b'GIANT VIEWSTHE CRITICAL NEED FOR HARMONIZED REGULATIONS IN THE GLOBAL MOVEMENT OF TREATED SEEDspan multiple countries, each chosen forincluding the use of multilingual labels, specific climate conditions, expertise orcould significantly ease the movement of logistical advantages. For instance, a seedtreated seeds across borders.may be bred in one country, produced in another and then sent to a third for process- HARMONIZATION AND MUTUAL ing and treatment before being re-exportedRECOGNITIONto multiple markets. This intricate web ofTo address these challenges, the ISF global movement is essential for meetingadvocates for greater harmonization of the diverse needs of farmers. regulations governing the movement and However, the complexity of thistreatment of seeds. Specifically, we propose system is often misunderstood by stake- the following steps:holders, including regulators. The lack ofHarmonized Regulations for awareness surrounding the nuances of seedSTPs: Countries should work together By Rose Souza Richards, Phytosanitary Affairsproduction and trade can lead to regulationsto develop a common framework for the Manager, International Seed Federation that unintentionally hinder the interna- approval and use of STPs. This would tional movement of treated seeds. This isinclude mutual recognition of STP approv-I n todays interconnected world, theparticularly problematic when it comes toals, allowing seeds treated with an approved free and efficient movement of treatedSTPs, which are applied to seeds to protectproduct in one country to be moved freely to seed across international borders is notthem and ensure optimal performance inothers without the need for re-registration.just a matter of convenience; its a criticalthe field. Centralized Processing with component of ensuring that farmers every- Export-Specific Registration: Seed pro-where have access to the best possible agri- CHALLENGES IN THEcessing facilities, often located in a limited cultural products. As the PhytosanitaryINTERNATIONAL MOVEMENT OFnumber of strategic countries, should be Affairs Manager at the International SeedTREATED SEED allowed to apply STPs to seeds intended for Federation (ISF), Ive witnessed firsthandOne of the primary challenges we face isexport only, even if those products are not the challenges that arise when regulatorythe variability in regulations surroundingapproved for use domestically. This would frameworks fail to keep pace with the real- STPs. Different countries have differentenable more efficient production and ensure ities of modern seed production and trade. rules regarding the application of thesethat farmers have access to treated seeds in Treated seedsthose that have beenproducts, their labeling, and the conditionsa timely manner.coated with Seed Treatment Productsunder which treated seeds can be movedStandardized and Multilingual (STPs) to protect them from pests, diseases,across borders. This patchwork of regula- Labeling: To facilitate the international and environmental stressesare a vitaltions can create significant barriers to trade,movement of treated seeds, labeling tool in reducing the environmental impactdelaying or even preventing the export ofrequirements should be standardized across of agriculture while ensuring the full poten- treated seeds. countries. Where differences exist, multi-tial of the seed is realized. Yet, the interna- For example, some countries requirelingual labels could be used to ensure com-tional movement of these treated seeds isthat STPs used on seeds within their borderspliance with national laws while providing often hampered by inconsistent regulations,be registered and approved for use domesti- farmers with the information they need to varying country-specific requirements, andcally, even if the seeds are destined for exportuse treated seeds safely and effectively.a lack of harmonization in the treatment,to another country. This can complicate the labeling, and approval processes. treatment process, as seed processing facil- ENSURING GLOBAL ACCESS TO This lack of regulatory consistency notities may need to tailor their applications toQUALITY SEEDonly disrupts the supply chain but also risksmeet the specific requirements of each des- The global seed industry plays a vital role in limiting farmers access to the high-qualitytination market. This not only increases costsfeeding the world, and the free movement of seeds they need to achieve successful har- but also introduces delays that can be criticaltreated seeds is essential to this mission. By vests. We face critical challenges, but weduring planting seasons. working together to harmonize regulations have some actionable steps to address them,Moreover, the lack of standardizedand streamline processes, we can ensure ensuring that farmers around the world canlabeling requirements adds another layer ofthat farmers everywhere have access to the continue to benefit from the best agricul- complexity. Each country has its own setbest possible seeds, helping them to pro-tural innovations. of rules about what information must beduce the food we all depend on. As we look included on the labels of treated seeds. Thisto the future, the ISF remains committed A COMPLEX WEB can lead to confusion and errors, particu- to advocating for policies that support the The seed industry is inherently global. Seedlarly when seeds are re-exported multipleinternational movement of treated seeds, breeding, production and processing oftentimes. A harmonized approach to labeling,ensuring that no farmer is left behind. 40ISEED WORLD EUROPEISEEDWORLD.COM/EUROPE | NOVEMBER 2024'