b'GIANT VIEWSTHE CRITICAL NEED FOR HARMONIZED REGULATIONS IN THE GLOBAL MOVEMENT OF TREATED SEEDIN TODAYS INTERCONNECTEDworld, the free and efficient move- For example, some countries require ment of treated seed across international borders is a criticalthat seed treatments used on seeds within component of ensuring that farmers everywhere have access totheir borders be registered and approved the best possible agricultural products. As the Phytosanitaryfor use domestically, even if the seeds are Affairs Manager at the International Seed Federation (ISF), Ivedestined for export to another coun-witnessed firsthand the challenges that arise when regulatorytry. This can complicate the treatment frameworks fail to keep pace with the realities of modern seedprocess, as seed processing facilities may production and trade. need to tailor their applications to meet Treated seedsthose that have been coated with seedthe specific requirements of each destina-treatment products to protect them from pests, diseases, andtion market. This not only increases costs By Rose Souzaenvironmental stressesare a vital tool in reducing thebut also introduces delays that can be Richards,environmental impact of agriculture while ensuring the fullcritical during planting seasons.Phytosanitary Affairs Manager,potential of the seed is realized. Yet, the international move- Moreover, the lack of standardized International Seedment of these treated seeds is often hampered by inconsistentlabelling requirements adds another layer Federation (ISF) regulations, varying country-specific requirements, and a lackof complexity. Each country has its own of harmonization in the treatment, labelling, and approvalset of rules about what information must processes. be included on the labels of treated seeds. This lack of regulatory consistency disrupts the supply chainThis can lead to confusion and errors, and risks limiting farmers access to the high-quality seeds theyparticularly when seeds are re-exported need to achieve successful harvests. We face critical challenges,multiple times. A harmonized approach but we have some steps to address them, ensuring farmers canto labelling, including the use of multi-continue to benefit from the best agricultural innovations. lingual labels, could significantly ease the movement of treated seeds across borders.A Complex WebThe seed industry is inherently global. Seed breeding, pro- Harmonization and Mutual Recognitionduction and processing often span multiple countries, eachTo address these challenges, ISF advo-chosen for specific climate conditions, expertise or logisticalcates for greater harmonization of advantages. For instance, a seed may be bred in one country,regulations governing the movement produced in another and then sent to a third for processing andand treatment of seeds. Specifically, we treatment before being re-exported to multiple markets. Thispropose: harmonized seed treatment intricate web of global movement is essential for meeting theregulations, centralized processing with diverse needs of farmers. export-specific registration andstandard-However, the complexity of this system is often misunder- ized and multilingual labellingstood by stakeholders, including regulators. The lack of awareness surrounding the nuances of seed production and trade can lead toEnsuring Global Access to Quality Seedregulations that unintentionally hinder the international move- The global seed industry plays a vital role ment of treated seeds. This is particularly problematic for seedin feeding the world, and the free move-treatments. ment of treated seeds is essential to this mission. By working together to harmo-Challenges in the International Movement of Treated Seed nize regulations and streamline processes, One of the primary challenges we face is the variability inwe can ensure that farmers everywhere regulations surrounding seed treatments. Different countrieshave access to the best possible seeds, have different rules regarding the application of these products,helping them to produce the food we all their labelling, and the conditions under which treated seedsdepend on. can be moved across borders. This patchwork of regulations can create significant barriers to trade, delaying or even preventingEditors Note: This piece was shortenedthe export of treated seeds. for print. Read entire column athttps://bit.ly/seedworldISF. 48 SEEDWORLD.COM/CANADANOVEMBER 2024'