SADC SEED SECURITY NETWORK

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1 SADC Security Network A Bimonthly Publication of the SADC Security Network SADC SEED SECURITY NETWORK Issue No. 19 Vol. 1 February SADC Security Network welcomes you to the SADC Update in which we provide current information on the seed situation of the SADC region. This is the first issue for this year A meeting of SADC Permanent Secretaries of Agriculture Dr. Tomas Mondlate, Minister of Agriculture, Mozambique IN THIS ISSUE SADC Permanent Secretaries of Agriculture on harmonization of seed regulations -1 The road map for accomplishing harmonization of seed regulations -2 Standardization training in seed testing in support of harmonization of seed regulations -2 Certification Accreditation -3 Phytosanitary for Standardization traing in support of harmonization of seed regulations -4 Three workshops to be convened in Cape Town on harmonization of seed regulations -5 SADC Security Network (SSSN) Steering Committee approves work on harmonization of seed regulations -5 Southern Africa System Development Meeting -6 Current seed situation in the SADC region -6 Introduction. We sense that this information is useful to farmers, seed houses, development agencies and policy makers who are concerned with the food security of the region. Angola Botswana Democrtic Republic of Congo Lesotho Madagascar Malawi Mauritius Mozambique Namibia South Africa Swaziland Tanzania Zambia Zimbabwe 1 We will continue to provide this information and we encourage that you give us feed back so that we can improve this information product and make it more relevant. SADC Permanent Secretaries of Agriculture on harmonization of seed regulations Harmonization of Regulations was held at the Cardoso Hotel, Maputo, Mozambique on 8 & 9 December The meeting was attended by Permanent Secretaries from 12 Member States, namely: Angola, Botswana, Democratic Republic of Congo, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Also in attendance were representatives of seed organizations and International Agricultural Research Centers. The meeting was opened by the Minister of Agriculture of the Republic of Mozambique, His Excellency Dr. Tomas Mondlate, top left. The objectives of the meeting were: To review progress made in the preparation of harmonization of seed regulations; To provide further guidance and inputs to the process of harmonization of seed regulations; To take ownership of the process at Policy Level; and Develop a road map leading to approval by SADC Ministers of Agriculture and implementation by Member States. At this meeting technical proposals on SADC Variety Registration and Release system, SADC Certification and Quality Assurance System, and SADC Quarantine and Phytosanitary Measures for were presented. These documents will form an integrated harmonized seed regulation system that will facilitate easier movement of seed across borders within the SADC region, without compromising on quality and plant health aspects. At this meeting the Permanent Secretaries of Agriculture agreed to adopt a harmonized seed regulation system. Currently only 10% of farmers in the region are using seed of improved varieties. The system, when implemented, will improve seed trade among Member States, thereby increasing availability of quality seeds to farmers. This is in line with the Dar-es-Salaam Declaration, which emphasizes the need for seed security in order to attain food security.

2 The meeting noted a dire need for capacity building at national and regional levels. The proposed system will require qualified personnel in seed testing and inspections, variety release procedures and aspects of quarantine and plant health. In addition, the proposed system will require adequate seed testing and plant health equipment in order to meet the relevant regional and international standards. Permanent Secretaries further noted the need to have a cost effective institutional framework which can be implemented within the existing structures at national and regional levels. The meeting stressed the need for the system to be sustainable without unduly burdening the Member States and farmers. Delegates at Permanent Secretaries Meeting In order to facilitate seed movement across borders, the meeting noted the need to involve Ministries of Trade and Commerce to participate in the follow-up discussions, which will prepare final proposals for submission to the Integrated Committee of Ministers (ICM). The SADC Security Network, operating under the Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources (FANR) Directorate, has been mandated to manage the process. The meeting expressed appreciation to the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) for financial support, as well as the government and the people of the Republic of Mozambique for hosting the event. The road map for accomplishing harmonization of seed regulations iin the SADC region has been planned in the steps below:- (i) Address concerns of Permanent Secretaries of Agriculture including development of implementation manuals; The road map for accomplishing harmonization of seed regulations Standardization training in seed testing in support of harmonization of seed regulations South Africa held a SADC To determine future training Security Network Standardisation needs. Course in Testing. The standardisation course in the Department of Agriculture s Roodeplaat offices took place over a period of two weeks early October 2005 Mrs. Pamela Strauss - Trainer explaining seed testing rule book to participants One senior seed analyst from each SADC country was nominated to attend. The analyst would then (ii) Convene meeting of technicians both Agriculture and Trade; (iii) Sensitize Permanent Secretaries both Agriculture and Trade; utilize the acquired knowledge back at their own national laboratories to ensure this standardisation is enhanced in the SADC Region. The main objectives of the course were: To promote standardisation in seed testing by application of the current International Testing Association seedtesting rules. To determine deficiencies/ problems areas in current national laboratories in order to improve and thereafter ensure standardisation. To promote application of quality assurance practices in seed-testing laboratories. (iv) Convene Permanent Secretaries both Agriculture and Trade; (v) Presentation of the system to Integrated Committee of Ministers (ICM) and (vi) Management and coordination of the system. The course focused on seedtesting techniques that are currently mostly conducted by national laboratories, i.e. sampling, physical purity analysis and germination test. This covered mainly agronomic crops frequently in use in SADC region, such as maize, sorghum, groundnuts, dry beans, etc, as well as vegetable crops such as onions and carrots. Practical sessions were held on various crops. During one session sunflower seedlings were evaluated in order to provide information on the effect of the different sand types. Participants were also taught the skill to detect 2

3 seedling defects, such as abnormal seedlings occurring naturally versus those caused by suboptimal conditions. Participants during training trying hands on purity test identification received much attention during the course and small seed collections were made available to the participants. This has been identified as one of the areas due to receive attention in the future. Quality assurance was also a topic that was discussed at various stages during the course. The concept of quality assurance varies within the laboratories from well advanced (i.e. the laboratories that have ISTA accreditation where such a system has been developed, implemented and maintained), to laboratories that have very little background in this regard. The course superseded expectations and all the objectives were achieved. The SADC Security Network (SSSN) has requested that the course be repeated over the next few years for pursuing the concept of standardisation until fully achieved. In handing out certificates Mr Edward Zulu, the coordinator of SSSN based in Gaborone, Botswana said that the course was well executed and it is the basis of motivation to call on the Department of Agriculture to assist the SADC region in the area of capacity building in support of harmonization of seed regulations in future. The course has unearthed the great needs for training and we hope that you can allow us to have this event as an annual one in the next three to five years, Stated Mr Zulu. He further appreciated the high level of professionalism with which this course has been conducted by the official seedtesting station of South Africa. He expressed his hope that the course provided an opportunity to form a consortium of SADC Analysts to meet once a year and communicate regularly through proficiency seed testing. SADC will officially ask the South African Government to support the programme of proficiency seed testing. The assistant Director-General, Agricultural Production, Dr Shadrack Moephuli, said that issues of seed standardisation should remain on the SADC agenda. He stated that the course brought the opportunity to measure what other people bring to the country. standardisation is important as far as South Africa is concerned and such skills are important, said Dr Moephuli. He concluded by indicating that he would take note of the request for the programme to be conducted annually. Certification Accreditation Workshop SADC Security Network in conjunction with other seed stakeholders conducted a Certification Accreditation Workshop in support of harmonization of seed regulations which was held November in Lusaka, Zambia. SADC is pursuing efforts to harmonize seed regulations to promote regional seed trade in line with regional integration. After a series of discussions, three technical proposals have been formulated and include a regional seed certification system. The regional seed certification system formulated provides for wider participation in the area of seed certification and quality assurance in which the private sector will have a role in partnership with the public sector. In order to achieve this, a system of accreditation needs to be put in place in all SADC Member States. Under this system, seed companies or private sector will be authorized and take an active role in seed certification and quality control of the seed they are producing and marketing through a system of authorization from the government seed certification authority. As resources and capacity by governments to manage seed certification systems dwindle, involvement of other players including seed companies and universities has become an attractive and sustainable option for providing and managing certification services of seed. In order to effect this, it is imperative that staff be involved 3

4 are provided with the necessary capacity to meet the challenges as provided by the SADC Certification System. The workshop was held to provide participants with detailed theory and practical knowledge on seed certification accreditation, based on process management, which included sharing of experiences through country status reports discussions and field visit to an accredited seed company and the government seed certification agency. The objectives of the workshop were: To impart knowledge on process management and seed certification accreditation in support of harmonization; To share experiences on accreditation; Take stock of the status of accreditation in SADC Member States; To develop a first draft of accreditation procedures manual based on process management To provide useful information for setting a way forward for implementation of accreditation The workshop was attended by three (3) participants per country including seeds personnel in public and private sector. Participants were awarded certificate of participation on successful completion of the workshop. The workshop was funded by Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation and USAID through Iowa State University s Science Centre and ICRISAT. It was organized by the Centre in conjunction with SADC Security Network. Phytosanitary for Standardization training in support of harmonization of seed regulations SADC Security Network in conjunction with the Ministry of Agriculture, Zimbabwe hosted a Standardization Training Workshop on Phytosanitary for seed Measures from December, 2005, Harare, Zimbabwe. This workshop was in support of the current efforts on harmonization of seed regulations to promote easier movement of seed in SADC. It was targeted at staff who will be responsible for implementation of the SADC phytosanitary for seed system. systesystem.ystem. Dr. Cames Mguni and participants during training The Workshop focused on the management of plant quarantine pests transmitted through seed and vegetative plant material with the view to preventing their entry, establishment and spread in the SADC region. Emphasis was made on the pests that have been isolated as those requiring controls in seed trade among SADC Member States. Objectives of the workshop were to train a competent cadre of experts who will have the necessary tools to implement the SADC Phytosanitary for seed system currently being developed. This is to ensure that the process gets a faster and smooth implementation when approved. The focus was on:- Importance of seed health in crop production Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) principles and Pest Risk Analysis in Trade Identification of SADC quarantine pest species borne on seed and vegetative plant material Damage symptoms caused by quarantine pests borne on seed and vegetative plant material Phytosanitary measures for the containment of quarantine pests (for selected major crops) transmitted by seed and vegetative plant material in SADC. Implementation of the harmonized phytosanitary measures for seed and vegetative plant material in the SADC region The workshop was funded by Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation through SADC Security Network. 4

5 SADC Security Network in conjunction with the Ministry of Agriculture, South Africa is convening three seeds workshops in Cape Town, South Africa 5-18 March in support of harmonization of seed regulations in the SADC region. The workshops include Certification Accreditation Workshop to be held 6-10 March, Import/Export (Phytosanitary for seed) Workshop to be held March and Variety testing and registration accreditation workshop to be held in parallel March,. Objectives of the Certification Accreditation Workshop include: Presentation, revision and finalization of last draft of accreditation procedures based on process management by each country; Development of model quality manuals for seed companies and seed testing laboratories and SADC SEED SECURITY NETWORK Three workshops to be convened in Cape Town on harmonization of seed regulations Provide information for release based on process implementation of accreditation. management; Objective of the Import/ Export (Phytosanitary for seed) Workshop include: Impart knowledge on process management in support of harmonization; Share experiences on phytosanitary issues related to seed; Develop a first draft of a procedures manual for seed import/export for each country, based on process management, that combines the phytosanitary and seed quality systems and requirements and Discuss and agree on the way forward for implementation. Objectives of the Variety testing and release workshop include: Impart knowledge on process management in support of harmonization; Share experiences on variety release; Develop a first draft of procedures manual for variety Provide technical specifications for conducting Distinctness, Uniformity and Stability (DUS) tests and Value for Cultivation and Use (VCU) for various key crops and Provide useful information for setting a way forward for implementation of a SADC Variety Release system. At the end of these workshops participants will be equipped with skills and knowledge which will help to facilitate a smooth implementation of a harmonized seed regulatory system. The workshops are funded by Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) through SADC Security Network, International Maize and Wheat Research Centre (CIMMYT) and International s Research Institute for Semi-arid Tropics (ICRISAT) and Sustainable Commercialization of in Africa (SCOSA) through USAID. SADC Security Network (SSSN) Steering Committee approves work on harmonization of seed regulations The fourth SADC Security Network (SSSN) Board meeting that was held in December in Maputo, Mozambique approved work plans on harmonization of seed regulations for the year. They include:- Advancing to policy and political levels work on harmonisation of seed regulations to create a more enabling environment for seed trade; Finalisation of technical standards and procedures and developing manuals for mechanics for implementation and management of:- (i) a SADC Variety Registration and Release System, (ii) a SADC Certification and Quality Assurance System, (iii) a SADC Phytosanitary for system Training in support of harmonization of seed regulations; Initiating and Consolidation of work on Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) for. Mrs. Margaret Nyirenda, SADC (left), Mrs. Annamarie Minder, SDC (right) Speaking earlier during the meeting, the Director of Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources Directorate (FANR) of SADC Secretariat, Mrs. Margaret 5

6 Nyirenda who is the Chairperson of the SSSN Board informed the meeting that the SSSN had advanced the process of harmonization of seed regulations to a critical stage where increased support was required to ensure approval at policy and political levels. She assured the meeting that the Secretariat through the Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources Directorate will guide the SSSN into achieving the set goals. The Swiss representative Mrs. Annamarie Minder reiterated the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation s (SDC) continued support to the efforts of food security in the SADC region through the SADC Security Network. She was impressed that much had been achieved during the year. Recently, US Agency for International Development, Regional Centre for Southern Africa through Dr. Jerry Brown, Senior Adviser called for a meeting of key peopleand institutions involved in seed systems development activities in southern Africa February, in Gaborone, Botswana. The meeting was organized to promote greater coordination across these activities, especially those that are supported or interact with USAID. The major Southern African System Development Meeting, February 13-15, CURRENT SEED SITUATION IN THE SADC REGION BOTSWANA In reacting to drought that that 5 hectares. Government spent affected crops in the country the over P3 million (600,0000 USD) on previous season, government seed alone to farmers as a introduced drought relief drought relief measure. measures. These measures The above average rainfall include supply of free seed of recorded all over the country major crops (sorghum, maize, promises a good yield for most millet and cowpeas) to small crops.. In addition to current scale farmers planting not more projected seed production, there is Table 1: status in Botswana Production Projections sets of project activities discussed included SADC Security Network (SSSN), Iowa State University, International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC) International Research Institute for Semi-Arid tropics (ICRISAT), International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), Cornell University, Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources Policy Analysis Network (FANRPAN), SADC Trade Hub, Rutgers University, Maize 1,011 2,000 Groundnuts Sorghum 7,759 2,000 Cowpea Millet carry over seeds of 772 tons of maize, 1,306 tons of sorghum, 5 tons of cowpeas, 3 tons of millet, 10 tons of groundnuts and 9 tons of sunflower for 2004/04 season. The current outlook suggest deficit in maize cowpeas and millets. The rest of the crops will be in surplus. Source: Department of Agricultural Research, Ministry of Agriculture Stellenbosch University, and University of Zambia Representatives of each of these initiatives briefly outlined their program objectives, activities and some of their major results. Discussions highlighted areas of overlap and opportunities for greater collaboration. The meeting stressed the need to communicate on what each institution was doing. A website will be developed in order to facilitate this. Surplus Surplus

7 Fertilizer problems continue to affect seed production. There is little formal seed production in the Table 2: status in Democratic Republic of Congo Production Projections Maize ,316 Groundnuts ,525 Beans Cowpea Rice 442 1,129 1,304 Soyabean Cassava 765 8,370 Cutting (Km) 7 SADC SEED SECURITY NETWORK 53,900 Cuttings Source: Department of Extension Services, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock General crop outlook for this season is very good for seed security. Using voucher system, the government has provided fertiliser at subsidized prices to small scale farmers targeting mainly maize and tobacco farmers. Normal price for basal dressing fertilizer is at US$28 for MALAWI 50 kg bags while the subsidized one is US$8. This has created an environment where fertiliser has been made affordable to more small scale farmers. Vouchers are given to and administered by headmen. This programme is working and is set Table 3: status in Malawi Production Projections DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO country and getting information continues to be a problem because of poor infrastructure. The little Maize 5,806 18,386 18,000 Groundnuts ,000 Beans ,000 Soyabean ,000 Sorghum to continue next growing season. The area planted to hybrid seed maize has been reduced due to higher levels of carry over seed stocks. Table 3 below show enough seed for maize and all crops are in deficit. Surplus seed Source: Technology Centre, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security information available suggests that all seed crops are in deficit.

8 Ministry of Agriculture is the sole official producer of seed in Mauritius. This production caters for 60% of the requirement of Table 4: status in Mauritius Production Projections MAURITIUS growers locally. The rest of the island s requirement is met by self-production by the growers and minimal imports. Vegetables are Maize N/A Groundnuts N/A Beans 26 9 N/A Soyabean N/A Cowpea N/A Source: Ministry of Agriculture the major seeds produced in Mauritius. For the current season 2005/06 there has been an increase in local seed production areas compared for many crops except for maize. However the planted area may be affected by floods that jwere experienced in the central region. The season started late and many farmers are still MOZAMBIQUE plantingjanuary/february. Companies tend to contract growers late and this will be discussed at the Forum that was created last year to facilitate coordination. The seed companies involved in seed production in 206 are PANNAR, Qualita, Dengo Commercial and IAP TETE and ONG, Africare and one public institution USEBA for basic seed. Although there are government efforts to promote local seed production, the estimated production is still below the total seed needs fmajor crops. Table 5: status in Mozambique Production Projections Maize 1,722 8,035 26,410 seed Groundnuts ,792 Beans ,200 Soyabean N/A Sorghum Cowpea ,376 Rice ,894 Source: Department, National Directorate of Agriculture, Mozambique N/A: Information not available 8

9 A common feature across the crop-producing areas in Namibia was the late onset of the rains. The late start of the season increased the demand for improved, short duration varieties of maize and pearl millet. While a serious shortage of maize seed NAMIBIA was reported from the Caprivi Region, which led to interventions in seed supply by the Interim Council in late December (provision of financial support from the Namibian Agronomic Board to a regional wholesaler for the purchase of maize seed). Production In the North, Central Regions, the off-season seed multiplication of foundation seed in 2005 ensured that sufficient seed the production of certified seed is available (pearl millet, cowpea). The area estimated for white grain maize is about 1 Million hectares, which represents a decrease of 44% compared to the 1.7 million hectares planted last year. In the case of yellow maize the area estimate is 594,000 hectares or approximately 47% less than the 1million hectares planted last season. The preliminary area estimated for sunflower seed is 492,000 hectares, which is about 7% more than the 460,000 ha planted the previous season. The area estimated for sorghum decreased sharply by 69%, from 86,500 hectares to 26,570 hectares against the previous season. SOUTH AFRICA For groundnuts the area estimated is 44,000 hectares, which is 11% more than the 40,000 ha planted for the previous season. It is estimated that 208,000 hectares have been planted to soyabeans, which represents an increase of 39% compared to the hectares planted last season. In the case of dry beans the area estimated is 55,000 hectares or 12% more than the 49,300 hectares planted the previous season. The current seed situation is that there is enough carry over seed for maize and sorghum. The carryover seed is enough to plant 3 Million hectares of grain maize. Given this scenarior, very little maize seed has been planted. It is estimated that only 20% of the total maize production will be produced this year. The same is true for sorghum seed where less hectarage has been dedicated to seed production. Other crops however, remain in the same range of production as the previous years. The South African National Association (SANSOR) which is charged with the responsibility of collecting seed statistics will only have a clear picture in May when a survey is generally conducted Table 6: Status in South Africa Production Projections Maize N/A N/A 14,167 Groundnuts N/A N/A 4,000 Beans N/A N/A 2,375 Soyabean N/A N/A 8,850 Sorghum N/A N/A 322 Sunflower N/A N/A 6,210 Source: South African National Organisation (SANSOR) Adequate amounts of different seed varieties were available at N/A: Information not available SWAZILAND various seed outlets at the start of the planting season. Credit to 9 purchase was available from various financial institutions.

10 Farmers who have joined the maize production scheme obtain some assistance in the form of access to tractors and are given on loan inputs enough to plough and plant a one-hectare field and pay back the loan after harvesting and selling the produce. Inputs include lime, fertilizers, seeds and insecticides. At present certain areas are designated maize blocks in all the four regions of Swaziland and each covers about 50 hectares each. They are up to four by fifty hectare fields (50 x 4) per region planted under this scheme. Farmers are now experiencing higher yields as a result of this effort which complements the National Maize Competition (NAMCOM) an annual event by the Swaziland Government and various stakeholders including input suppliers, millers various agroindustry based entities. This current year national price winner produced over twelve tonnes of maize per hectare and obtained various farmer inputs and pieces of equipment (motorized maize Sheller, 5000 liter water tank etc. The Government of Swaziland in collaboration with FAO facilitated the holding of /Input Fairs starting on the 14 th November and lasting 14 days where a number of Companies involved in the sale of farm inputs market their products. Small-scale seed firms operated by individual farmers or farmers groups also participated in these fairs and were selling quality declared seed of mainly legumes (groundnuts, cowpeas, sesame and jugo beans). The success of this activity was due to the generosity of international donors who financed the printing of vouchers and subsequent redemption (exchange for cash by the venders at the end of the fairs. The vouchers were given to the vulnerable households with which they purchase the preferred inputs and other requirements. This years activity catered for up to beneficiaries. Late rains delayed the planting of the various commercial crops and the countrywide distribution was also not good as some places are receiving very little rains or the amount was inadequate for ploughing and planting. Various households could not plant at all. Those that planted some were hit by a recurrent drought (dry spell) at the most critical stage of crop growth resulting in total crop loss. This affected mainly the early planted crops of which only a small percentage will have a good crop. Some areas are still experiencing up to three weeks of intense heat and drought but the occasional rainfall in some parts of the country improved production even though it is only a small proportion of the total land area. Production Late rains had a minor effect on the maize seed production as all the hybrids and Open pollinated maize seed is produced under irrigation. The crop is presently at early flowering or Grain filling stage. Local production of On-farm seed of legumes is being promoted and a number of farmers throughout the country are currently being assisted. The Quality Control, Swaziland Legume Producers Association (Kellogg Foundation sponsored programme), Agric Extension Service of the Ministry of Agriculture are all taking part in the promotion and production of On-farm seed of Bambara groundnuts (Jugo beans) and groundnuts. These farmers are producing Bambara groundnuts seed, sesame, cowpeas and cover crop seed to be used in conservation agriculture programme. The output from this exercise is expected to increase the land area under legumes and improve household food security on these crops. In the formal seed sector Hybrid maize, Sunflower, Cotton and Field Beans have all been planted and at various stages of growth. The bulk of our seed is imported from neighbouring countries and the rest of SADC. The area anticipated for maize seed production of both open pollinated and hybrid had been expected to increase. This was as a result of increased promotion and open declaration by the Swaziland Development and Savings Bank that funds will be made available for the financing of entities interested in being involved in seed production. This effort was hindered by inadequate quantities of basic seed. 10

11 Table 7: Status in Swaziland Production Projections Maize ,498 Groundnuts 15 6 N/A Beans N/A Source: Quality Control Services, Ministry of Agriculture, Swaziland The good season experienced is likely to have a positive effect on ZAMBIA seed yields.most crops are in surplus for seed. Table 8: Status in Zambia Production Projections Maize 7,289 58,312 20,500 Groundnuts 667 1,133 2,414 Beans Cowpea Rice Soyabean 1,301 5,203 2,218 Sorghum 839 4, Millet Surplus Surplus Surplus Surplus Surplus Surplus Surplus Source: Control and Certification Institute, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives ZIMBABWE Better seed yields are expected this year because of the good rains the country is experiencing. However lack of fertilizers may depress yields and quality of seed. All seed crops are in deficits. 11

12 Table 9: Status in Zimbabwe Production Projections Maize 7,127 42,758 70,000 Groundnuts ,000 Beans ,000 Cowpea ,000 Soyabean 1,955 5,866 32,000 Sorghum 813 1,300 4,000 Millet ,400 Sunflower Cotton ,864 13,00 Source: Services, Ministry of Agricultural and Rural development 12