b'This is a concerning trend considering that most countriesprocedures for so-called green lanes, which have been imple-in the region are highly dependent on seed imports for some ofmented in a number of countries to expedite the movement of their cultivated crops to ensure their food and nutrition security.food, seeds and other vital agricultural inputs. Another recurring The largest seed importers in the region are China, Malaysia,recommendation shared is for companies to increase their use Pakistan, Australia, Japan and South Korea. Only Thailand, India,of digital platforms to facilitate the sales of seeds and related Israel, New Zealand and Indonesia had net surplus in their seedproducts online, while also devising promotions and incentives to trade in 2018 according to international trade data analyzedstimulate sales.by APSA. A key problem underlying some of these bottle-necks is the reduced capacity of and delays in courier services. A respondent from Australia mentioned delayed access to phytosanitary certificates and original documents for customs clearance in countries of destination. Seed companies depend on courier services to get phytosanitary certificates to the desti-nation country ahead of the seed shipment, but they are unable to do this at the moment. Unreliable courier services were alsoMany companies reported that they implementedmentioned as a constraint to small seed shipments by companies in India whereas the movement of bulk seed shipments domesti- social distancing recommendations by allowing some cally was reportedly less problematic. Similarly, the Japan Seedof their staff to work from home, while still maintaining Trade Association (JASTA) reported that problems with flights and domestic transportation have adversely affected parentalvital field and onsite operations through staggeredseed shipping. The association underlined some setbacks with seed production and overseas sales, pointing to delays linked tostaff shifts. the issuance of vital documents, route changes and even the sus-pension of field operations in some cases. JASTA said that some companies have even reported returned shipments and expe-dited shipping fees that were double usual fees.Similar challenges were experienced across Chinas seed industry as early as February, with local lockdown measures having negative effects on the domestic seed sector, includingLooking Aheadlabor shortages, setbacks in distribution and retail, and increasedAs the effects of COVID -19, associated lockdowns and eco-expense for transport and logistics, as confirmed by a statementnomic downturn are still playing out, it is too early to draw issued by the China Seed Association (CSA) in March. Thoughconcrete conclusions from this survey. Yet, a reduction in seed this had initially fueled concerns for delays in spring plantingdemand and international seed shipments will have conse- which typically proceeds the Lunar New Year periodCSAquences for the regions food and nutrition security and the credited swift and stringent government measurers and strongincome of smallholder farmers. Governments can try to ease cross-sector cooperation and communications as key to ensur- bottlenecks in the seed supply chain by exempting seed pro-ing the supply of seeds and inputs to farmers in time for springduction, distribution and trade from lockdown restrictions planting, which has reportedly commenced on schedule. and ensuring timely processing of import/export permits and phytosanitary certificates. It is important that bottlenecks are Coping Strategies addressed before the upcoming seed production season and To further identify and understand effective coping strategies,that the local situation is monitored closely.our survey asked respondents to share measures and solutionsAside from the immediate effects on international seed move-their companies have implemented.ments, companies are also reporting or anticipating challenges Many companies reported that they implemented socialrelated to seed production, operations, and research and devel-distancing recommendations by allowing some of their staffopment. On the latter, some seed company staff experienced to work from home, while still maintaining vital field and onsitedifficulties in local travel to inspect field trials. Moreover, commer-operations through staggered staff shifts. cial trials and new product launches may be adversely affected if Respondents also emphasized the importance of continuouscustomers are unable to visit field demonstrations, which could monitoring of the market situation and maintaining communica- have long-term consequences on the seed industry.tions with customers. In addition to seeking new routes for seedWhile there seems to be a common sentiment that many shipments, some respondents recommended making advancechallenges can be mitigated and there is much optimism for the bookings for space on vessels or flights and to negotiate trans- situation to improve in the medium- and long-term, extensive portation costs, which were reported on the rise. delays and increased expenses could prove detrimental for some Another key point emphasized was the need to seek sup- companies and some countries should lockdown restrictions port from concerned government agencies regarding rules andpersist in the upcoming seed production season. INTERNATIONAL EDITION 2020SEEDWORLD.COM /19'