculture, is difiealt 10 esabbish a viable business hased on seed sipply, Therefore, the privatisation prozess requires dotve and earell management by government,

In order to encourage treater private sccto activity Is Test necessary 10 reconsider regulatory barriers and subsidies so that there is aTevel playing field forall partipants inthe seed sector Ik 1s also possible fo offer indieet suppor: through quakiy assurance services and sone Financial

‘incentives However, even with a favourable policy environment, seeds of some craps ate inurinsically dificult ro commercialise, ashing some important staple food erops (cereal ard Jegume} of the NENA region

“Mulinational companies may enter thế seo sect However they are highly selective in terms of

‘rps and ageculturelateas, In practice, anly communities ioated in the most favourable areas are likely lo benefit fiom their activites It is therelore important that indigenous private seed

‘ompanies evalve, Small seed enterprises which have loser capita and martagement cost may pay’ an important role inthe development of the seed supply sector, if they are support in the fsiablishment phase As the seed secor becomes more diverse sis omportant to have a atonal forum im whieh diferent interests aze represented The establishment of national seed associations may’ act as « postive factor im supporting the emerging private sector and representing is iterests

to government

“The paper concludes by siressing that thee is a contining role for government ta maintain 3 Favourable poliey envieonmeat so thatthe private sector ean benefit trom all commeseally wile ports af the seed market Furthermoe, ther aspects of the seed supply system may eequite a more active input by goxemment if all farmers ure to benefit fom new varieties and improve seed, Jie ening discs, participants aie the foowiog pons

+The progress of privatisation varies widely in the region The region should be creative i

encouraging involvement ofthe private sector in see supply systems

+ There sa need to promove local enrepreneurship, which requires atm at al levels

ing responsibilty for presesving genetic diversity It was also proposed that gemplases af commercial varieties and progenstors should be preserved + Tris nevessiry to find ways 10 snvolve the puivate sector in seed certification, It was

proposed that, while gusty assurance should be the responsiiity of the government, im

‘the medhuss term private companies should consider introducing internal quality assurance schemes, The need for ening quality assurance was also expressed

+ The need to invalve quslficd sntemational and local NGOs in the seed sector was ne-

emphasise

+ There wus concern about emphasising efficiency comsideratons atthe expense of exit

casing ¥esouee Tinted farmers oe less well served in the le,

There was a concern

23 Management, Conservation and Uailisation of Plant Genetle

East and North Africa

genetically diverse flora inthe region, only a small faction of this plat genetic diversity is hemg

‘conserved, This js being done under unsatisfactory conditions with inadequate information There are large diferences among countries ofthe egion 3m their efforts for conservation an wlisabor, fof plant genetic diversity and offen there is not a proportionate halance in conservation vs Uileedon capacity It Is estimated that there ate more than three hundred crop species and stiles, which are not taken care of hy breeders in the region, and that these ate maintained by farmers as landraces, To support the development of a sound seed industry through sustainable

‘ulsaton of plant genetic resources, the following suggestions were made’

‘+ Develop information on ex sit accessions maintsned across the region hy charaeterising

and evaluating these accessions while king nto consideration breeding abjetives,

Collect genetic resourees native to the courris ofthe rewion and identify gaps in existing collections

+ Promote co-operation sn the field of plant genewte diversiy within and outside of the

region

© Take appropriate measures in support of both conservation and utilisation of lant genetic

diversity 10 correct the imbalance in capacities in conservation ané utilisation oF plant enelic diversity in countries ofthe region

© Establish forum to promote joint efforts inbreeding among countries inthe region,

Im the esting discussion, particpanss mae te following points

+ Both of the users - breeders and farmers» should preserve plant genetic resources lant

Inveedrs ate involved in conservation but they only conserve materais that age yseful to them,

+ Minimisation of plant genevie erosion is of paramount importance i the region, Every

action should be taken in tis dieston,

+ Irorder fo minimise costs, preservation in gene banks ean be done in selected eentres for

the whole region Policy makers in different countries inthe region coraplainel abou the Jack of use of genetic material kept i thei facies

© Questions were raised about farmers varieties and Farmer's Rights,

+ The certification of feemers’ varieties (landaces) should be possible, but their legal

protection appears tobe difficult,

+ Ways and means so fund conservation activities ieluding Farmer’ Right shoul! be found

24 Improved Seed Production and Technology Transfer to Farmers in the NENA Region Transfer of technology (TOT) to farmers is essential to ensure that Farmers appreciate the crucial Imporsance of using improved seed to achieve sustainable, higher crop yields The stakeholders in the TOT process inchude agriculture credit organisation, including private banks who provide short and medium tem loans to farmers, manufacturers and suppliers of agricultural machinery and inputs the public nd private sector seed industry, NGOs and farmers eb-operatives, AIT of these stakeholders need up-to-date information an new varieties and sources of improved seed inorder 10 advise thei liens to make more efficient use ofthe credit and farm impus

The main responsibilty for TOT lies with the agriculture extension departments within the provincial or sate agriculture departments, A radical change inthe approach to TOT, assignine 3

‘myjor role to the private seefor and farmers” organisations, has not been attempted in any of the NENA countries TOT by the research institutions to the farmers is an altractive approach especialy in situations where mono-commodity research institetions (ex ice Research Hnstitutes} Ihave been developed on major crops, The private sector can be very effetive in TOT, particularly if the information is backed by a supply of credit and inputs that can help translate improved technology into actval on-Tarm production, Research in seed seience per se, which i almost non: ceistent in the NARS, needs 10 be emphasised To increase the supply of quality soed, efforts

should he made 10 suppor private sector seed! production through appropriate incentives Linkages

to the informal see! sector should als he strengthened to increase the supply and use of improved seed

‘Transiar of technology’ tvough the public sector extension agencies is generally not considered sutfcienly effective The role of these apencies should be more focussed and better delined and the carger strtore of the extension siafT shouldbe inspoved snd linked higher achievements Thete should also be better linkages between the research and extension organisations 30 that extension personel are regularly upllated about new technology Mono-commoity research institutes should also underake TOT as 2 pt of their mandate and establish a 96o-way’ nk with farmers, TOT by the pevate sevto, particularly dealers in agricultural puts, seed suppliers, NGOS and Farmers co-operatives, is quite effective and can be further improved through etter haison with oseaech instivtes to obtain regular information,

Liv the ensuing disession, participants mae the flowing

= Much money is spent on developing new varieties, which are not properly utilised due to

inadequate extension services, Some parieipants suggested thal research stations and institutions ould do better joh than the esishing extension services an ransferring knoylelae to farmers

+ Commodity and location specific transfer of knowledge and technology ean be more

‘appropiate and effective than s gener proach,

+ Insoducing seed science courses imo the eurieula of universities and other relevant

teaching institutions will advance the transier of knowledue

2S Seed Legislation and Regulatory Measures inthe Near Fast and North Africa

Sced lepislaion in the NENA countries generally docs no cover al aspects of arity release, seed

‘quality contr seed marketing and distibuton, Furthermore, legislation has been satisfactory a

‘umber of eauntries, buts practically absent in many others In some counties, the importation of

‘atietes of food erops is covered by legislation, especially on vegelables (grown under gation) and bybrid seed (com, sunflower) There is x need for the formulation of processes contolling snd facinating free ade of seeds and also protecting and improving local seed exchange systems In sone countries, informal systems acount for most ofthe seed supply

Logslaion om intelleenal property sights and plan variety protection is slmost completely lacking,

in the region Inttadusing Such legistation sil promote ynvestment as well as eneourage progress fon variety improvement as all the players concerned (Farmers, seiemtists, and investors) ill be protected

ln the ease of grain and forage cereals, the main source of seed cumes fiom farmers, which is supplemented by the national seed prodiction systems, There are ways ta nteduce breeders’ rights inthe resion to promote sanosations and progress developing improved varieties and tthe same time to protect the rights of farmers Following UPOV or the EU seveptable systems, small Tandoseners (producing les than 100 tonnes oF grain) should he alowed t0 eepreduce their own seed of registered varietes though not allowed wo trade seed

The adoption of the TRIPS agreement along wit registration of varieties, conservation of plant genetic resources, sea produetion and trade wil improve aecess of farmers fo improved varieties Tepstaion developed in the EL and UPOV' guidelines on protecting new varieties could be the Bao foe developing efficent seed prediction and distabution systenss inthe countries of NENA However, cera feautes of the region, nasty low productivity, small arms low inputs, the need

to protect farmers’ eights and at the same Lime improve formers aecess to new plant Varieties, must

be taken inte consideration before inducing new Tesislstion, FAO cauld assist countries t0 inprove and complete their legislation by developing general principles, based on intemational

agreetments and the EU expeiences, which could be adspied 10 the conditions of each country 2 the NENA rexion

the ensuing discussion participants made the following points

+ Intellectual property rights and PVP legislation are necessary in order for plant breeding,

seed production and wade to progress When preparing regulations, governments should seek co-operation ftom the private sector, 19 minimise andor more easly solve futire problems

+ Government efforts must be intensified to increase the use of certified seed, However,

because government funds are limited, it was agreed thatthe private sector should play a

‘more aesve role (neluding inspection and testig af thet seed) while the government ean play'# regulatory role

+ ‘Thenced for asisiance in testing cultivars and drafting new legislation was emphasised

‘The need for harmonisation of seed legislation and regulations was stressed, Ths is am area

in which collaboration and meckanisms should be developed, Problems in harmonising seed laws were also discussed Phytosanitary problems constitute major harriers 10 ternational seed trade

+ Assistance from international and eegional organisations should have a positive effect on

efforts ta harmonise legislation

26 Regional and Sub-regional Co-operation in the Seed Sector in NENA

High quality seed is crileal to sustainable agricultural growth and food seeurty However, seed remains onthe periphery of agricultural development inthe NENA region Seed supply systems are inefficient and weakly linked to the world seed industry National seed supply systems are at diferent levels of evelopment in terms of organisational stueture, policies, regulations, certification technology, tained man power and geriplasim management, and breeding and testing vary from rudimentary fo strong Farmers’ participation in variety development, which is essential {or adoption of improved varieties, is minim Major constraints to firmers' participation include weak generation of improved varictis, lower adoption levels of available improved varieties and Jack of proper institutional links, m addition to inconsistent policies and regulations Despite sinvariis in farming systems, economic policies andthe potential forthe development of several shared erops inthe region, co-operation remains weak

Improving regional en-operation may be achieved dhronet:

+ Strengthening methods of eed production including variety development, seed

‘multiplication, processing, distribution and marketing,

+ armonising seed legislation to faeiMate seed production, regional trade snd phytosanitary

aspects of seed production,

+ Harmonising of sed policies

‘+ Insututing seed associations at national, sub-regional and regional levels

Possible instinutional arrangements for co-operation include sub-regional and regional consultative fora, The seed sectors inthe region should improve contacts with international organisations, Sub regional associations, which are likely to be more functional, and will improve regional communication and collectively contribute ta stronger regional seed forum shouldbe established

In the ensuing discussion, participants made te following poins

© There is nee fora mode! seed law to facilitate production and trade across the region The

lave should faiitate the involvement o all sectors concemed,

+ The harmonisation of seed legislation will require analysis of existing rules in diferent +The tole of seed associations to exert pressure on governments and the need for cóc

‘operation was stressed Repional andor sub-regional fora should he more efficient in sealing with specific isues

+ Inorder to achieve harmonisation, an in-depth assessment of the situation in each country

should be underaken FAO should help inthis assessment It was suggested that it would

be use o have an umbrella organisation to co-ordinate harmonisation activities

+ There is sm urgent need to develop mechanisms to get proper attention of policy makers

‘who are involved in decisions regarding harmonisation,

‘+ Realistic national legislation is required for efficient regional co-operation

+ Development of human resources is urgently required i the area of seed science and

ff information on vegetable seed production and supply in the region Wile many of the local

‘Varieties and culivars are lower im productivity in comparison th imported kybrids, they tui have special taste, disease resistance anion tolerance to abiove stresses Efforts to improve local varieties could result in higher yield while maintaining the adaptability to loal sondiløns

The constraints icing seed produetion in the region include: a) lack of required financial support for researchers working ip the production of breeder seed b) severe deficit in textoeal personnel

to support successful breeding programmes: ¢) liek of tools and equipment required for the production of seeds and proper storage Tactics; d) difficulty in exchanging plant materials between countries: and e) an absence af standardised breeding fies resulting in the roduction of

ow quality seed

(Only a few countries in the region have conerete plans for strengthening the vegetable seed sector

‘Most counmes were slow in establishing national gene banks and/or central facilities for plant genetic resource collections 1s only in recent years that some ofthe countries have establisted

‘uch faites or started todo so, The participation of the domestic private secor in vegetable seed

‘nustries was seriously Limited inthe last decades Private enterprises should be encouraged to take the lead in vegetable seed production, preferably in collaboration with other private or public insiutions I isalso necessary to improve local and fegionl breeding programmes

In the ensuing dscnsston, participants made the following points

+ Participation ofthe private sector is vital to vegetable crops and soed production

= Conipesition fom imported sess dictates the need far joint ventures,

+ Registration of varieties ftom the private sector most be facihtated, However, the private

sector must supply the necessary documentation, such as a variety description and other technical information,

‘+ Invogetable production, the quality of seed is eitical to erop yield and produce quality

2.8 Forage and Pasture Seed Production and Supply ia Near East and Narth Alrica

‘he extent of permanent pastures, cultivated forage land and rangeland indicates a veasonable potential for livestock production inthe Near East and Nom Aifica However, the success of range Improvement programmes and forage production operations depends on several fators, among,

‘which is the availability of sufficient quantity of good quality seed in time

The forage and pasture seed secor is faced with two types of constraints The fist s specific to the seed sector whale the second relates to the development of range improvement aetivities in general Furthermore, the demographic pressure has in some couniies engendered a high demand for agricultural ang livestock products Ths has pushed farmers to overexploit pastoral resources and

to conver productive rangelands mo marginal croplands The paper and the ensuing discussion stressed the following points:

Atte technical, institutional and potiey level there is a need to

Elaborate national strategies and plans for the production of forage and pasture seeds Promote private sector involvement in forage and pasture seed production,

Intensify research in seed production, especially forage and pasture crop seed

Covordinate research, extension and seed production

Develop on-farm participatory research on seed production

Promote the integration of the formal and informal seed systems,

Establish seed legislation and regulations for these crops

Intensify job training of farmers and extension sal,

At the regional level

Strengthen existing networks dealing wih forage and pasture sed production inthe region The exchange of plant materials, expertise and information linked 10 research on forage and pasture species should be promoted

+ Reinforce activities of the international centres and institutions (FAO, IPGRI, ICARDA,

CIHEAM, ete.) i the region related to training and collaborative research,

Inthe ensuing discussion pariipants made te following points

+ Forage seed production is considered a by-product, and therefore has not heen given much

support for development The interest ofthe private sector in this area is limsted

+ Privatisation of forage seed production 1s premature due to economic and other

considerations

+ Teas proposed that FAO assets in drafting model legislation and that each county inthe

region revises i according to local eonditions and requirements However some guidelines rust fest be formulated by countries i the region

+ Action on technica, institutional, and poliey aspeets of forage sed supply must be taken a

‘ational and regional eves,

+ Assistance by intemational centres and institutions (FAO, ICARDA, and IPGRD) should

Include rating, collaborative research, technieal advice, and support to networks

29 National Seed Policy and Strategies for the Near East and North Africa

‘Governments have the responsibility to ensure adequate food supplies at reasonable cast Policies should sumulate the development of the gncultural sector For maximum effectiveness and at Teast oso national resources, seed of improved varieties should be a major concer This is partcularly important in an era of rapid population growth and economie restructuring In general Ìteap be congluded that policies and strategies pursued during the past 50 years have not enabled

‘he formal seed sector to successilly meet the needs of resource-poor farmers for important food crops The percentage of quality seed of improved varieties supplied by the formal seed sector is still very limited

“The paper discusses the importance of an effective, upo-date, longterm, and realistic National Seed Policy backed by strategies to adapt and implement the policy, A national seed council, or a comparable mechanism, represented by 2 variety of tors in the Seed sector, is essential 10 the formulation of policies and strategies fr the futire ofthe seed sector Such a council also provides

1 structure through wich greater continuity of goals and policies ean be achieved

In regu to privatisation, governments should create a market for seed and favourable envionment for the private seed sector to thrive An investment promotion program is one ofthe mechanisms 10 tract the private sector and other incentives were also proposed The paper also briefly discusses polices designed to enhance involvement of the informal seed sector and concludes tht this sector

‘needs toe supported in such away that it can ultimately develop into formal sector Participatory plant breeding 35 well asthe need for small low overhead seed companies is discussed,

The paper concludes by discussing emergency seed relief, Preparedness isthe Key issue A major component of any strategy designed to snerease seed security is to have informetion available

‘whieh wll allow quick responses in emergency situations The strategy may alse include: () initiation of nacional and regional sed security stocks; (b)stengrhening of national seed industries to censure that seed is available inthe region when disster occurs 35 wel as to enable the production of

‘quality seed for seed security stocks (c srengthening regional co-operation; (J) harmonisation of

‘ational sed policies, ules and regulations: and (e regional variety evaluation

{she ensuing discussion participants made the following points:

‘© twas pointed out thatthe development of seed produstion was not as expected, a major

reason being the fact that it was not market oriented, but mainly technology oriented,

‘Therefore, the governments must eeate a market for seed

© ttowas argued that farmers are sensitive in ther work and if propery tained, would do

better at producing seeds thin anvone else Incentives to small-scale seed production enterprises must be given without too much imterference by the goverament

+ It was mentioned that due to poitial ressons, some countries do not give the opportunity

to the private sector to go into seed production

+ National potiies should zim at harmonisation, and meckanisms should be designed so that

‘each county i informed of other seed-elated developments in the region Seed rehabilitation and seed relief were given as examples

+ Inorder to encourage private enterprises a favourable economic environment is necessary

logether with investment promotion programmes and incentives bythe government,

© Itwas also suggested that development of the infarmal sector would complement further

development ofthe formal seed sector

2.10 General Discussion

“The NENA region is 4 major importer of food grains, Self-suficieney is declining by 1% per year

on a regional basis, Despite his, agricultre remains the largest sector ofthe economy’ Ih many countries, Agriculture plays entical role in maintaining the livelihoods ofthe rurel population and coninbuting to halanced economic development and social stability The access to quality seeds of

‘welladapted improved varieties isa ey factor in sustenable development,

The stale food crops ofthe region are all cereals and legumes for hich farmers must obtain seed every year In most areas, only one erop per year can be grown on rainfed land and average yields fre low ligation is available im some countries, but water isa limating factor across most of the

region Because of the existence of many well-developed wrhen markets, high-value cash crops, such as vegetables and futs are of great importance Likewise, the intensive production of fodder for divest feeding to animals and for cash sale 1m urban ateas is an important part of crop production,

Despite the importance of agricultural productivity in the region, the current stans of seed supply is not satisfactory Farmers’ needs for seeds are not always satisfied There are also delays in delivering new varieties to farmers, and in many cass, farmers sill ave a very limited choice of varieties, In addition, the more specialised crops ofthe region have received very litle attention

Te sector i constrained by a mix of policy, tschnical and esonomic factors In particular, there is insufficient recognition of the importance of seed by policy makers and of the need to update policies to take into account changing circumstances inthe world seed market,

Pressure on the environment in many parts of the region requires careful management to achieve sustainable agricultural productivity without damaging the natural resource base For this reason, seeds of fodder and pasture etops must also receive attention in addition tothe food grains

Key issues discussed

In Tight of the above and the background information provided by the thematic papers, the Following specific issues were discussed

2.10.1 Need for a mechanism for regional and sub-regional co-operation in the sced

sector, with the following broad objectives:

A visible focus forall efforts 1o strengthen the seed sector;

‘A forum for exchange of information and experience;

{facinating mechanism for mobilising support and resources: and

‘A catalyst for developing plot and larger seae projets, which will make an innovative

‘contribution to the seed sector af individual countries and tothe region

2.10.2 Strategic issues

+ Nations seed policies and strategies which define the role of he public and private sectors: + Harmonisation of seed legislation and regulatory measures, eluding phytosanitary measures for seed-bome diseases; + Effective utilisation of available plant genetic resources; and

210.3, Research, training and technology transfer

teaching insututions 10 inerease awareness of the seed sector among all agricultural professionals and technicians;

+ Strenethen human resource development generally and, in particular, improve practical

‘raining in all sed-telated activities,

‘+ Give more atention to seed science research and improve the Interface between research

and the seed sector; and

+ Maximise the efforts of ll extension providers to ensure effective diffsion of information

‘om new varieties and improved seeds

2404 Action required for specific erop groups

+ Improve information on the supply of seeds and planting material for horticultural and

fodder crops,

‘+ Emphasise the production and improvement of wel-adspd local materials

+ Conduct research on production procedures to maximise yield and qualily of these seeds

and improve the competitiveness of lea production: and

+ Exchange information and expertise within the region through bilateral and multilateral

arrangements and projects and withthe assistance of international agencies

2.105 Donor Support

The distinguished delegate from GNIS (France) expressed his willingness to seek financial support from government agencies for work on seed regulations and seed information management in the NENA region, provided that these activities are part of a solid technical programme under the cconsuative forum,

of the seed sector and crop genetic resources in the region The Consultative Forum wil facilitate inter-country scientific collaboration en seed production, with the assistance of relevant establishments and fra to promote erop genetic resources evaluation, conservation and utilisation The Forum will snitially function on a voluntary basis until a formal status is designed and approved by the respective member govemments The Consultative Forum will be composed of- institutions fom each member country (represented by an offically designated specialist ~ foc pin); international institutions that are active im the seed sector inthe rion; a representative of rational seed (trade) assoeietion} or of seed company(es) in ease no national seed associations exis, and invited resource persons The Consultative Forum was given the acronym Consultative Forum on Seed inthe Near East and North Affica (CFS-NENA),

‘To address regional scientific issues of difficult nature, the forum wil be supported by specialised scientific and technical working groups These specialised groups will link the seed initiatives in dierent parts of the region to the Consultative Forum, which in turn will connect the region lo otter regional inialives on seed development, conservation and utllisstion of crop genetic

The regional Consultative Forum will also play a role in harmonising and strengthening on-going networking initiatives in the sed sector and promote new undertakings at national and sub-regionsl levels In this respect, the existing regional and inter-regional seed and erop genetic resources networks (such as the WANA Seed Network and PGR WANANET) have been identified to sctively participate in the Forum,

“The Forum encourages the participation of countries insttaions“organisatons that are interested 0 collaborate in this endeavor

‘The meeting recommended that FAO should explore the possiblity to assist in establishing and lanoching activites of the Forum The FAO should provide technical support in the harmonisation

"

and guidance on technical and policy issues and explore possibilities for financial support of the activities ofthe Consultative Forum,

Consultative Farum Co-ordination and Strategy

“The general mecting of the Consultative Forum sill be convened every 2 yeats and will be

‘overseen by a chair and a vice chair elected by the meeting The fist general meeting sill be tentatively held in 2001 and Cyprus offered to host this first general meeting,

An ines co-ordinating committe has been established to work in clase collaboration witl FAO

40 keep the momentum of the meeting and to carry out the activities towards the constitutional

‘establishment of the Consultative Forum The interim co-ordinating committee will be composed

‘of a genera} co-ordinator and the six working group co-oadintors, designated Guring the adoption fof the report of the meeting The date and place of the first meeting of the interim co-ordinating

‘committe will he desided in consultation with FAO Is envisaged thal the interim committee will conchide ts work when te fist forum meeting is held

Six working groups were defined to camry out the scientific and technical work identified as pertinent for the development of the seed sector in the region, Each working group wil be led by covorinator

‘Working Groups will organise meetings on specific technical topics, Associating these meetings with ether national and international workshops, symposia or conferences will be pursued as means

of lactating patespation

Al group co-axdinators should offically confirm thet acceptance tothe interim committee with copy lo the FAO Seed and Plant Genetic Resources Service (Dr U.G Menini, AGPS) within three months

The designation of co-ordination responsibilities will e subject to periodic review at each meeting

of the Consultative Forum, and revision whenever necessary, with a view to ensuring thatthe Consuliative Forum and its working groups continue to receive all the support and leadership required ny this regard, questions related tothe functioning of the Working Groups val be refered

to the Interim Committee, which will ake interim measures a8 necessary to ensure efficent

‘operations

The structure of the Consultative Forum i represented inthe following chart

‘Technology Transfer and Training

CONSULTATIVE FORUM (Every 2 Years)

P.M, = Planting material

3⁄1 The Role and Functions ofthe Interim Co-ordinating Committee and Consultative Forum 3⁄11 Interim co-ordinating committee

Make preparations for the establishment of the Consultative Forum, including the following specific + Communicate with all countries and intemational organisations of the region in consultation with

FAO to confirm their interest in participation i the Forum

+ Prepare information explaining the role of the proposed Forum and circulate this to interested

partes, incheding a website in association with FAO

+ Prepare a draft constitution for the Forum taking into account the recommendations made atthe

(Cyprus meeting and to be approved atthe foundation meeting ofthe Forum,

Prepare the foundation meeting ofthe Forum

Co-ordinate the activities ofthe different working groups

Promote specific meetings on tecincal subjects

Promote efforts to obtain funding assistance ftom donors and financing agencies fr the activities ofthe Forum and the working groups

3.1.2 Consultative forum

‘The consultative Forum will thereafter be responsible forthe activities sted below and any other relevant

‘+ Facilitate communication among the diferent working groups and regional seed and crop genetic resourees networks

+ Facilitate adaptation ofthe working atangements of the Forum to meet member equirements and

to ensure efficiency of operations

© Co-operate 1 identify and obtain funding assistance from donors and financing agencies for

strengthening the Forum activities

Actively participate in issues and undertakings in the other regional initiatives and fore of the FAO and other relevant regional insittions concerned with seed polices and programmes

+ Oversee the co-ordination of the working groups and the management structure of the

Consultative Forum after its offical status has been recognised,

Assist inthe formulation of national seed policies and projects

Provide consulting support to member counties

To facilitate general communications and sharing of information, i was agreed that one or more websites should be developed Duplication ofthe ste im French, Arabic and other languages would Further fecitate communication The FAO/AGPS Service will also provide linkages in ts website fr this purpose

32 Technical Working Groups and Co-ordinators

“The meeting identified specific issues to be addressed by the technical working groups, which wil form the basis for the Consultative Forum, Participation in the working groups is open to any interested scientists, organisations and associations, as well as researchers from the private sector,

32.1 The role and funetions of the tel

lal working group co-ordinators The responsibilities ofthe technical working group co-ondinators were defined a flows

+ Develop and guide activities appropriate forthe working group,

Prepare and disseminate annual progress reports on working group activities and promote appropriate scientific contributions 1 be included in the Consultative Forum newsleter

‘© Promote specific meetings on echnical subjects within thei groups” area of acti

+ Develop communications trough eleetronie and other media to facilitate sharing of snormation

and iea-yroup contacts

© Prritise the work of their group depending on the resources available and the perceived needs of

~ Construct a reletional database on seed supply systems and erop genetic resources that are maintained and used at national sgeultural research institutes, international agricultural esearch centres and bythe private sector i the region

Build a web ste with linkages to web pages such asthe CG Centees and other appropriate sites to provide aovess throu the Internet to these databases

Means of tion Construct a World Wide Web site to fecsitate access through the Intemet on seed and srop genetic resources, which are currently miaiained andor used in the region,

‘This information would be used for the eatficatin of the seed systems and crop variees that are curently grown by farmers in the region It would also provide information shout the seed systems and crop genetic resources that are maintained and sed by public and private plant improvement programmes,

I Working Group on Seed Rules and Regulations

Assis comuries of the region to update their seed legislation and regulations to take lnccount of changes in the sed industry bork nationally and internationally

Through this process, alse promote the harmonisation of seed laws, regulations and standards to file trade within the reson

To make the task manageable, sd to reflect the diferent recnical agencies that may be involved, the Following proposed acwvities deal with the components of sce legislation and regulation separately Activity Preliminary’ assessment of needs and priorities

Means of wesion:

= Review the curent status of sed lays and regulations within dhe region and identify subscepions within which & more uoem regulatory framework would be destable based on this review, assess the willingness of counties to partieipat in this activity

in principle, and the extent oftheir needs for seed laws, ceritieation standards, and plant variety m0feetion Ientify key contact agencies and persons inthe participating countries, and foreach ofthe selected topics

= Prepare a realistic and prioritised schedule for implementing the proposed activites For each of the major exp groups

Activity 3: Revise snd uate uniform field and seed standards forthe mar erops ofthe region,

Means of ction

= Collec and review existing feld and seed standards forthe major crops ofthe region,

~ Prepare realist minimum standards and procedures as the busis of 8 draft sub: regional eetfeation scheme

= Cireuate to certifiation sgenctes inthe sub-region for comment and incorporation of eee amendments,

= Prepare a drat regional cenficaton scheme for consideration by Ciovemments and the technical agencies

Elaborate on phytosanitary regulations and regional harmonisation Means of Action

‘Assess phvosanitary regulations ofall counities in the repion and identity constraints for harmonisation

= Based on this assessment and in close eollaboration with the FAO, especially the Secretetit of the Inemationsl Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) and PHor Informed Consent (PIC), and other intemational organisations involved in plant and soot! heal, define eventual setions to be undertaken in the xegioh 19 improve Standards and facilitate seed movement aetoss countries

Activity 5 Elaborate ona plant variety protection iw in accordance withthe existing sed laws

Means of action

= Assess the curent status of variety descriptiontepistration procedures and facies

in the participating countries Assist countries in the preparation of 2 model PVP law hased on the UPOV 1991 Act sand also with the model seed laws, mentioned in Activity 2

~ Translate into Arabic and circulate to the pariipating Ministries for comment,

= Convene a meeting ofthe concerned sal? to review implementation ofthe draft law and possible regional collaboration in variety testing

Prepare @ revised draft Ine and propose or advocate sts acceptance to participating countries, particularly those, which have signed the WFO agreements,

|: Working Group on Technology Transfer and Training

To promote national programmes af research, education, and trasning on see production

‘and technology at actalemic, teclcal and practical raining institutions,

To strengrhen farmers’ capacity to produce high quality seed Cary out a survey of recen sed research and output to be used for taining activities and develop an inventory of aiming capacity i the majr sub-regions

Means of Aeton:

Design and implement 9 survey of relevant taining programmes and tining institutions atthe national and regional level

Design and implement 9 survey of informal tuning methodologies and activities

\withis local communities documenting indigenous knowledge relative to farmers {osomen and men) seed production and management systems

Develop 4 comprehensive training programme policy that addresses the needs of the national seed programmes and regional co-operation on see security which inches all Felevant stakehokers,

Meuns of Acton Design and implement seed raining programmes that reflect the need of the major sub-regions and the major seed sector stakeholders

Develop an approach to farmer and farmer community trsining with particu emphasis

‘on the informal sed sector Means of detion:

= Carty out an assessment of the respective and complementary roles played by women and men in seed sector activites, hich underpin seed sect

Design and implement mechanisms for information dissemination and networking relative

to farm-ievel methodologies to improve seed and planting material production and

‘management

Develop information on seed technology equipment suitable for small seed production farmers,

‘Means of denon:

“Assess seed technology equipment and facilities at national level and promote field

“demonsiration on modern machinery

IV: Working Group on Forage and Pasture Seed

‘To promote forage and pasture seed production ithe region

|entify and harmonise the mechanisms for the production of high quality seed of pasture and forage erops i the region,

Means of Acton:

Conduct a thorough review of public and private agricultural infiastrcture in the region, deni those with adequate facilites to multiply seeds of varieties adapted to the agro-ecological and socio-economic conditions under which the respective crops ate grove,

= Develop an action plan to feclitate the multiplication of forage and pasture seeds xops

~ Design guidelines for promoting sustainable development of forage and pasture seed produetion a the evional level

Identify common constraints in the uifisation of forage genetic resources within the region

Means of Action

“= denify priority erop toe considered for forage seed ptoduction in the region and

«develop appropriate guidelines for nationa extension services, Promote distribution systems for seed of adapted forage, and pasture erops in the region, Means of ction:

“Provide guidance to national extension services on programmes to he undertaken in

‘order to assist Farmers lo improve pasture erop production through high quality seeds, Develop reliable statistics of relevant data and information en pasture, and forage sees Means of Action:

= Usalate and maintain proper database related to forage and pasture genetic resources, crop production and seed requirements and availability, ancloding research acuvities

and seientific information on forage seed Disseminate tis information throng the World Wide Web,

V: Working Group on Seed Security

= Determine national-level mechanisms and programmes enabling linkages among the

‘major stakeholders atthe regional, sub-regional, and national levels

= Liste with the technical working group on the harmonisation of seed rules and regulations fo determine constraints to the movements of seed stocks of adapted varieties in disaster situations

+ Design regional, subregional, and national mechanisms and programmes fo make beter use of the information provided by early waming systems

= Liaise wit the other technical working groups of the Consultative Group

* Determine effective strategies forthe multiplication and delivery of seed in disaster Collet relevant information inorder to quickly respond 0 the occurrence ofa disaster Means of detion

= Klemity household consumer preference and other socio-economic data,

= Collect information on major crops and varieties and farming systems in the region alfected by a calamity and disaster and available seed stocks af regionally adopted

= Determine mechanisms enabling linkages among the major stakeholders at the regional, sub-regional and national levels to procure appropriate seed stocks

VE Workie Group on Horticultural Seed and Planting Material (Vegetable, Fruit, Omamental, ani Medicinal Crops

Objectives

Actvity I

To promote susainable development of vegetable seed production at national and regional level

IMentfy strategies and mechanisms forthe development of vegetable seed and planting

‘material production inthe re

Meuns of Action:

Tentify vegetable crops deserving vestments and promote national policies to facilitate growers to produce vepetable seed

= Develop programmes for improving sustainable vegetable seed production and

‘market at national and regional levels

Keep record of the organisations and facilities working on vegetable eed production

in the countries ofthe region,

Activity 2: Provide nd update database related to vegetable seed production for the region

Means of Aetion Develop and maintain proper database elated 19 vegetable crop production and seed requirements and availability at country level, as well as on research activities on vegetable seeds Dissemination of information through interactive home page on the World Wide Web,

32.3 Co-ordinators

‘The interim co-ordinating committee

Co-ordinator: Mr Ayman ABDOU-HADID

Professor of Horticulture P.O Box 68, Hadarek Shobrs Cai, Egypt

Working group co-ordinators:

Associate Professor of Seed Technology ead of Seed Teetnology Department Genera Director of International aad Regional Orgamsations Ministry oF Agreuttnre and Technology, Tehran, tan

rage and Pastare Seed Co-ordinator: Me, Moharnmed TAZT

Director, Centre de Prodvction des Semences Pastorates

BP 79 B Jadida Moreeca

Working Group V

Working Group VE

Seed Seeurity Co-ordinator: Mr, Chéhandé BEMANL

ead of Impor-Export Department Manisiry of Agscuttuce

Lebanon Horticultural Seed and Planting Material (Vegetable, Frat, Omamental, and Medicinal Crops)

Co-ordinator: Mr Ayman ABDOU-HADID

Protestor of Horticulture P.O, Box 68, Hadajek Shobra Cairo, Eeypt

REGIONAL MEETING ON SEED POLICY AND PROGRAMMES

INTHE NEAR EAST AND NORTH AFRICA,

Opening address*

by

HE The Minister of Agriculture, Nauurat Resources

‘and Environment Mr Costes Themistocteous

Mr Chairman,

Distinguished partiipants,

Laos & Gentlemen

It gives me great pleasure to extend to you a very warm weleome to Cyprus and t this important regional meeting on seed poiey and programms in the Near East and North Affe

‘We have gladly accepted the ides of hosting this meeting sn Cyprus and I would like to express my deep appreciation othe Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations for their decision to organize ithere, in collaboration with the Agricultural Research Insitute

(Our country has a long history of productive cooperation sith FAO, which goes back to the years immediately after Independence in the early 1960's At that ime, the nevly established Repubite of Cyprus was embarking on a major development effort, tying (© mobilize all available productive resources and to ereate the necessary infastucture that would ensure the economic development and progress ofits people

In this effort, FAO played a major role and contributed greatly to the successful development of the suricultural sector, which has made remarkable progress

‘day, despite the rapid expansion of ether secors of the economy, ike tourism and services, agriculture continues to bean important sector ofthe national economy, contributing sbout 5% to the GDP, providing tmployment to about 10% of the economically active populetion and contributing more than 34% to domestic exports supplementing the income of thousands of rural families and providing raw materials to the agroindosral sector

The Government of Cyprus is dctermined 19 mainiain and further develop this hasi primary sector Rural Alevefopment plans focus mainly oa the provision of adequate infrastructre, improvement of the social and economic postion ofthe farmers, increasing presuetvity and export maximization

‘he subject of your meeting, namely seed policy and programme is of considerable importance for the development ofthe agricultural sector It is widely accepted tat the use of high quality seed combined

‘with good farming practice ean lead 1 higher productivity and improve farm income,

Seed production, processing marketing and certification have been introduced in Cyprus as early as in

1945, The Department of Agriculture hs been dealing intially with the proguction of vegetable seeds for export but subsequently attention was focused onthe production of seed for domestic use Today the Seed + The adress wat rad by Me Panis Aniotlus, Acting Pemanen Seccay, Minis f Agra, Nal Rerates

Production Center of the Ministry of Agriculture is a dynamic Center processing seeds of cereals, forage

‘10ps fod legumes and vegetables for domestic sale covering a large pat of local demand fr such seeds Supply of good quality seed is of vital importance for the farmers of our region Lam confident thatthe

‘delieratons ofthe meeting will highligh the existing simation in the counties oF the region, wil identify ecising problems and wal fomnulate recommendations io overcome them, The meeting will atthe same time prepare the pround for future cooperation on this issue ‘The Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment wil be looking forward to receive your recommendations May I conclude by wishing you every success in your deliberations and to you, distinguished speakers and participants, @ pleasant stay in Cyprus during the meeting and 2 safe return home alter its coneluston|

Thank you very much,

”

REGIONAL MEETING ON SEED POLICY AND PROGRAMMES,

INTHE NEAR EAST AND NORTH AFRICA,

Opening Statement

co

Dr Matinud Busway, Director, Plant Production and Proteetion Dission, P40

Or Ansiotelous, Representative of His Excelleney the Honourable Minister of A

Papachrstodoulow, Director of the Agrcollaral Research Insitute, Dr Costas Gregorio, distingusied uests and participants, dear colleagues sn fiends,

Tas hegin with, Jet me welcome all oF You, on bebalf oF the FAO to this important testinal mesting on Seed Policy and Programmes in tho Near Fast and Novth Aiea, ang express my sincere thanks the Government and people of Cyprus for the warm welcome they bave provided,

ns indeed a prvileg for me to take the oor i tis important event This meeting has broad tecnica

‘coverage and ts aim is to deal i an antegrated manner with numerous issues and activities related to seed Production and myprovement and to stimulate reflection an the important role that this sector is playing for erop and agricultural development i the Near East and North ca,

vs em từ regio ofthe Near East and North Arica thatthe frst seeds were collected, saved and sown

hy the fist larmers The process of hacvesting and replanting selected seed led to the domestextion of stops, Wich today feed 4 huge segment of the world population, Today most Famers af the world comtnve fo save seed front their harvests for replanting i she flowing season, They also often look for rnew seeds fo mect particular needs and to adept to changing cisumstances, Many modem variety innprovemeat and breeding programmes are based on local population and genetic diversity safeguarded

hy the farmers of this region

Mr Chtirman, as you know, PAO is working a the foreZét ithe fight against hunger, malnuteton and overly, It sid to acknowledge that, with barely six months wo the new Millensiun, many developing countries, ieluding eounties sa the Near East and Nort Ais, ats heset with acute shortage of base fond FAO, not long ago, launched the Special Programme for Food Security with special emphasis on assisting Member Countries 1a huress their potential for achieving fond selF-sulfiiency Embedded in Thị effort isthe siratey to se good! quality seed of adupted improved and local varieties asa tool Sor cphancing (in preduet viy

‘Considering that seed is tndomental farming, we should nsore hat fares have unimpeded aevess to

‘quality seed of sellacapted varieties

The Plan of Action adopted hy word leaders atthe World Food Son vn Rome, sn November 199, allimed the need for ood sccury forall peoples, Among others, the Plan of Acton wall fr the

‘creation of palieies and conditions tht will encourage public and private investments to conhiie to fpod Scout and the mobilisation of resources to mevase investient in areas linked to food security

The formal see! prexdaction sector is of very recent arin, even inthe developed eounmes, ft evolved in response to a ned lr ireased farm productivity im situations where a diminishing part af the population had to produce much more ood to feed the seater populace concentrated in the industrialised areas and ssvoing cies ky the Near Fast and North Aftea, whete the formal seed sector Is even move rece, the

1s ghundant evidenee hạt moe than 90% of the planting materials needed o cultivate staple food are still provided through on-farm seed production and distribution tat is orgamsed by farmers themseves «the Sowalled "informal seed sector

The age-old tradition of on-farm seed saving has heen responsible for the diverse plant genetic base winch forms the "building Blocks" of modem high yielding varieties developed by plant breeders Its Pertinent to recognise that by keeping resource uation in equilibrium with the environment through & range of strategies ard techniques to cope withthe vagaries of an unstable agro-socio-ecoogieat sition, farmers have been able to lay a frm foundation for their survival

Unfortunately, this time-proven innovation of sce selfprovisioning is under siege from disasters (mans

‘made and natural) leading to seed shortages, which threaten resouree-poor farmers’ ability to carry on their arming activities, Such disasters as droughts, ood, storms, civil srfe and wars, have i recent xyes, devastated parts of the Neat East and North ica with dire consequences not only for food pvodtvion but also for the safety ofthe regions plant biodiversity

These problems were recognized by Govemments when they developed the Global Plan af Action forthe conservation and sustainable use of plant genetic resources for agriculture This Plan, adopted by 130 sounates at the Leipzig Intemational Technical Conference in 1996, includes a priority activity on

“Supporting Seed Production std Disisbution", includes quite specific recommendations for governments, and ther national agricultural research systems, taking ino account also the views of the private sector farmers organizations and their eommunits

Several regional seed initiatives and crop genetic resources related networks have heen established inthe region daring the last years, assisted and sponsored by regional and international institutions and forganizations seh as: ICARDA, ICRISAT, GTZ WANA, FAO ete, to mention only ø few of them,

‘These activities and particularly the networks are playing an important role in deveToping the member counties seed seciots, However, based on the analysis and findings presented in the background

‘document of this Meeting, the need is recognized tor beter policy coordination and harmonization, in fer that all efforts made by national regional and international sakebolders and institutions to enbance the seed inlusey sn onder to meet the Famers requirements on PGR conservation and use, and sel and planting material production, The recommendations of this Meeting should provide member countries

‘with valuable guidance for developing a concerted ststegy for seed and planting material production and tisribution systens, based on a sod seed policy and feasible seed development programmes tn achieving ths FAO coold provide valuable auidanve and technical assistance

Ac his juncture an behalf of the Director-General af FAO, [ish o thank the Government of Cyprus for basting this meeting My congratilation go to the National Organizing Committe for so aly making all the necessary local preparations I also wish to commend all my colleagues from the Seed and Plant Gnetic Resources Service, parteulary Dr U.G, Menini, Chief of he Seed and Plant Genetic Resources Service, nd Dr Sikor, the Seed Senior Officer, whose vison and dedication to the development ofthe sco sector have made this micting reality

fo FAO's invitation to attend this Meeting

thank you all and wish vou pleasant stay in Cyprus anda very fruitful Meeting

Ð PRODUCTION AND IMPROVEMENT: ASSESSMENT FOR THE NEAR EAST AND NORTH AFRICA,

(SEED SECURITY FOR FOOD SECURITY) Seed ant Plant Genetic Resources Service (AGPS, FAO Rome, dal

1 INTRODUCTION

Achieving national food security while reducing envitonmental degradation and the depletion of natural resources is one of the important challenges Facing most counsies inthe Near East and Nosth Arca, Moat goverments in the revion fave invested significant resourees inlo strengthening their egneultucal pacites In addition, the region has received assistance from bilsteral ad sulilateral development auences to attain food security However, despite these efforts, the food self-sufficiency ratio inthe Neat Eastand North Aiea has been falling by 1% each sear mainly due to high population growth, As a result the 1996 World Food Summit concluded that more assistance and vealistie approashes inthe agricul sector are needed if tood security 5 10 he achieved and sstained in the regon, In response, the Rome Declaration ew World Food Security and the World Food Summit Plan of Action has established the foundation for diverse pas to puaramecine food scourity The stehethening of the seed supply stor i

‘one ofthe main staegies forthe Near East and North Arica AO, 1997),

Guaranteeing farmers ongoing acess to quality sced can only be achieved if there is viable Seed supply system to muiply and distribute the sed of plant Xatidies that have hesn produced or preserved and if rechanisms 4 assist farmers in emergency stations have been established Agriultural polices aimed

at achieving, food seousty in a country mist emphasize seed sysiem siategis that wll ensure the availability of quality and lovally-appropriate seed varictes fo men and vomen farmers ina timely ad alTonabe Fashion

An in-depth assessment ofthe seed supply sestr inthe Near East and Nonh Alig i essential before any realistic strategies For Foture development of the seed sector i the region is designed n th docum the seed supply sectors of 22 counties in the Near Fast and North Africa are examined and isses relevant

to the seed production and distribution in the region are also evaluated Furthermore the document analyzes important linkages between the seed supply systems and other services offered to farmers inthe region, Alemative srategies for policy makers that ca be apd aovoraing to the provavling conditions

Ìn tách country ate also explored

nite seed set n the egi0n, su 3 B(ie'eonchsjon, Â surat’ daa

ast and North Affiea is attached as an annex to this

linprowements, ations to sry

‘of he agricul snd seo supply seston the Ne

LA Agro-ecotogieal and Socio-economic Setting

LA Agro-ecotogiem zones in the Near Fast and North Aftiea

tra, Kueait Sgia, Lebanon, Jordan, Baypt, Libya, Tunisia, and Algeria Agriculturaly, these counties hhave very low potential except for a few areas where imigation projects have heen developed or oasis syrieuliue i practiced, The anea under perennial erops and forests newlizibe i this ecosystem, a6 70%

fr the Tad is eset som-deset eis estimated that desertiieation in the region, is progressing at 0.3% answally and most eaunfies are well aware of the implications oF the deserts rapid encroachment

i most parts of the repion, rangslands have been over-grazed and over-exployed to the Timit of

‘ereverible degradation, Sustainable agrculmal production in these rangelands could only be attained

‘wth earful handling ofthe resources to conserve the Fragile environmen

In the agro-ceological zones ofthe res of the epion, rain-ed erops are grown, but yields are usually lw

In ation to rainfed agrcultare, major imation projects have been successfully carried out in Egypt Moroeeo, Turkey igen, fran anổ In

1.1.2 Beanomie status of the countries in the Region

"he economies of most contees inthe region ave dominated by the oil industey However, depressed oi prices, and rises it noreoil commodity prices, have seriously hurt the region's economics, partly ose of the major ail exporters For sstance 1994 ce pres reached thet lowest levels since 1973 and prospects for sgmifieant increases in prices, atleast an the shor-term do sot appear encourasine Uhese rubles have resulted in economic retorts fdsased on improving economic efficieney and reducing sternal dohf As a resul, most govemments have reengnized wsrcultire a eriiel for the over] development ofthe region,

Although there are large variations among countries, the agricultural sector plays smportan role i the economy of matty Near East and North Alcan countries It emplays of average 25.7% of the working Dpapulation, ranging fram 1.3% in Ko lo Số] im Yemen and shares an average 15.1% athe G Domestic Product (GDP), ranging fom 3.140 414% (FAQ, 1996: Le Busnes, 1997)

‘These efforts have generated foreign exchange as well 3s Seasonal employment opportunities,

12 Natural Resource Conservation and Management

The Near Bast and Nosh Alia region is the center of genetic diversity oP same ofthe world's major food crops sucl 35 what, barley, oat, re, len, pea, oats, beet anichoke, olive, gape, onion, gate and dae palm (FAO, 199Gb), However most eounines sn the region hve reported the extinction of some plants đem their center of origin Genet erosion Is generally caused hy the replacement of local varieties by improved” or exotic varieties, in addition to population pressure and urbanization Overgrazing and fenviconmental effets are mentioned as important factors eonitbating to the deetease in natural genetic

‘anability in Moroeco, Saud Arabia, and Yemen,

‘erosion by wind and water, and rangeland vegetation ts degrading under the pressure of overgrazing Due

to the rising demand for food, coniauous cereals are replacing the rational cereal-aliow rolabon, shel farther depletes land an inereases the vitulenee of diseases undermining the sustainability of production, The conservation an maintenance of land nd sts productivity ac, thoreloee oF eis] coc

(Crop and lisestock farming are the min agricultural pursuits of most small farmers wn the region ard

‘whet and harley dominate the agriculiral praction, Wheat xs the staple fot crop and barley 16 the major feed source and, ta lesser exten, 2 human fod in practieally every country where sis EI0Wn, Thre has bees rapid progress im genetic improvement af these boo crops especially in more favorable ssgncullual orcas However, the new varieties have eeerally nat been adapted oF accepted by the farmers

‘sho generally work under adverse conditions

‘wheat and hurley fave regsteed a steady norease in production since the last vo devades, This ierease

‘was mainly due to expansion imo new farming areas, improvement of productivity in favorable areas mainly by the use oF improved vartties, and appropriate management practices sn certain couries,

However despite this increase the reqon 4s sil a net yngoer oŸ wheat and barley (FAO, 1998) 7a Further raise the production auricultural pobeies that promote crop productivity in vaarginal land areas shuld he encouraged The evelopment of vasietes that ate adupled ard accepted by most farmers

‘working under agncultural constmined eondiions and the strengthening of on-farm sect prouction sippears erica throwehout the region

The most important food Jezumes are fabs bean, chichpet, lentil and, to # leser exten dey pe Fab hea 16 grown extensively ih the wetter coastal Zones ad Is produced under migmtlen in North Ales Chickpea is adapted to areas receeving 350-180 mm annual rainfall and lends eultiwated in der ones it the Near East These thee erops account for nearly 7% ofthe tolal area cultivated Ia cool-season foo legumes in the region, Within the st Few years, several national grajects for legume improvement have heen developed saost a which are supported by the nferraenal Centr for Agricultiral Research sn Dry Areas (ICARDA), While legume breeding 1s now receiving more attention, there is tll lk of goo legume cultivars and seed production of food legumes 1s relatively undeveloped in many countries 9 the

2.1 Depentlence on Fuod Imports

‘Most counstes tn the Near East and Norh Afea region rely heavily on food imports to set their

‘mereasing food demands The rezion isthe largest food-importing region is the developing world, wit ts fod selEsuffieiency ratio falling by 1% each year, Agriculural importation now accounts for 25% ofits total imports In the past decal, the impor of important staples such as cereal, lxestock prodhcts,

‘vegetable oils an sugar have inreased substantially

in 1988.80) estimated {0 reash ol tones hy the year 2010, Furthermore, cue tthe rap degradation of hative pastures, livestock praduction is curently depending almost entirely on imported cereal grain and Straw, inereasing coarse grain imports faster than wheat ot re or stance, betwee 1969-71 and [98S

90, coarse grain imports wteeased fold to 13.3 mulion tones and are projected ta reaeh 20.3 million lige by the year 2018)

These large imoreuses st mported agricultural products have led to a sharp rise in foreign exchange

‘expenditures on food imports, The projsted moweases Fed maports mas constezin the eil-probicing

‘unin, but would ertsinly gsravate dhe balance of payment i ahr cosines on the teen, especially the Low-Income Foo! Defies Cousinies (HEDC) such as Afghanistan, Maurvania, Egypt, Meracen, Pakistan, and Yemert Most of the LIPDCs in the region spent average over 25% ofthe merehandise

‘export carmings on food pons

national development plan, A primary objective of agriculture poliies in most Eouiex in thế reglon is

to achieve self-sufficiency in strategie raps,

Jn general, due to structural adjustment programs, the general targets of ssonomme hberalistion and rnarketoicnted refirms have dominated the policy envtonment fe agriculture, However, the ffiieney

ff operations has been constrained by technical, finanoal social, and anfastucture limtations and suneultural merkets ste stil, in many eases, heavily regulated sm the region In sume countries, pete of baste food items have bees contolied to keep the cost af ying down, and others have subsidized producer prices for wheat, harley anal agriultural mpats, These polices have presented dificulties for Pevatization and as a result, major poltey shifis have been required in most countries to promate sgreultural Hberlvzation For instance Algeria made a policy change in April 1994 by iberalizing 1s suvicllural policies through a reduction inthe producer prise sopport for cereals, nolses and other Selested craps an inerease i interest rates, and a reduetion in othe camapete elimination of dret an ndinect input subsiies,

23° Agricultural Research,

While agrcultue 1s the major user of land, water and biofogieal resources (Bonte-riendieim etal 1994), and the rise am population snd animal ressure tm the region has snereased competition for these resources The rapid growth m urhan population and wndustalvaion šs puttin added demands on the fresh water supply and further limiting the possitlities of expanding cultivable land ficient agneultral resvarch systems ae theelore critical stale roa secunty 1s tobe achieved sp the Neat East and North Africa region

Given the apro-eological diversity of the egion, the constraints faced, and the location specificity oF small-farmers production problems, the expertise research tnsuutions can oer appears erie 10 increasing fod production The National Agricultural Research Systents (NARS) which son a inerease

‘agricultural produetisity and peobtaility nthe Near East and Nanh ANfica, wll continue to play «major role in national and regional development, Most NARS un the Near East and North Africa are composed fof various national agricultural research insbtutes agricultural universities private sector firms, NGOs and farmers’ organizations However, the role each usttution plays tn agreutiyral researc vanes fo county to county Furthermore, since the major agro-eulogical zones inthe Near East ara Nonh Aiizs sane diverse, the type of eraps grown, the technological inp equizements and the major reseaech

‘objectives aso dfler within the rion

The International Agricultral Researeh Centers ARCs) and thei subsegional centers also cateibate 10 the development effor of the region IAKCs and their regional networks supply taining facies, information, technologies! pckages and valuable seeds af ely developed varieties throu their crop evelopment networks For imaunce, Turkey is collaborating on variety development with the Fnterrational Mize and Wheat Inpeovement Cenier (CIMMYT) for wheat sad maize, the herons) Povaia Center (CIP) fr potato, the International Center for Agriculiral Research in Dry Ate35 ICARDA} for wheat, chickpea, and lenHl, the Hotemotional Rice Research Insitute IRRI) for rice, and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CLA) for dey bean Libya receives germplasm mal io CIMMYT ICARDA, and the Arab Center for the Shudics of And Zones an Ory Lands {ACSAD) for

‘elation Gavenmens i the region also receive steateie and policy advice from FAO to sưengthen their research systems,

The major problem cononted by mast NARS and IARC i the region, especially im the 1990s, has be declining and unstable finding Teves, Growing uncertain regarding the Sally af donor fancing was highlighted at the World Food Summit and is recognized as one of the major consrants to future food secu inthe resin sna thyghout the world this gard, national and regional politcal snd Fnanal

commitments to investment in aupicultural research have been eecommended (FAO, 1996), Anather Constraint has been that many ofthe national and inersaionalagrivelural research programs in the ack participatory approaches fo incorporate indigenous knowledge of traditional production systems

24 Agricultural Extension Services

Agricultural production has close linkages wns extension Its the responsibility ofthe extension services

to provide adige to farmers resanlimg sec selection, Ieatment and sierage und to share information regsrding the release of new sarieties and 10 demonstrate thet charactenstcs, Without an etlective extension system responsive to farmers’ needs, would be địHieul to develop a seed supply system, particularly an on-larm improved seed production ster, which requires extension services Exte

an also serve as 9 feck mechanism as agents are exposed Firsthand to farmers! impressions on seed

oF tmproved vanities or technology

fn the Near Fast and North Aftoa, reports thom 22 countries have shown that most counsries have erating extension sersices that are carried ut hy hoth the public and private sectors However mast serves offered by the public sector are fess efficient mainly de 40 fganeial constraints, deficient transportation, lack of imeentves fo motivate extension dgenl< snd leek of appropriate varieties that farmers Sind acooplable Due to these eonsrsnts, man counties have Line the mumiber wf services prosided by the public stor Foe msianee, i Jordan exiension is nite to promotion ofthe vse of good {ality seed, whereas in Yemen extension services strictly offer technical asistanec, Inthe private sector NGOs are also active

The lack of efficient national extension services was mentioned by the majority of govemments at the twventy-sezana FAO regional conference for the Near East as one ofthe major constraints to agricultural development in the region (FAO 1994), Jordse, Syria, Lebanon, Yernen, Moxoveo, Mauritania, Tuikey Afghanistan, and Pakisian spectically expressed the oeed ta strengthen their agricultural extension

25 Availabilty of Agricul al Inputs

To manimize their genete potential proved seeds ofien toque purchased inputs such as fetbzers pestcile, berbeids, and gato water In the Near East and Nor Africa, these commodies are generally imported, and therelore require substantial fore exchange the demand for sed is ike tobe afeted by their avail snd price, In mast cases, the public sector ss responsible for agricola) {development programs inulin the provision of agricltual inputs to farmers Many government in the region such a¢ Exypr, Josdan, Lebanon, Morocco, Syn, Tunisia and Turkey have adopted the policy of subsides for some agricultural puts thus reducing the eost of improved seed prosaction and merexsine

ts use for hor prodkctvity (Bishaw et al, 1997) Howeser, the move towards @ market-oriented conom’ in most Near East and North Aiea counteies is diminishing the role of public sector in Agicultual devglopmtent

‘management practices af tdtional production systems,