Essentially, a harmonized framework would lead to an effi- cient mechanism for production, distribution and marketing of seed which would translate into increased access and usage of quality seed. This would promote regional trade, increase econ- omies of scale, and enhance food security and economic benefits in the region. An important point to note is that the seed industry in all the EAC Partner States comprises of formal and informal seed supply systems with the informal sector contributing a signifi- cant proportion of the seed supply. Thus, there is need to ensure that drawn policies also focus on ways of improving and harness- ing the informal sector to ensure that the quality is maintained or guaranteed. To address these challenges, the Partner States under ini- tiatives spearheaded by the ASARECA have in the past made progress in the development of procedures for the seed sector. This however, needs to be complemented by harmonization of seed legislation in the region. Once successful, this would result in a set of regulations applicable in the region which play a key role in facilitating seed movement and trade as well as improve- ment of the quality. It is noteworthy that the harmonization would only be fea- sible after undertaking an analysis of the existing legal and reg- ulatory framework and the specific provisions that govern the seed industry in each Partner State. OBJECTIVES The overall objective of the legal framework is to encourage investment in the seed business, while increasing access to high quality seeds by facilitating free and safe trade in seed and close collaboration among Partner States in governance of the seed industry. Specifically, the legal framework will focus on the following: a.  Harmonization of variety evaluation, release procedures and registration protocols in the region; b. Harmonization of seed certification; c.  Harmonization of phytosanitary measures including import and export documentation; d.  To prevent spread of pests of quarantine and non-quar- antine importance; e. Harmonization of plant variety protection systems. SITUATION ANALYSIS The status of the EAC Partner States in terms of the existing legal framework is diverse but an evident fact is that the EAC Partner States have made efforts in recent years to review the laws and regulations thereby incorporating the principles enun- ciated in the EAC Policy documents. OPPORTUNITIES There are various opportunities that should be exploited for enhancement of the EAC Partner States’ seed sector in the region. There is currently an untapped market for certified seed, taking into account the fact that most of the smallholder farm- ers still depend on the informal sector as the source of seeds. This allows opportunities for the private sector to play a greater role in the seed industry since currently, most of the breeding programmes are under the auspices of public institutions and this needs to be complemented by input from the private sector. In terms of opportunities for complementarity and enhanced collaboration in the region., the Partner States can utilize the well-developed infrastructure and skilled human capacity in other Partner States through institutional linkages among the designated entities. For instance, the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) accredited laboratories can serve the other States not only in terms of undertaking the testing but also for training purposes. In addition, institutional linkages among the designated entities can be established for purposes of providing inspection services and the conduct of National Performance Trials (NPTs) where a country has limited capac- ity. That being said, international bodies, among them ISTA, the Union for Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV), and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), would be supportive of the Partner States’ initiatives towards membership and accreditation which would greatly enhance the quality and capacity for production of high-quality seeds. There is no doubt there is a need to explore opportunities for mechanisms for regional protection of plant varieties, and the presence of multinational seed companies has helped increase quantities of seed available to farmers. Partner States are currently in the process of developing or reviewing seed laws and this provides opportunity to incorpo- rate aspects of harmonization. There is an opportunity to estab- EUROPEAN-SEED.COM I EUROPEAN SEED I 21