Seeds of Change: Workshop Aims to Revamp Zimbabwe’s Seed Certification Framework

By Ilyana Sithole

In a giant stride to change the face of the agricultural landscape in Zimbabwe, a five-day Write Shop on seed certification and regulatory frameworks opened its doors yesterday in Bulawayo. Against the background of the Agriculture Food Systems and Rural Transformation Strategy (AFSRTS), the workshop placed immense emphasis on the critical role that seed plays in providing cross-cutting support for growth in the agricultural sector.

With Zimbabwe working to modernize its agricultural sector, the need for robust seed certification processes has never been more critical. The existing seed certification scheme, which was adopted 25 years ago, does not conform to international and regional standards, therefore making it very difficult for seed producers and traders. The differences in the minimum standards of the local schemes, including OECD Seed Schemes, COMESA Seed Scheme, and SADC Seed Schemes, render compliance difficult and reduce agricultural productivity.

In addressing these compelling challenges, the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development has collaboratively worked with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). “Enhancing seed certification is crucial for ensuring that farmers have access to good quality seed, which inevitably results in increased production and improved livelihoods for communities,” said Mr. Zwelo Ndebele, FAO focal person for ZEFPP.

The Write Shop will also identify the gaps in the existing seed regulatory frameworks and draft new standards that conform to international best practices. The key objectives of the workshop are:

– Review and update the Seed Certification Scheme and Seed Regulations.
– Provide efficient and effective seed quality control and variety protection services.
– Ensure ethical conduct across the industry to satisfy farmers and value-chain participants.
– Sentencing swindlers and fake agro-dealers who sell counterfeit seeds.

Head of the Seed Services Institute, Mr. Edmore Mtetwa, was upbeat about the initiative: “By adopting international best practices in seed certification and regulations, Zimbabwe can enhance its agricultural sector, improve food security, and increase exports.” This creates grounds for regulatory reforms that will guarantee an enabling environment for traditional and innovative seed practices.

Mtetwa also called for the harmonization of local seed systems with international regulations, saying, “It would be a difficult scenario if the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education works to ease IP access, while the Ministry of Agriculture leads us to adopt standards that negate IP access regarding seed development and registration.” He called for clarity on the seed systems harmonization exercise currently underway in Bulawayo.

The workshop comes at an especially opportune time as the Zimbabwean Government moves to empower farmers, innovators, and students to defend their intellectual property rights. “Farmers who have passed down their seeds for generations possess generational wealth through those cultivars,” said Mtetwa. “They can only monetize this wealth through registration and protection.

This regulatory framework permits the registration of new seed varieties, providing two important protections. Firstly, there are Plant Breeders Rights to encourage investment in new varieties, and secondly, contractual agreements between the innovator and seed houses. The dual approach tries to promote innovation while at the same time ensuring that the rights of the people who invest in the agriculture sector are guaranteed.

As the Write Shop continues, stakeholders are optimistic that comprehensive reforms will emerge, paving the way for a more resilient and productive agricultural sector. The dialogue initiated in Bulawayo is a vital step towards realizing the potential of Zimbabwe’s agriculture, ensuring that both traditional practices and modern innovations can thrive together.

A Collective Effort for Change
As participants engage in discussions aimed at transforming seed certification processes, the support of all stakeholders is vital. By encouraging an inclusive regulatory environment and adopting best practices, Zimbabwe can look forward to a revitalized agricultural sector that benefits farmers and strengthens food security across the nation – after the rewriting of seed regulations. Let us unite in this essential initiative and work towards a sustainable agricultural future in Zimbabwe.