b'the current systemit wouldseed will happen in a more predictable merely be offered as anway, Souza Richards says. In return, the alternative to the currentprocess will become more efficient. consignment-by-consign- Souza Richards explains thatseeds ment inspections.produced under a certified supply chain Systems Approachby approved producers, can be moved has been implementedbetween countries that recognize the in a number of thingsSystems Approach certification with already, Leader says.a generic Phytosanitary Certificate, For example, itswhich does not specify individual pests, already used in freshbut which guarantee the total check of apples. In terms of thethe phytosanitary safe state regarding seed industry, this con- pests which concerned seeds could be a cept is new, and it will bepathway.less trade restricted. WereOn average, the large majority of already addressing plantregulated pests for the seed havent be health risks during our pro- proven that seed is a pathway of intro-cesses and treatments duringduction of the pest under natural condi-production. If current industry besttions in the field, Leader says. practices can be considered by theA Systems Approach may include National Plant Protection Organizationsgeneral requirements such as risk evalua-(NPPOs) when they are assessing thetion, pest monitoring and reporting, pest Rose Souza Richards recently joined the ISFrisks, that will help the international move- risk management and a documented team as Seed Health manager.ment of seeds. quality management system with checks Leader says that one of the reasonsand inspections at specific points during the adoption of Systems Approach wouldthe growing season, Souza Richards help the seed industry is the reduction onsays. The documented quality manage-the number of extra seed health tests thatment system (QMS) will be audited and for the movement of seeds. For theare currently required for the industryapproved/recognized by the exporting seed companies a multilateral Systemsto complete when exporting to differentcountry. Further, the International Plant Approach would be most suitable,countries. These extra tests are expensiveProtection Convention (IPPC) is embark-compared to the already implementedand add more time causing delays duringing on the drafting of an Annex to ISPM38 Systems Approaches (fruits and vegeta- sowing season.(Design and use of Systems Approaches bles for export) based on ISPM14, whichOften, we dont know where the finalfor phytosanitary certification of seeds), are via bilateral agreements betweencountry will be for the seed lots at allwhich may lead to a harmonized frame-countries. says Rose Souza Richards,timesdue to drought or other condi- work for Systems Approach and guid-Seed Health manager of ISF.tions, seeds can end up going to differentance to NPPOs on approval of industry Souza Richards explains that undercountries other than what initially wasproduction practices and an audit pro-a Systems Approach certification theintended, he says. Having governmentscess that can be implemented globally. import and export of seed will happen inrecognize our processes and treatmentsThe Annex provides an opportunity to a certified supply chain, based on currentduring the production system means weharmonize seed regulations which would industry pest management practices. Thecan get seed where and when its needed. facilitate global seed trade.International Standard for PhytosanitaryIn some countries, we just cant getLeader says one of the most impor-Measures Number 38 (ISPM 38) alreadythe seed to the growers, he says. Whentant things now to support a Systems recognizes that many pest managementyou look at the food security window, youApproach is to talk to governments and practices throughout the seed productiondont get the full benefits of that germ- educate them on how seed is produced.process (e.g. pre-harvest, harvest, post- plasm. When we need to feed the worldGovernments are used to apples harvest) can be included under a Systemsin a sustainable manner, theres seed thatgetting produced in one country and Approach.All in all, Systems Approachcould be used that isnt getting used.then being sent to another, but they dont would be a more sustainable solutionA Systems Approach would be a win- understand how seed gets to a grower, instead of todays consignment-by-con- win solution for governments as well ashe says. Were trying to show them how signment certification system. industry. that happens. We explain the breeding However, Leader also mentions thatThe idea is that under a Systemsprocess, the testing process, how we the Systems Approach wouldnt replaceApproach certification the movement ofchoose our growers to do our produc-24/ SEEDWORLD.COMINTERNATIONAL EDITION 2020'