Integrated Seed Sector Development (ISSD) How informal and formal seed systems can work together for the conservation and use of agricultural biodiversity J. Coosje Hoogendoorn, Peter Gildemacher, Willem Heemskerk, Marja Thijssen Photo: KIT – Genevieve Audet-Belanger   Integrated Seed Sector Development (ISSD)

Agricultural biodiversity and conservation and its availability for use are central to robust seed systems that support food security, poverty eradication and resilience to climate change and vice versa: Robust seed systems are central to agricultural biodiversity conservation and its availability for use Photo: KIT – Geneviève Audet-Bélanger  

Smallholder farmers get their seed from different sources Own field/local market International company NARS

Formal and informal seed systems ex situ PGR conservation variety development EGS production multiplication marketing seed selection production diffusion in situ PGR conservation

ISSD-Integrated Seed Sector Development Approach Supports the development of a vibrant, pluralistic and market-oriented seed sector Embraced by the African Union Three country programmes in Africa: Ethiopia, Uganda, Burundi ISSD Africa: continent-wide capacity building & policy support Education support programme in Mozambique Feasibility study started for Myanmar

ISSD - Principles Foster pluralism and build on diversity of seed systems Work according to the structure of the seed value chain Promote entrepreneurship and market orientation Recognize the relevance of informal seed systems Facilitate interactions between formal & informal seed systems Recognize complementary roles public and private sector Support enabling and evolving policies for a dynamic sector Promote evidence based seed sector innovations

ISSD: The synergy between formal and informal seed systems ex situ PGR conservation variety development EGS production multiplication marketing Supporting CBM PVS LSB Local seed outlets seed selection production diffusion in situ PGR conservation

Exchange of materials between CBM and genebanks Genebanks need to limit themselves to high value and unique genotypes In situ conservation adapted to genetically diverse populations Coordination can optimize effectiveness & costs: Comparison of ex situ stored with ‘in use’ local varieties Seeds for Needs: re-introduction to farmers, fine- tuning through crowd sourcing feedback (Bioversity International)

Matching Global Commitments with National Realities (ISSD Africa Theme 3) Active exchange between ex situ and CBM can assure fast (re-)introduction of lost and new diversity Research was done in Uganda, Rwanda, Zambia, Zimbabwe Systems and legal procedures (such as the SMTA under ITPGRFA) should but do not facilitate this yet.

The synergy between formal and informal seed systems ex situ PGR conservation variety development EGS production multiplication marketing Supporting CBM PVS LSB Local seed outlets seed selection production diffusion in situ PGR conservation

Seed health improvement for local storage Seed quality not only dependent on genetics but also on phytosanitary health. ISSD supports the development of Local Seed Businesses: More local knowledge on seed health factors More local knowledge on effect of storage on seed vigour This is beneficial for CBM of: Major crops Minor & local crops (stored mainly in situ)

The synergy between formal and informal seed systems ex situ PGR conservation variety development EGS production multiplication marketing Supporting CBM PVS LSB Local seed outlets seed selection production diffusion in situ PGR conservation

Improved Use of Agrobiodiversity ISSD support Participatory Variety Selection (PVS), to be marketed locally: Participation of farmers in formal private and public breeding programmes Independent seed production of improved genotypes of local crops by LSBs Breeders in formal programmes can better target new varieties Smallholder farmers are able to explore beyond their local diversity.

Developments and Trends in the Formal sector Agricultural biodiversity at the farm is made up of a diverse portfolio of modern (hybrid) and local varieties: Determined by its use for food, fodder, market, crop rotation to be protected & optimized (sustainable intensification) Importance of quality seeds and improved varieties for meeting global food security and poverty reduction goals is widely acknowledged. Public sector has recognized role for ex situ conservation Role of private seed sector expected to increase in seed supply to smallholder farmers

Seed companies recognize smallholders as important clients Copyright Access to Seeds Foundation Access to Seeds Index 2016: Seed companies recognize smallholders as important clients (www.accesstoseeds.org)

Seed Companies and Agrobiodiversity Conservation and use (Access to Seeds Index 2016) Only a few companies were found to engage in: Breeding of minor crops Participatory plant breeding Global seed companies collaborate with genebanks, but mainly the international ones and in OECD countries. Eastern Africa Index: Regional companies collaborate with ex situ collections in their country of origin If concentration in the seed sector towards global companies continues, the link between ex situ and CBM at the local farm level may weaken further.

Take home messages Important crops in smallholder agriculture are often part of the informal and unregulated seed system (beans, millets, local vegetables) Other crops (maize, ‘global’ vegetables) are part of the formal and regulated seed system. These two systems are not separate systems, and should seek synergies (ISSD approach): For better access to quality seeds for smallholder farmers AND for better agricultural biodiversity management

The synergy between formal and informal seed systems ex situ PGR conservation variety development EGS production multiplication marketing Supporting CBM PVS LSB Local seed outlets seed selection production diffusion in situ PGR conservation

Thank you very much for your attention Better interactions between the formal and informal seed sector in agricultural biodiversity conservation and use deserves high priority T Thank you very much for your attention