REPORT

ON

WORKSHOP ON SEED POLICY IN THE ECO REGION (PR 45867)

Report Prepared by ICARDA

P.O. Box 5466

Aleppo, Syria

Final Report

20 December 2011

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Report on Seed Policy Workshop in ECO Region

Summary This workshop was attended by 35 participants, representing all 10 member

countries of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), namely;

Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan,

Turkmenistan, Turkey and Uzbekistan. In addition, two participants from Lebanon attended in order to prepare for their own national seed policy

meeting, to be held in the first week of November 2011. Participants came

from a broad range of institutions in the seed sector including both the public

and private sector.

The purpose of the workshop was to discuss the role of a seed policy in

strengthening national programmes and to collect information on the current

status of the seed sector in the region. On the first day, presentations by staff

of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in collaboration with the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry

Areas (ICARDA) and two international consultants provided background

information on key issues in seed programme development, with emphasis on

the policy dimensions. Each national representative then reported on the situation in their own country, following a framework proposed by the

organisers.

These presentations gave a very comprehensive overview of the seed sector in

the region, and highlighted some key constraints. They showed a wide diversity of experience among the ECO countries and the opportunities for sharing that

experience. However, it was also recognised that there is no general model for

seed policy. A policy must be developed to address the specific context and

needs of each country.

Based on these presentations, eight questions were formulated and discussed

in working groups on the morning of the second day. Two groups comprising

participants from the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) worked in Russian, while two other groups worked in English. The conclusions of the

working groups were presented in a plenary session in the afternoon.

The main themes and conclusions of the workshop, from both the formal presentations and the group discussions, are summarised below.

A seed policy should provide a long-term vision and framework for the

development of the seed sector by guiding decisions and resource allocation

for all elements of the seed chain from breeding to seed use by farmers.

The policy should be endorsed by the Government according to national legal procedures.

The seed policy and the action plan must be in harmony with other

strategic documents for agriculture, rural development, and the wider

economy.

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The overall purpose of the seed policy is to improve the quality, choice and

security of seed supply to farmers in all parts of the country.

The seed policy should define the roles of the public and private sectors,

and should facilitate coordination (and seed flow) between institutions, companies, and non-governmental organisations, where these exist.

The relationship between the seed policy and existing/proposed laws for

seeds and varieties should be made clear to ensure that they are

complementary.

After adoption of the seed policy, an action plan should be prepared to implement it and a mechanism should be established by the Ministry of

Agriculture (MoA) for monitoring the impact against defined indicators. This

could take the form of a National Seed Board with oversight of the whole

seed sector and with access to key management information. For successful implementation, it is important to have strong political

ownership for the seed policy. To achieve this, it may be helpful to prepare

a briefing paper to explain key issues in the seed sector, and their socio-

economic implications, particularly for domestic food security, which is an increasing concern in many countries.

A process of wide consultation among stakeholders should take place during

the preparation of the seed policy so that all relevant issues are reflected in

the final document, and to avoid the need for frequent revisions.

The seed policy should embrace all components of the seed system, including recognition of the informal sector as the significant supplier of

seed for certain crops and some locations. This will give legitimacy to local

seed production initiatives that may evolve into more formal entities over

time. When a sufficient number of companies exist, the establishment of a

National Seed Association should be encouraged. This would be a very

positive step in order to represent their collective interests and to develop

the market for high-quality seed. There could be substantial benefits to both seed trade and seed security

from the free movement of seeds and varieties within the region; efforts

should be made to achieve political support for such an initiative.

Wider knowledge of, and active participation in, the international seed organisations would assist more countries of the region to develop export

markets and enter the global seed trade.

During two days of intensive discussion, the workshop provided participants

with a clear understanding of the purpose and content of a seed policy, and the process by which it can be formulated and implemented.

1. Introduction

The Seed industry in ECO region particular in Central Asia and Caucuses is by

and large at the cross roads – being at a stage where the majority of the

countries are developing stand-alone agriculture sector after the demise of the

structure of the old Soviet Union. The agriculture in this region is also shifting from the centralized system to market-oriented, decentralized system in which

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both the public and private sector are expected to complement each other’s

activities in a synergistic way.

Since the break-down of the former Soviet Union, efforts have been made to assist each of the countries in transition, individually and as a group, to

improve their agricultural productivity as a way of ensuring food security.

Critical to these efforts is the seed sector reform.

In 2003, an FAO-ICARDA mission identified the seed sector as a key element for restoring agricultural productivity in Central Asia and identified three major

challenges for establishing a sustainable and efficient seed system in

Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan:

Reforming the public seed sector support programs, including the seed policy and regulatory framework;

Improving the national seed production systems, and

Developing a competitive seed sector at regional level with effective links

to global seed industries.

The recently concluded FAO/ECO TCP Seed Project, an outcome of that

mission, has played a significant role in the ECO member countries in initiating

activities that would facilitate the regional integration of the national seed

systems. However, despite a remarkable progress, the national seed systems in these countries, particularly those of Central Asia, still continue to face

major challenges due to the inadequacy of political support for investment-

friendly policy guidelines and seed legislation that could accelerate the growth

of the seed sector through enhanced technical capability and technical know-how in seed technology and experience in seed marketing and seed enterprise

management. In spite of efforts made to develop seed policy for ECO member

countries and assist in the formation of National Seed Association (NSAs),

policy implementation is still a problem hindering the manifestation of obvious gains that could be made in the seed sector.

Within this context, FAO and ICARDA organized the sub-regional seed policy

workshop for high-level senior government officials from the 10 member countries of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) including those from

the Central Asia.

The Seed Policy Workshop covered all aspects of policy actions that augur well

for the seed industry in the sub-region and complement the Turkey Government –funded regional seed project titled “Seed Sector Development in

Countries of the Economic Cooperation Organization [GCP/RER/034/TUR].

2. Workshop Background and Objectives The food price crisis of 2008 and recent increases in food prices, as well as the

need to adapt to climate change have renewed interest in the agricultural

sector and the need to increase agricultural production and productivity.

Hence, an effective and efficient seed sector is essential to the growth of agricultural sector. In many developing countries the national seed policy and

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regulatory environments are major impediments to the emergence of efficient

and competitive national seed industries. With the increase in regional and

global seed trade, there is an urgent need for policy and regulatory reforms

which take into account the more diversified seed sector, the emerging private sector and the alternatives presented by local seed supply systems.

The broader objective of the workshop was to create an environment in ECO

member countries for facilitative and investment-friendly policy to promote

rapid growth of the national seed system, thereby enhancing farmers’ choices of varieties and seeds suited to their various agro-ecological conditions.

The specific objectives of the project include to:

1. Present and discuss the elements and mechanism of seed policy and how it functions to stimulate the growth of the seed industries

2. Present and discuss the various options in seed policy such as seed

legislation types/options and consequences of the choices

3. Create awareness of seed policies that have positively/negatively influenced the seed industries so as to learn lessons to avoid such pitfalls

4. Develop opportunity for annual side events, amongst policy makers, during

regular meetings of the ECO Secretariat to emerging seed policy issues that

might impact the national seed policy and legislation

5. Present a seed policy framework to guide seed industries in ECO region and make recommendations on implementation of national seed policies based

on the framework of Expert Consultation on Seed Policy organized by FAO in

March 2011

6. Discuss existing national seed policies in participating countries with a view for sharing experiences and assisting countries in seed policy review and

formulation as deemed necessary

7. Discuss existing national seed policies in participating countries with a view

to assisting countries in seed policy review and formulation as deemed necessary

8. Develop partnerships and collaboration with all relevant stakeholders at

national, regional continental and international levels

The workshop was intended to create a greater awareness among senior

managers and policy makers in the ECO region of seed policy and the findings

of the FAO expert consultation on seed policy formulation, share experiences

regarding the above elements in the context of the ECO region and review

national seed policy issues and existing national seed policies in participating countries with a view to assist them in seed policy review and formulation as

necessary.

3. Workshop participants This workshop on seed policy focused on all countries of ECO region. In addition

participants from Lebanon also attended the meeting. FAO and ICARDA invited

two participants from each participating country: a senior seed programme

manager and an agriculture policy maker. The participants have responsible positions within the national seed programme and well informed on policy and

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regulatory issues affecting the seed industry, both at national and international

levels. The participants are familiar with the current agriculture policy and the

national policy formulation process. A total of 35 participants from 10 countries

of ECO region representing the public and private sector participated in the workshop on seed policy for the ECO region. With these combinations of

participants from each country productive exchange of ideas were made and

follow up in the participating countries after the workshop were discussed.

4. Workshop presentations The Regional Workshop included background presentations on the elements of

seed policy and the strategies to address them. The technical topics covered in

the presentation included:

• Links between conservation of plant genetic resources, breeding and seed systems

• Plant variety protection

• Seed quality assurance systems and the options for seed legislation

• The role of the public and private sectors • The role of the formal and informal seed sectors

• How to facilitate the development of local seed enterprises

• How to promote the use of quality seed

Following background presentations and country reports, working group (WGs) discussions were organized to elaborate on issues related to seed policy in

participating countries.

4.1 Background presentations FAO conducted an Expert Consultation on Seed Policy Formulation in Milan,

Italy from 28 to 30 March 2011 where experts representing national

agricultural research and seed systems from public and private sector and

international organizations dealing with the seeds and experts in seed industry development attended the meeting and developed a seed policy framework. As

a follow up, FAO is holding a series of regional seed policy workshops to share

the outcome of Expert Consultation and create awareness about seed policy.

Hence the three background presentations were made based on FAO’s expert consultation on seed policy: (i) Introduction to seed policy; (ii) Elements of

seed policy; and (iii) Formulation and implementation of seed policy.

4.1.1 Introduction to seed policy

The background to seed policy was provided by outlining the challenges that face agriculture today and how seed policy could help address the challenges.

An overview of the national seed systems was aimed at reminding the

participant of the various components of the seed system that needs to be well

coordinated including agricultural research and plant breeding for the development of new varieties, the commercial sector for seed multiplication,

the national seed service, the farmer sector and the relationship between

them. The national seed system is within the framework of a regulatory system

including seed legislation, phytosanitary regulations, PVP, biosafety etc. An explanation of the concept of seed policy was followed by the key elements of

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effective seed policy based on the experience of FAO in many countries. The

final part of the presentation provided an overview of the workshop starting

with the introductory sessions on the elements of seed policy and seed policy

formulation, the country presentation, presentation on the role of the public and private sector in seed policy, the working groups on the challenges for

seed policy in the region, presentation of the findings of the working groups

and final discussions and way forward.

4.1.2 Elements of Seed Policy In this presentation the emphasis was made on the general objective of the

workshop to assist member countries in the process of defining the national

seed policies. Within this context identification of major issues to be considered

in the design of seed policy and strategy was shared with the workshop participants. The presentation provided information on a number of issues

aggregated under nine major and inter-related themes defined as the main

elements of seed policy which include:

1. Variety development 2. Seed production

3. Agricultural extension (public and private)

4. Seed marketing

5. Development of seed enterprises

6. Seed value chain 7. Seed security

8. Capacity building

9. Regulatory framework

The objectives of each element and issues to be considered during formulation

and implementation of seed policy were described and explained. In a

conclusion it was emphasized that the elements presented will serve only to

guide in the formulation of a national seed policy. Further elaboration of the elements should take into consideration the specific national environment,

general agricultural policy as well as the objectives of the seed policy.

4.1.3 Formulation and Implementation of Seed Policy Guiding principles for seed policy formulation process and seed policy

implementation were presented and discussed. From the outset, the

presentation reiterated that policy formulation is a key step for a successful

policy implementation. Policy formulation is defined as the development of

effective and acceptable courses of action for addressing the policy agenda. The presentation on formulation and implementation was based on lessons

drawn from seed policy formulation in many developing countries and

outcomes of the expert consultation. It emphasized the need for an effective

policy formulation based on review and sound analysis of key elements or components of seed system including existing policies, regulations and

strategies and its alignment to the level of the national seed sector

development and integration to the national agricultural policy framework. It

further emphasized the need for team of experts to draft a policy document and the need for its wider circulation, consultation and validation through

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national seed forum involving both the public and the private sector and the

highest level of decision makers and its final adoption during the formulation

process.

The presentation also recognized the limitations of seed policy implementation

and suggested a need to develop a realistic plan of action for short, medium

and long-term priorities with clear roles and responsibilities for stakeholders. It

also emphasized the need for realistic investments and funding mechanisms for

periodic monitoring and evaluation of the policy implementation. Above all the presentation concluded by calling for strong political will for implementation as

success hinges on support of policy makers and the government. The policy as

stable as it should be is also revised periodically to reflect the evolution of the

seed sector and the international contexts.

4.2 Country Presentations

The country presentations were prepared based on guidelines developed and

circulated prior to the workshop by FAO and ICARDA. The guideline focused on: 1. Policy and regulatory frameworks: Absence or presence of seed policy and

key seed legislations including the coordination mechanisms of the

national seed sector and policy monitoring and evaluation systems

2. Public seed sector: Its role in variety development, early generation seed

production and variety popularization and demonstration 3. Private seed sector: Its existence, role in seed delivery and organization

into national seed association

4. Farmers: Access to quality seed, their role in farmer-based seed

production and marketing schemes and the importance of farm saved seed in the country

5. Membership in international organizations: Membership in seed related

organizations that facilitate the movement of varieties and seeds and

participation in any regionally harmonized seed related activities 6. Challenges and actions: Major issues or challenges for the seed sector and

actions to be taken to address them at national/regional levels.

The country presentations revealed the diversity and the level of national seed sector development among the countries of the ECO region. Pakistan and

Turkey by initiating a national seed policy framework in 1994 and 1985,

respectively are able to have a robust private sector following the liberalization

of their seed sector. Afghanistan is unique as it embarked on private sector in

reviving its seed sector with strong donor support. Most countries from CAC are struggling to break away from highly centralized planned seed system to a

more liberalized market-oriented seed system, but at a different pace. While

the public sector still predominates in Iran it has a well-organized seed system

with all necessary ingredients for the emergence of the strong private sector. Within this broad spectrum some countries had recently formulated a seed

policy and/or regulatory frameworks (e.g. Afghanistan and Uzbekistan), some

are revising their seed policy and regulatory frameworks in light of recent

developments (e.g. Pakistan) whereas others may lack specific seed policy and regulatory documents but guided by general national agricultural policy. The

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matrix of country presentations on national seed systems in ECO region is

presented in Table 1.

Table 1. Matrix of country presentations on national seed systems in ECO region and Lebanon Item AFG AZE IRN KAZ KGZ PAK TJK TKM TUR UZB LBN

1. National seed policy (separate seed policy document*)

Y* N N N N Y N Y Y Y* N

2. National coordination (Seed Board/Council/Committee)

Y N N? N Y? Y Y? N N N N

3. Seed Act or legislation Y Y Y Y

4. Plant variety protection* (Breeding achievements in CAC))

N Y Y N Y N Y Y Y* Y N

5. Seed certification scheme (fruit trees*)

N Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y*

6. Quarantine law ? ? Y Y Y Y?

7. Private sector participation H M M M? H? H L? L H L ?

8. National seed trade associations (nurseries*)

Y ? ? Y Y Y Y Y ? Y*

9. Farmer-based seed production (proposed in new seed policy*)

Y Y* Y?

10. Membership in regional/ international seed association

a. ISF (members from countries)

Y N Y N N Y N N Y N Y

b. APSA Y Y? Y Y? Y?

c. ESA Y

d. ECOSA (?) Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N

11. International membership

a. OECD seed scheme Y Y Y

b. UPOV (observer*) Y Y* Y Y? Y Y N

c. ISTA (accreditation*) N N Y Y* Y Y* N Y* N

d. IPPC N Y Y Y Y Y Y N Y N Y

12. Regional organizations

a. ECO Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

b. (SAARC*/GAFTA**) Y* Y* Y**

Note: 1. AFG= Afghanistan; AZE = Azerbaijan; IRN = Islamic Republic of Iran; KAZ = Kazakhstan;

KGZ = Kyrgyzstan; PAK = Pakistan; TJK = Tajikistan; TKM = Turkmenistan; TUR = Turkey; UZB = Uzbekistan; LEN = Lebanon

2. Y= Yes and N= No 3. H= high; M= Medium; and L = low

4. SAARC = South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation 5. GAFTA= Greater Arab Free Trade Area

During the country presentations the major challenges of the seed sector and policy actions were outlined in respective countries as follows:

Afghanistan

Since seed policy lacks legal provision it is sometimes difficult to enforce it Present MAIL administration gives limited credence and ownership of the

seed policy because it was prepared by preceding MAIL administration

Revision of seed policy is necessary to take account of changing conditions

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The difficulty of using both the seed policy and seed law in conjunction as

regulatory instruments should be overcome

A long approval process is required for official English version of the Seed

Law

Azerbaijan

Lack or poor facilities both for public and private sector

Lack of adequate conditions for developing market economy

Lack or poor infrastructure in information technology Lack of modern seed stores across seed production regions

Weak link between private sector and research institutes

Inadequate implementation of Plant Breeder’s rights

Limited capacity of young agricultural specialists (capacity building)

Iran

Lack of high quality adapted varieties for some crops

Obsolete and dilapidated seed processing plants requiring replacement High production cost for some seed crops and inability to compete with

imported seed

Excess capacity for some seed companies (need to enter regional or global

seed market)

Removal of subsidies and problems of privatization (mostly for self-pollinated crops)

Kazakhstan

Domination of plant breeding and early generation seed production by public sector

Limited or early stage of development in private plant breeding

Absence of national seed association and national seed council

Lack of mechanism for implementation of seed regulations Lack of harmonization of national seed legislations with international norms

Interference of public sector with private plant breeding and seed production

Lack of membership in regional and international seed organizations

Kyrgyz Republic

Lack of long-term state policy on plant breeding and seed industry

Weak scientific support to the seed sector

Over production of seeds of early generation, but lack of certified seed

production and delivery to farmers Limited arable land for seed farms and lack of state support to seed farms

Limited arable land and lack of mechanism for implementation of the Land

Code for allocating land for seed farms

Lack of long term credit facilities for procurement of field machinery and agricultural inputs

Ineffective National Seed Council in meeting objectives defined in the Seed

Law to improve seed regulations

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Actions to be undertaken

Improving of legislation

o Amending the Seed Law, Tax and Custom Codes to simplify seed import

and export o Amending the Administrative Code to increase liability for marketing low

quality, false and uncertified seed and planting materials

Administrative and management measures

o Optimizing the number of the National Seed Council members to facilitate its activities

o Involvement of Seed Association in establishment of seed companies and

royalty collection

o Establishing an independent Fund to support seed industry development based on grant assistance provided to wheat and barley seed

Pakistan Rationalizing seed legislations taking into account changing dynamics of

seed sector

Lack of investment in research and development by the private seed sector

Least attended variety breeding program in vegetables, fodders and oilseeds

Lack of elite genetic material for breeding and variety development

Actions should focus on:

Improvement of R&D for production of seeds and nursery plants Introduction of biotechnology and hybrid seed production

Development of local entrepreneurship

Incentives for international investment and joint ventures

Development of regulated seed markets Improvement and strengthening of registration and certification

Strengthening of regulatory framework

Promoting public private partnerships

Tajikistan

Weak plant breeding program due to lack of public financial support

Lack of adequate certification and control of imported seeds (illegal seeds)

Limited production of foundation seed of agricultural (cereals) and

horticultural crops (vegetables) Lack of hybrid seed production of vegetable crops

Lack of mineral fertilizers, chemicals and herbicides

Lack or inadequate facilities for production (planting machines, harvesters),

processing (cleaning, calibration, treatments)

Action to be undertaken

Better facilities for variety testing and seed production sector

Harmonize regulatory frameworks on variety release and certification schemes

Adequate implementation of plant breeder’s right system

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Develop commercial seed production and marketing across the region

Support membership in international seed related organizations

Strengthen partnership with international organizations like FAO, ICARDA,

CIMMYT and others Lowering taxes for seed production

Turkmenistan

Lack of young professional in agricultural research, plant breeding and seed

production Limited focus on seed production of major crops (cotton, wheat and

Lucerne) with no attention to minor crops

Deteriorating technical capacity of research institutions, variety evaluation

and seed certification agencies Centralized seed supply by public sector- lack of equal opportunities for

development of public and private sector

Lack of national seed association and coordinating body

Turkey

• Small land holding (farm size) and its further fragmentation

• Lack of sufficient technical information on seeds among farmers

• Deficient extension facilities in promoting better technologies

• Deficient subsidy models and irregularity of models • Lack of investment and capital and research facilities for domestic

companies

• Illicit trade in seed without appropriate records

• Inadequate market and production control due to insufficient staff

Action to be undertaken

Reduce unrecorded seed trade through cooperation with private sector

Support for research and technology transfer facilities Better provision of technical information on seed producers

Strengthen extension services and use of certified seed

Maintain subsidies for certified seed production and use

Uzbekistan

Focus on seed production of major crops (cotton, wheat and Lucerne) with

no attention to minor crops

Inadequate technical capacity of institutions and obsolete seed farm

machineries Lack of young professionals both in public and private seed sector

Foreign companies import hybrid seed, especially vegetable

Centralized seed supply by public sector – lack of equal opportunities for

development of public and private sector Lack of national seed association and coordination body

Lack of legal basis for attracting foreign investors for joint ventures in seed

production

Low impact of international organizations in development of plant breeding and seed production

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Action to be undertaken

Improving legislation to attract donors and foreign investors in plant

breeding and seed production Training of seed specialists in changing environment of the seed industry

Strengthening regional and international cooperation

Lebanon

Contribute to improve the agriculture production per crop o Secure a continuous seed supply for staple crops (cereal and legumes)

o Improve the quality of high value-added crops (fruits and vegetables)

o Assist in decreasing the cost of production (tuber)

Encourage the private sector to invest in the seed production Assist in the implementation of agreements signed

o Conservation and efficient use of PGR

o Develop protocols and implement IPR/ PVP

Harmonize with seed regulation regionally Reduce impact of climate change

4.3 Role of public sector in seed policy and seed industry development

The paper provided an overview of the diversity of the seed sector in ECO

region. The CAC countries originally had seed programmes mostly controlled by government but have evolved in different ways, and to

different extents. Turkey and Pakistan had several years of private sector

experience while Afghanistan has made quite rapid progress since 2003–

guided by a policy and with substantial donor support. The seed sector in these countries are changing and driven by several factors including

general shift towards private sector involvement in economic development,

limitation of government budgets, recognition of the role of free markets in

increasing demand and product quality, liberalisation of trade regulations (WTO etc) and political changes, following independence in the Former

Soviet Union.

The need for seed policy was emphasized particularly at a time of transition to give a long-term vision and clear direction to the development of the

sector, to ensure consistency in decision-making, to define the role of all

stakeholders; and to create a favourable environment for seed industry

development particularly when the government is the main player. The

presentation further elaborated issues to be considered in preparing seed policy, both strategic and technical issues in diversifying the seed sector and

creating competition. It summarizes the challenges in addressing policy

issues and the regional dimension of harmonized regulatory frameworks to

facilitate regional movement of varieties and seeds given the similarity among the ECO region. In conclusion it reiterated the major role of

government, and public sector in formulating and implementing a policy that

will stimulate all aspects of the seed industry and ultimately improve the

supply of seed to farmers.

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4.4 The Role of Private Sector in Seed Policy

The presentation highlighted the role of the private seed sector and its

contribution in elaboration of the seed policy with the expertise and analysis

of different seed markets including formal and informal sectors, public and private sector and for the different crops (vegetables, field crops (open

pollinated, hybrid). National seed association, which represents the

interests of its members and the private sector, can best contribute with

position papers and proposals for seed policy development, formulation and

implementation. With few exceptions (e.g. Pakistan, Turkey) the seed industry is weak in

the ECO region. The private or public seed sector is based on the concept of

seed farms and they are not operating as seed companies. Although there

are different seed laws and regulations its implementation is weak and no harmonization at a regional; and this does not facilitate the free movement

of seed between bordering countries.

There is no reliable statistics on the different seed markets and it is mainly

based on the field crops. The seed statistics (when exist) are considered confidential and not readily available. The Informal sector remains important

particularly for the field crops.

Seed production and supply is segmented where vegetable crops are mainly

managed by private sector with two different markets (open pollinated (old

varieties) from domestic markets and hybrid seed imported from international companies), hybrid crops (maize, sunflower) are handled by

the private sector, field crops (cereals) and industrial crops (cotton) mainly

by government and informal sector. .Forage seed is the weakest sector with

a strong place of the informal sector Linkage with foreign seed companies was a key element for further

development of the seed sector whereby seed growers, seed processors,

seed company cold collaborate on variety representation, licensee and

marketing eventually leading to technology and knowledge transfer • Private seed sector develops where public seed sector is absent or non-

competitive like in vegetables, hybrids, etc. However, profitability and

sustainability are key elements for the private sector’s investment

5. Working Groups

Working Groups (WGs) were formed to discuss key challenges which emerged

during the introductory and country presentations as well as ensuing

discussions in the plenary. WGs were focused on “The main challenges for

effective seed policy for Countries in the ECO region”. Four working groups (WG), two each composed of English and Russian speakers were assigned with

two challenges to develop strategies to address them. Each group discussed

the elements of the challenge and developed strategies to address the

challenges and presented the findings during the plenary session.

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6.1 Working Group lists

The four WGs, questions assigned and members are listed as follows:

Group 1

Rapporteur: Hafiz Muminjanov

• Hasanali Aslanov • Gabit Satin

• Zhumaliev Zhigitaly

• Mustafaqulov Usarbek

Suleymanovich • Hudayberdy Garlyev

• Aybek Abdullaev

Akmukhammet Kojakov

Group 2

Rapporteur: Aziz Nurbekov

• Mohtasim Ahmedov • Rashit Nurgaziyev

• Rudenko V. Nikolaevich

• Latifov Heseynboy

• Alisher Omonturdiev • Hudayberdi Garlyev

Group 3

Rapporteur: Zewdie Bishaw • Mirdad Panjsheri

• Hassan Maddah Arefi

• Saqib Aleem

• Ms Mouna Siblini • Vehbi Eser

• Tayfur Çaglayan

• Samuel Kugbei

• Jean Louis Duval • Hassan Shahin

Group 4

Rapporteur: Tom Osborn • Samad Mobasser

• Syed Mohammed Nasir Ali

• Ali Osman Sari

• Ms Faten Raad • Müfit Engiz

• Nahit Onuk

• Waheed Ahmad Halimyar

• Michael Roy Turner • Wilson Hugo

6.2 Working Groups presentations

The following key challenges were discussed and strategies developed by each

WG as part of policy pronouncements.

Group 1

Q1. Coordination of seed production between the public and private

sector Challenges

Different levels of seed sector development in countries of the region

Plant breeding and early generation seed production is mainly handled by

the public sector Private breeding is in the early stage of development in Kyrgyzstan,

Kazakhstan and Tajikistan

“Pocket breeding” may limits fair development of seed sector

Fair competition between public and private sector should be encouraged

Lack of regulations on private plant breeding/seed production Interference of public sector in private plant breeding and seed production

Lack of financial resources to support public seed production

Focus on few major crops like cotton, wheat and lucerne at the expense of

minor crops Decline in the technical capacity and competence of research institutions

Payments for variety testing while there is lack of financial resources

Lack of young generation in seed sector, both in public and private sector

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Centralized public sector seed supply – lack of equal opportunities for the

privates sector

Lack of coordinating body like the national seed council (except in

Kyrgyzstan)

Strategies

Strengthening cooperation between public and private seed producers-

establishment of coordination body

Strengthening scientific cooperation, germplasm exchange/variety exchange between public and private sector at regional and international levels

Provision of subsidies for seed production and establishment of credit

schemes

Rationalizing and reforming of seed legislation at a national level Harmonization of laws and regulations at regional level

Establishment of favorable environment for development of private sector

Equal rights and conditions to both the public and private sector

Capacity building and incentives for retaining young specialists Long-term trainings and study tours for sharing experiences

Promotion of licensed seed production and royalty collection scheme

Donor support for seed sector development and attract foreign investments

Establishing and strengthening the role of national seed associations

Supporting breeders in variety development and maintenance breeding

Q2. Seed policy implementation

Challenges

There is no specific seed policy document in all countries of the region; and it is partly covered in the agricultural policy

Despite existing “seed regulation” and clear visions for seed sector

development, there is lack of effective implementation due to lack of

financial resources No regional seed policy, especially on import and export of seeds

Lack of seed regulation implementation at country level

Lack of funds / infrastructure capacity

Lack of trained expertise in the seed sector Lack of cooperation among seed chain players or institutions

Complex variety testing and difficult variety release system due to

bureaucratic barriers

Different seed quality standards in the countries of the region–different

approach

Strategies

Formulation of seed policy to define development strategies – priority crops/

minor crops Improving seed legislation at national and harmonization at regional and

international levels

Import and export of seed should be clearly defined in regional seed policy,

custom issues

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Budget allocation for implementation of seed policy–state budget and

investment by private sector

Capacity building, incentives for young specialists and retention of

“experienced staff” Organization of language courses for young experts to acquire international

experience

Moving from the current practice of seed farms to formation of seed

companies

Development of national seed associations representing the seed sector Study tour to countries with developed seed sector to acquire and share

experience

Provide equal opportunities for both national and foreign seed companies

Group 2

Q1. Increasing the availability of new varieties at the national level?

Establish catalogue of agricultural crop varieties with short description at

regional level Create a website of registered varieties at national and regional levels

Harmonize variety testing and release procedures across the countries

Create expert group (under ICARDA-CAC) for regional variety release with

members from state variety testing committee, seed association etc.

Formulate recommendations on variety maintenance at regional level Limit testing vegetable hybrids to one year for release as most hybrids are

from abroad

Establish effective national extension service for transfer of technology

Conduct variety demonstration trials at a national level Organize field days and travelling seminars at national level

Promote newly released varieties through mass-media

Create favorable conditions for marketing seed of new varieties

Encourage collaboration with relevant international, regional, national and private institutions

Adopt as much as possible, adaptive research to achieve desired goals

Participate in international initiatives of strategic importance

Develop plant variety protection laws including royalty payment schemes

Q2. How to promote/create awareness of the importance of seed

policy at national level?

Do we have seed policy? If not, organize working group (plant breeders,

seed specialist and specialists from MoA) to formulate a national seed policy Prepare draft national seed policy taking into account the experiences of

neighboring countries

Rationalize and adopt the regulatory framework aligned with seed policy

Establish National Seed Board which shall serve as an advisory body to the MoA and provide guidance to government and seed industry stakeholders

Establish regional agricultural fund for the development of the seed sector

Facilitate investment (government, private, foreign) in the seed sector

Promote membership in international organizations

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Group 3

Q1. Seed Subsidies Pros and Cons or How to stimulate farmer demand

for seed?

The group recognizes different forms of subsides such as direct subsides (e.g. price on seed production and use) or indirect subsidies (e.g. tax holidays,

reduced tariffs). Different forms of subsidies exist and include:

o Subsidies on seeds

o Subsidies on other inputs

o Subsidies for establishing seed business o Subsidies for investment (equipment/infrastructure)

o Subsidies for R&D and new technology

Subsidies must have a very clear goals and objectives and should be based on priorities to ensure flexibility for resource allocation.

Subsidies should be aimed at increasing production and productivity of the

agricultural sector (e.g. food security, reduction of deficit) and stimulate

seed use and seed sector development Subsides

o Should not block entry of new varieties or reduce competition

o Should not distort the seed market

o Should have an exit plan

Subsidies should be monitored and evaluated for their effectiveness and impacts

Q2. Regional Harmonization of Seed Trade

The group recognizes that there is lack of information on the seed sector among the countries of the ECO region. There is a need to establish a platform

for information exchange (varieties, availability of seed, producers, quarantine

pests, etc) and collaboration in the seed sector.

The goal of harmonization should be to facilitate free movement of varieties

and seeds among the countries of the region to promote regional seed trade

and increase farmers’ choices

Harmonization should focus on the following key areas • Harmonization of variety release mechanisms (i.e. common catalogue)

and IPR??

o Levels of catalogue (registration and recommendation)

o Defining the crops

• Harmonization of seed certification o Field control

o Seed control

• Harmonization of sanitary and phytosanitary measures

o List of regulated pests o List of non-regulated pests

The harmonization process should be based on review of the status of each

country addressing regulatory, technical and administrative issues including

membership in international organizations.

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Until harmonization is in place bilateral or multilateral agreements on

equivalence of systems on regulatory frameworks should be encouraged

between or among the countries of the ECO region.

Harmonization should be recognized and endorsed at a highest level (ministerial) with a vision to create ‘Common Seed Market’ in ECO countries.

Discussions

The transfer of biotechnology products should be part of the harmonization

process to ensure adoption of new technology In addition to technical issues comprehensive analysis need to be conducted

to illustrate the economic benefits of harmonization to the countries of the

region

For harmonization to be effective there is a need for a coordination mechanism by creating a well-resourced unit under the umbrella of regional

block (in this case for example ECO).

Group 4 Q1. Indicators of successful seed policy/seed sector development

Overall objective of the seed policy: Quality seed of adapted varieties is

available to farmers with a choice of supply sources.

Monitoring and evaluation of progress in seed policy implementation is

essential; effective indicators are required for this purpose but indicators relate mostly to the formal sector

The group agreed that indicators should be based on specific points under

the nine elements listed.

There are two key assumptions for effective monitoring: o An appropriate body is responsible for the monitoring

o Access to necessary information relating to the indicators

Public Sector indicators o Seed policy adopted and endorsed at high level

o Government funding become available to support an action plan for

implementation

o Roles and responsibilities are clearly defined and fulfilled o Increase in seed movement from public to private sector

o New varieties are released and taken up by the private sector (in both

major and minor crops)

o Effective planning of seed demand (between public and private)

Private sector indicators

o Streamlining the regulations to establish new seed companies

o Establish and/or increase in membership of a national seed association

o Increase in the number of seed enterprises (may not be reliable) o Increase in the volume and value of seed sold to farmers

o Increase in the export of seed (depending on the national context and

objectives of the seed policy)

o Government subsidies to establish more seed companies (??)

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Farmer related indicators (the final clients!)

o Farm-saved seed decreasing

o Farmers using new varieties

o Farmers have wider choice of quality seed at a fair price o Adoption and use of new variety is profitable (i.e. adoption of hybrids to

replace OP varieties)

o Farmer’s exemption is noted related to the seed saving practices

Coordination between the public and private sector Coordination is a key purpose of the seed policy - but how to measure?

o Flow of early generation seed from the public sector to the private sector

i.e. is early generation seed widely available to the private sector?

o Number of private sector companies producing early generation seed

Seed Security

o How effective is the response of the seed sector to emergency needs due

to natural disasters - floods, drought, earthquake? o (May also be a wider government responsibility?)

Capacity Building

o Improvement in seed facilities as proposed in the action plan (labs, seed

production, etc) o Human resource development undertaken as per the action plan e.g.

availability of training/extension materials

Indicators for regulatory activities o Updated seed law and regulations

o Effective PVP and how well it works

o Membership in ISTA, OECD, IPPC

Q2. How to address the Informal Seed Sector in the context of a

National Seed Policy

Informal seed supplies are an important source of seed for farmers in the

ECO region (farmer-saved seed, farmer to farmer exchange, local market). This is mostly for self-pollinated modern varieties (recycled) and for land

races and minor crops, especially for specific agro ecological zones and

marginal environments. Seeds of hybrids and vegetables are normally from

the formal sector.

o Using farm-saved seed is an economic decision by the farmer. The policy should not aim to reduce this in areas where the informal sector has

advantages.

o Problem - seed legislation often prohibits attention to the informal sector

i.e. sale of non-certified seed is prohibited

Strategies to address the informal sector within the seed policy

o It is necessary to understand the informal sector i.e. the reason why

farmers use it, the varieties farmers are using, the seed production

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practices and seed quality in the informal sector etc (question on the

need for a study)

o Based on this information, initiatives can be developed to improve the

quality and diversity of varieties available to farmer:- o Farmer training through farmer field schools, extension, to improve

seed quality through plant selection, seed cleaning and storage

o Demonstration of farmer varieties and improved varieties

o Improving the landraces as appropriate and/or screening of improved

varieties for farmers o Genebank researcher to see what farmers are using and propose

materials from the national collections

o A system for documentation of local varieties

o Facilitate farmer to farmer contact on the varieties and practices through seed fairs, web-based exchange (?)

o This approach may lead to the beginning of local seed enterprises for

minor crops and or specialty crops or for major crops in remote areas

that are not of interest to the national seed companies.

7. Conclusion

The regional workshop on seed policy was organized with three outcome levels

and impact:

o In the short-term, it is expected to facilitate implementation of national seed

policy through favorable environment created by the local authorities o In the medium term, create a better understanding amongst ministries

whose cooperation are required for smooth development and

implementation of national seed policy and legislation

o In the long-term, it is foreseen that this policy forum will create an increased participation and contribution of ECO countries to international

discussion on issues related to seed policy at national, regional and global

levels.

The regional workshop met its objective in terms of creating the awareness of

the broader concept of seed policy and the key elements for its development,

formulation and implementation. The presentations by national representatives

gave a comprehensive overview of the seed sector in the region, and

highlighted some key constraints. It showed a wide diversity of experience among the ECO countries and the opportunities for sharing that experience.

It is expected that the participants will share the experience of the workshop

with their professional colleagues in order to reflect on the status of their national seed programmes in the respective countries. Through this process,

they may also able identify elements of the seed system that could

strengthen the productivity and security of agriculture and in which

FAO/ICARDA could provide assistance. Within this context different countries would envisage developing a different action plans on seed policy and the

regulatory measures that may accompany it.

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Lebanon, a country with no specific seed policy will be holding its first national

seed policy forum where various stakeholders will be involved and chart the

future direction of the seed sector. Experiences gained would be making in to

good use by the participants.

Afghanistan although had issued a national seed policy fairly recently in 2005,

it embarked on a revision of its seed policy in line with current changes and

developments in the national seed industry. Efforts are already underway to

address that with FAO support.

Pakistan is currently reviewed its seed policy issued in mid 1990s and

amending its Seed Act of 1976. It is believed that the workshop would provide

better insight into addressing some of the key constraints in rationalizing its seed policy and regulatory framework.

Some countries with no specific policy would require assistance from FAO and

ICARDA in providing support for the development of the appropriate seed policy and regulatory framework to facilitate the growth of the national seed

industry.

In order to further increase awareness of the seed policy FAO and ICARDA and

FAO-SEC have prepared a summary of take home messages for the participants and made formal channel of communications with policy makers

and senior managers of the seed programmes in respective countries. FAO and

ICARDA distributed the summary of the outcome of the workshop and key

recommendations for participants to share it with their superiors within the seed sector. FAO-SEC prepared a formal letter addressed to the Ministers of

Agriculture within its mandate region highlighting the outcome of the workshop

to create awareness at the highest level.

8. Annexes

Annex 1: Workshop programme

Annex 2: Participants list

Annex 3: Workshop evaluation

Annex 4: Electronic annexes (uploaded on FAO website)

PP of 3 introductory presentations

Country Presentations

PP on Public Sector PP on Private Sector

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Annex 1.Programme of Workshop on Seed Policy in ECO Region, 12-13 October2011, Istanbul, Turkey

Wednesday 12, October 2011

Opening Session Chairman: Jean Louis Duval 08.30 - 09.00 Registration 0.900 – 09.30 Opening Statements

ECO

ICARDA FAO Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of Turkey

09.30 - 09.45 Introduction of the Participants 09.45 - 10.15

Coffee Break and Group Photo

Session 1: Introductory Presentations Chairman: Hassan Shahin, ECO Secretariat 10.15 - 10.45 Introductory to the Workshop, Background, Objectives and General

Considerations about Seed Policy Thomas Osborn, FAO

10.45 - 11.05 11.05- 11.35

11.35-12.00

The Proposed Main Elements of Seed Policy. Hafiz Muminjanov, FAO Proposed Guiding Principles for the Formulation and Implementation of Seed Policy

Zewdie Bishaw, ICARDA Discussion

Session 2: Country Presentations Chairman: Hafiz Muminjanov and Sam Kugbei, FAO 12.00- 12. 45 12.45- 13.00

13.00- 1400 14.00-14.45 14.45-15.00 15.00 – 15.30 15.30- 16.45 16.45- 17.00

Country Presentations about their Seed Policy: Afghanistan, Pakistan, Turkey Discussion

Lunch Country Presentation about their Seed Policy: Azerbaijan, Iran, Uzbekistan Discussion Coffee Break Country Presentation about their Seed Policy: Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Lebanon Discussion

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17.00- 17.20

17.20- 17.40

The Role of Private Sector in Seed Policy and the Seed Industry in the ECO Region Jean Louis Duval, JLD Consulting

The Role of the Public Sector in the Development of the Seed Policy and Seed Industry in the ECO region Michael Turner, Consultant

17.40- 18.00 Discuss and Conclusions of the first day 20.00

Workshop Dinner

Wednesday 13, October 2011 Session 3: Working Group Discussions Chairman: Zewdie Bishaw, ICARDA 08.30 – 09.00

Formation of Groups and their Terms of Reference, Hafiz Muminjanov and Zewdie Bishaw

09.00 – 10.30

Working Group Discussion – identification of principles challenges for seed policy in the ECO Region and Proposed strategies to address them

10.30 - 11.00 Coffee Break

11.00 - 13.00

Working Group Discussions continue and preparation of finding for the Plenary Session

13.00 - 14.00 Lunch

14.00 – 15.00

Working Groups Present their Finding to the Plenary Session

15.00 - 15.30 Session 4 Chairman:

Coffee Break Summary and Conclusions Tom Osborn FAO

15.30 - 16.30

Panel Discussion of the Working Group Findings and Direction for

Future Seed Policy work in the ECO Region 16.30 – 17.30

Final Remarks and Closing of the Workshop

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Annex 2. List of participants of Workshop on Seed Policy in ECO Region, 12-13 October2011, Istanbul, Turkey

Country Address

Afghanistan Mirdad Panjsheri, Advisor to the Minister, Ministry of Agricultural and Irrigation and Livestock, Kabul, Afghanistan; E-mail: mir_dad_panjsheri@yahoo.com Waheed Ahmad Halimyar, Legal Advisor,, Ministry of Agricultural and Irrigation and Livestock, Kabul, Afghanistan; E-mail: waheed.halimyar@mail.gov.af

Azerbaijan Hasanali Aslanov, Director, Research Institute of Cotton-Production, Baku, Azerbaijan; E-mail: azhas@rambler.ru Mohtasim Ahmedov, Deputy Director, Research Institute of Farming, , Baku, Azerbaijan; E-mail: ahmedovagri@rambler.ru

Iran Hassan Maddah Arefi, Director General, Seed and Plant Certification and Registration Institute (SPCRI), Karaj, Iran; E-mail: h.m.arefi@rifr-ac.ir; www.spcri.org Samad Mobasser, Deputy and Head of Variety Registration Department, SPCRI, Karaj, Iran; E-mail: sa_mobasser@yahoo.com; www.spcri.org

Kazakhstan Gabit Satin, Chief Expert, Department of Agriculture and Phytosanitary Safety, Astana; Uzbekistan Rashit Nurgaziyev, ,Chief Manager, Science Development and Innovations Department, KazAgroInnovation JSC, Astana; Uzbekistan; E-mail: rashit@agroinnovations.kz

Kyrgyzstan Zhumaliev Zhigitaly, Head, Department of Crop Production Development and Leader of Seed Program, Ministry of Agriculture,

Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan Rudenko Viacheslav Nikolaevich, Head, Republican State Seed Inspection, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan; E-mail: kyrgyzseedinspection@mail.ru

Pakistan Saqib Aleem, Joint Secretary (Admin), Ministry of Science and Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan; E-mail: saqibaleem3@gmail.com

Syed Mohammed Nasir Ali, DG, FSCRD, Ministry of Science and Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan; E-mail: dg.fscrd@yahoo.com

Tajikistan Mustafaqulov Usarbek Suleymanovich, Deputy Director, Seed Association of Tajikistan, Dushanbe, Tajikistan; E-mail: usarbek.mustafakulov@gmail.com Latifov Heseynboy, Chairman of Public Corporation, Soghd district, Dushanbe, Tajikistan

Turkey Metin Kaycioglu, Head, Seed Department, Directorate General of Agricultural Production and Development , Ankara, Turkey; E-mail: Metin.Kaycioglu@tarim.gov.tr; www.tohum.tugem.gov.tr Ali Osman Sari, Head of Field Crops, Directorate of Agricultural

Research and Policies, MFAL, Ankara, Turkey; E-mail: aosari@tarim.gov.tr ; www.tagem.gov.tr

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Turkmenistan Hudayberdy Garlyev, Chef Expert, State Seed Service, MoA, Ashgabat, Turkmenistan

Akmuhammet Hojakov, Scientific Secretary, Scientific Research Institute, Ashgabat, Turkmenistan;; E-mail: hojakov71@mail.ru

Uzbekistan Aybek Abdullaev, Senior Researcher, Institute for Strategic, Foreign Economic Investigations, Tashkent, Uzbekistan; E-mail: abdullahev_o@mail.ru

Alisher Omonturdiev, Director General, Scientific Research Institute for Cotton Selection and Seed Science, Tashkent, Uzbekistan; www.selection.uz

Lebanon Ms Mouna Siblini, Ministry of Agriculture (MoA), Director, Lebanon; E-mail: msiblini@agriculture.gov.lb; www.agricuhue.gov.lb Ms Faten Raad, Lebanese Agricultural Research Institute, MoA, Lebanon; E-mail: faten_raad@yahoo.com

ECO Hasan Shahin, ECO Secretariat, Teheran, Iran; E-mail: shahinhn@yahoo.com; www.eco.org

ECOSA Vehbi Eser, President of ECOSA and Vice President, Turkish Plant Breeders Association, Ankara, Turkey; E-mail: vehbieser@gmail.com

Turk TOB Tayfur Çaglayan, General Secretary, Turkish Seed Industrialits sub-Union (TSÜAB), Ankara, Turkey; E-mail: tcaglayan@tsuab.org.tr; www.tsuab.org.tr Ahmet Nahit Onuk, General Secretary, Turkish Seed Union (TÜR-KTOB), Ankara, Turkey: E-mail: nahit.onuk@turktob.org.tr; www.turktob.org.tr

Turk-Ted Müfit Engiz, General Secretary, Turkish Seed Industry Association (Turk-Ted), Ankara, Turkey; E-mail: mufitengiz@turkted.org.tr;

www.turkted.org.tr

FAO Tom Arthur Osborn, Senior Agricultural Officer, Plant Production and Protection Division - Seed (AGPMG), FAO, Rome, Italy; E-mail: thomas.osborn@fao.org ; http://www.fao.org/agriculture/seed Wilson Hugo, Senior Agricultural Officer, Plant Production and

Protection Division - Seed (AGPMG), FAO, Rome, Italy; E-mail: Wilson.hugo@fao.org; http://www.fao.org/agriculture/seed Samuel Kugbei, Senior Agricultural Officier, Plant Production and Protection Division - Seed (AGPMG), FAO, Rome, Italy; E-mail : samuel.kugbei@fao.org; http://www.fao.org/agriculture/seed Hafiz Muminjanov , Plant Production and Protection Officer, FAO-SEC, Ankara, Turkey; E-mail: hafiz.muminjanov@fao.org

FAO-consultants

Michael Roy Turner, Consultant, 30 Hermitage Gardens, Edinburgh, EH10 6AY, UK; E-mail: seedturner@gmail.com Jean Louis Duval, JL Duval Consulting, 15 Rue de Dagny77240, Cesson, France ; E-mail: jlduval@gmail.com; www.jlduval.com

ICARDA Zewdie Bishaw, Head Seed Section, ICARDA, P.O. Box 5466, Aleppo, Syria; E-mail: z.bishaw@cgiar.org; www.icarda.cgiar.org Aziz Nurbekov, ICARDA, Tashkent, Uzbekistan: E-mail: a.nurbekov@cgiar.org ; www.icarda.cgiar.org

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Annex 3. Evaluation of Workshop on Seed Policy in ECO Region, 12-13 October2011, Istanbul, Turkey

Questions

Countries and ratings

Average 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

1. Awareness of seed policy, seed policy elements, formulation and

implementation increased? 4.3 5 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 5 5 5 4 4 5

2. Country Presentations increased awareness of seed sector and policy of the other countries in the ECO Region? 4.03 5 3 3 5 5 4 5 3

3.5 5 4 3 4 4 4

3. Working Groups usefulness in discussing issues and formulating strategies to address the issues? 4.27 5 4 5 4 4 4 5 4 4 5 3 5 3 5 4

4. Overall usefulness of the workshop? 4.07 4 3 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 5 5 4 3 5 4

5. How could the workshop be improved? o Take into consideration a successful case study o An earlier guide to working groups

o Circulate country reports among participants a few days before the workshop o There must be a plan for visits in host country o 8 suggestions in Russian.

6. Is there a need for seed policy review or formulation in your country? Yes, we do not have a seed policy No (2), there is already formulated seed policy Yes, seed certification and crop diversity are under review. Need assistance from FAO and ICARDA Yes Monitoring the actual one and changes when needed

7. What assistance would be helpful to start seed policy discussions in your country? FAO and ICARDA consultation missions Who is responsible for implementation of seed Policy? Who is responsible for monitoring and auditing seed policy

implementation? What is the relationship between seed policy and national seed association?

Resources

Stakeholders awareness workshop Note: Ratings: 1= poor, 2= fair, 3= acceptable, 4= good, 5 = excellent