24 / SEEDWORLD.COM JUNE 2019 Program (NSHAPP), the National Seed Health System, a Regulatory Framework for Seed Health (ReFreSH) and the International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures No. 38 (ISPM 38). The 2013 detection of CGMMV in California prompted an important dialogue about improving the safety of global seed trade and seed health protec- tion. Since then, PPQ has worked with state and industry groups to manage and prevent its spread through research, outreach and coordinated regulatory response. Part of this response is the National Seed Health Accreditation Pilot Program, where Iowa State University, with PPQ oversight, manages a voluntary system of testing imported cucumber, melon and watermelon seed for CGMMV. Since initiation in 2015, NSHAPP-accredited labs have tested approximately 24,000 seed lots, finding and removing infected lots from U.S. commerce. The National Seed Health System, also administered by Iowa State University, accredits private and public entities to carry out seed health testing, visual inspections and seed sampling needed to obtain phytosanitary certificates. This program delivers big benefits by helping to eliminate delays in shipping seed lots. Another program is the Plant Germplasm Quarantine Program, a unique service that allows small amounts of prohibited plants and seeds to be imported, primarily for use in plant breed- ing programs. PPQ scientists grow out the imported seeds and inspect for pests as the plants grow. If no pests are found, they harvest the progeny seeds and ship them to the importer, ensuring U.S. growers have access to high-quality, disease-free seeds. More recently (In 2017), the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) adopted an international stand- ard that provides guidance for safely moving seed internationally. Working with the North American Plant Protection Organization (NAPPO), PPQ helped design and present a workshop earlier this year to guide safe seed trade in the Americas by promoting implementation of ISPM 38. To advance global accept- ance of systems approaches, PPQ, working through NAPPO, successfully petitioned the IPPC to develop an annex to ISPM 38 that provides guidance on the development and implementation of seed systems approaches. One such seed systems approach is ReFreSH. PPQ works closely with the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA), the National Plant Board, individual mem- bers of the seed industry, academia and trading partners to develop a risk- and science-based systems approach that lev- erages industry best practices for manag- ing phytosanitary risk associated with the international movement of seed. Under ReFreSH, producers would get accredited for their production processes, forming the basis for phytosanitary certification. “ReFreSH will provide an alternative for many companies to move their seed inter- nationally based on the of the strength of their seed quality production and manage- ment practices in reducing and managing phytosanitary risk, instead of the current consignment-by-consignment phytosani- tary certification process,” says Ric Dunkle, ASTA senior director of seed health and trade. “However, this initiative has a long way to go before it becomes an interna- tional effort. Next steps are small scale pilot projects, which we hope to get underway later this year.” SW Download the Seed World Mobile App For Free! DOWNLOAD FOR IPHONE DOWNLOAD FOR ANDROID Scan the code with your mobile device to download our app! Scan the code with your mobile device to download our app! Stay connected and engaged with all the latest news trending in the global seed industry. Features: Easy click or swipe menu navigation iOS and Android mobile and tablet versions Current stories at a glance Enlarged text for easy reading ü ü ü ü Sponsored by: