Seed Info 31, July 2006

S E E D I N F O

Official Newsletter of the WANA Seed Network

No. 31, July 2006

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NEWS AND VIEWS__________________________________________________________

Several news, views, comments, and suggestions on varieties and seeds are included in this section. It is a forum for discussion among professionals in the seed sector.

Coexistence Measures for Genetically Modified Crops, Conventional and Organic Farming in the Netherlands
Coexistence is neither new nor revolutionary. The farming community and the seed industry have a long history of growing different crops side-by-side and producing pure seed stocks. Coexistence between conventional, organic, and genetically modified (GM) cultivation is a purely economic issue and has nothing to do with product/crop safety. Measures for coexistence should be established in countries where labelling thresholds for the adventitious presence of GM products in conventional and organic crops exist. Measures that separate the different product lines are established in the Netherlands, thereby making coexistence possible. It is important to ensure that coexistence measures are specific, efficient, cost-effective, proportionate, and implemented at the appropriate scale. In no case should they lead to the severe restriction or ban of one type of production.

Introduction
Coexistence of various production methods is not a new concept in agriculture. Breeders and farmers are accustomed to breeding and producing different crops such as waxy and non-waxy maize, white and yellow maize, hot and sweet peppers, and high and zero erucic acid oilseed rape, next to one another. They are also accustomed to producing certified seed with different purity standards. This means that coexistence of a wide range of production methods is not a problem, provided technical and procedural guidelines are carefully followed and cooperation among farmers in the neighbourhood is encouraged.

Since the last decade, production methods have been frequently classified into three main groups: conventional, organic and production using GM crops. In some countries, GM products are treated the same as their non-GM counterparts as soon as they have been proved to be safe and authorized for food and feed and deliberate release into the environment. This is strongly endorsed in the seed industry. In countries where GM products are treated differently from non-GM products, labelling is compulsory. Thresholds for adventitious presence of GM products in conventional products have been adopted as labelling trigger points, e.g. 0.9% in Europe, 4% in Brazil, and 5% in Japan.

The Situation in Netherlands
In the Netherlands, co-existence is based on the recommendation of the European Commission (2003/556/EC). Member countries develop national strategies and best practices for coexistence. The government of Netherlands has been reluctant to design new laws at a time that it is trying to curtail the administrative burdens of producers. Therefore, a small committee of stakeholders, consisting of conventional and organic farmers as well as the seed sector, was invited to discuss and agree on a voluntary coexistence rule. The Minister of Agriculture saddled the committee with the task of creating a practical approach for coexistence, which could be accepted by everyone involved. He recommended that the approach should be balanced and provide farmers the 'freedom to operate' with minimum economic damage by GMO admixture, with provision for legal claims for liability.

The committee first concluded that coexistence should be seen from the context of the economic consequences of adventitious presence of material from one crop in another. Product or crop safety is not an issue, because the GM varieties that are grown have been given full regulatory approval. All stakeholders further agreed that interaction between the different forms of agriculture cannot be totally avoided, and that measures must ensure that the damage is minimised (100% GMO-free cannot be guaranteed).

Secondly, based on the principles that the measures of coexistence should be efficient, cost-effective and proportionate, a package of practical measures was prepared and agreed upon for GM, conventional, and organic farmers. The measures were focused on potato, sugar beet, and maize because they are the most relevant crops, considering the availability of GM varieties in the Netherlands.

Thirdly, they recommended that a farmer intending to grow GM crops must communicate his intentions to his neighbours at an early date. He should also register his intent in the national register before 1 February of each year. In all stages of production, i.e., planting, growing, harvesting, on-farm transport, and storage, measures must be taken to prevent the mixing of GM and non-GM crops. Such measures include thorough cleaning of machinery, maintenance of isolation distances, prevention of volunteer crops and spillage, and separate storage.

Isolation distances during production seem to be most effective to prevent admixtures. The GM crop farmer must keep a distance of 3 m from potato, 1.5 m from sugar beet, and 25 m from maize fields of conventional crop farmers. However, they agreed that GM farmers should keep larger isolation distances from organic farmers. Therefore, the distances between a GM field and an organic field should be 10 m for potato, 3 m for sugar beet, and 250 m for maize.

Compliance is guaranteed through certification and regulatory control dealing with the obligatory measures. Failure to comply will make a producer loose his good agricultural practices (GAP) certificate (and consequently his license to deliver). He/she will be liable to damage claims and will be fined by the main board of the regulatory control agency (Hoofdproductschap Akkerbouw, the Netherlands).

The agreement further stipulates that if a grower does not adhere to the coexistence measures he can be held liable for crop damage, which may arise from the mixing of GM and non-GM crops. However, if he/she adheres to the measures he/she will be free from claims for economic damage as a result of mixing. In such case, a fund established by all relevant parties (all growers, seed firms and processing companies) will reimburse the economic damage suffered.

To date, it is not yet clear if the isolation distances are well chosen and may not change, and if there is real need for the fund. The current agreement is for three years, after which it will be evaluated and adjusted if necessary.

Conclusion
Coexistence measures should not go beyond what is necessary to ensure that adventitious presence remains below the tolerance thresholds set in the rules and legislation. They should not be an unnecessary burden on farmers irrespective of their production system. Decisions should be taken appropriately, and priority should be given to farm-specific management measures and measures aimed at coordination between neighbouring farms. Anke van den Hurk, Plantum NL (Dutch Association for Breeding, Tissue Culture, Production and Trade of Seeds and Young Plants), P.O. Box 462,2800 AL Gouda, Vossenburchkade 68, The Netherlands; Fax: +31-182-688667; E-mail: A.vandenHurk@ plantum.nl

COP-8 Re-affirms Decision on GURTs
Genetic use restriction technologies (GURTs) is a broad term that refers to many forms of gene switching technology, all of which assure that a transgene is expressed only in specified conditions, such as high salinity and drought stress. This strategy can allow a plant to save energy, which it can expend on growth and seed production.

The use of GURTs was debated in the Eighth Meeting of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity in March 2005. Parties agreed to re-affirm the GURTs decision, which has been in place since 2000. The decision recommends that parties do not approve products of GURTs for field testing and/or commercial use "until strictly controlled scientific assessments have been carried out in a transparent manner, and the conditions for their safe and beneficial use have been validated."

At the end of the meeting, Parties recommended, among others, that scientists "continue to undertake further research on the impacts of GURTs, including their ecological, economic, social and cultural impacts, particularly on indigenous and local communities." Thus, no moratorium on research on GURTs has been called, despite claims to the contrary.

To read more about the GURTS technology, visit: http://www.biodiv.org. Source: CropBiotech Update 5 May 2006

FAO and ABSF Launch Agricultural Biotechnology Network in Africa
The Food and Agriculture Organization and the African Biotechnology Stakeholders Forum (ABSF) have launched an agricultural biotechnology network for professionals and stakeholders in Africa. The network was named Agricultural Biotechnology Network in Africa (ABNETA). It aims to build a knowledge base in plant breeding and biotechnology to facilitate access to reliable information on new technologies to improve agricultural production and reduce hunger. The network will provide a common platform and tools to share, learn, discuss, and decide agricultural matters.

ABSF will manage and coordinate ABNETA through the national coordinators, who will collate breeding and biotechnology information from both the government and private sectors. It will organize meetings, workshops, and seminars aimed at achieving the goals of the network. For more information visit the website at: http://www.abneta.org. Source: CropBiotech Update 24 March 2006

ISTA Establishes GM Information Platform Website and Signs Memorandum of Understanding with FAO

GM information platform
In the last issue of Seed Info, we reported the ISTA accreditation of laboratories on the detection of specified traits in GMO testing in seed lots following the ordinary meeting in April 2005, in Bangkok, Thailand. After the decision of the ISTA ordinary meeting, a new version of Chapter 8 of the ISTA Rules, including testing for specified traits, came into force on 1 February 2006. Consequently, laboratories could become ISTA accredited for testing specified traits. The first laboratories have been audited for specified trait testing.

ISTA has now finalized arrangements to set up an information platform on its website, which will provide necessary information on specified trait testing. The platform will provide a complete set of information on the requirements for becoming ISTA accredited for specified trait testing. It includes further links to technical information and databases provided by ISTA and other external sources on transgenic event descriptions, analytical methods, statistical tools, and literature. It aims to provide useful information for all laboratories on performing tests on specified traits in seeds, participating in ISTA proficiency tests on GMO testing, and willingness to become ISTA accredited for testing for specified traits in seeds. The ISTA GM information platform is a useful tool for accessing all relevant information regarding seeds and specified trait testing (https://www.seedtest.org/stream/nl-l---1--%409 fa6e911665--41.html)

It is now possible for a laboratory to become ISTA accredited for testing seeds with specified traits under the performance-based approach. The relevant ISTA accreditation documents can be down loaded from the ISTA website (http:// www.seedtest. org/en/content---1--1184.html). It includes the: (i) principles and conditions for laboratory accreditation under the performance-based approach (version 2.0), (ii) performance data evaluation for the presence of seeds with specified traits in seed lots (version 2.0), (iii) performance data evaluation for specified trait purity (version 1.0), and (iv) ISTA seed testing laboratory accreditation standard (Version 4.0).

Memorandum of Understanding
On 24 May 2006, the Vice-Director General of FAO, Dr Louise Fresco, and the President of ISTA, Ir. Pieter Oosterveld, signed a Memorandum of Understanding for cooperation in capacity building, transfer of technology, and exchange of information in all aspects of seed quality assurance between FAO and ISTA.

The importance of seed testing and seed quality assurance was brought to the attention of governments and the general public over recent years, mainly in the field of genetically modified seeds, where tremendous efforts were undertaken to install appropriate diagnostic and testing programs.

However, seed quality assurance is also an important procedure for establishing food security, especially in developing countries. In this context, analysis of the purity and germination capacity of a seed lot is a key factor. FAO and ISTA recommended that awareness of the importance of seed quality control should receive more attention.

By signing this Memorandum of Understanding both organizations (FAO and ISTA) have agreed to work together in making governments to realize the importance of seed quality assurance and control. They both aim to enhance knowledge about seed testing and seed testing facilities, particularly in countries where the seed industry is still in an early stage of development, through special training programs and projects. For more information, contact: ISTA, Zürichstrasse 50, P.O. Box 308, 8303 Bassersdorf, Switzerland; Fax: ++41-1-8386001; E-mail: ista. office@ista.ch; Website: http://www.seedtest.org. Source: ISTA Circular 24 March 2006.

Sixth African Seed Trade Association Congress 2006
The African Seed Trade Association (AFSTA) is a non-profit, non-political association that represents the seed industry in Africa and the Indian Ocean islands. It has 60 members in 30 countries, with a mission to promote the development of the seed industry and the national seed associations. Their work is expected to facilitate farmers' access to improved varieties.

The 6th AFSTA Annual Congress was held on 28-31 March 2006 in Entebbe, Uganda. Some 118 delegates from 31 countries including representatives of regional and international organizations such as the Association for Strengthening Agricultural Research in Eastern and Central Africa, African Union, International Seed Federation, International Seed Testing Association, Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, United States Agency for International Development and West African Seed and Planting Material Network attended the congress.

Two pre-congress workshops were held: (i) ISTA-facilitated regional workshop on ISTA accreditation for governmental and seed company seed testing laboratories and (ii) Cornell University-facilitated workshop on Seed Development Program. The ISTA workshop provided useful information on the practical aspects of the accreditation of seed testing laboratories and its importance in the international seed trade. The Cornell University workshop aimed at assisting small and medium seed companies in Africa to improve their financial and managerial efficiency.

Several issues were discussed during the plenary session of the congress. A presentation was made on financing private sector investment in Africa, which highlighted lack of finance as a serious impediment to the development of agriculture in general and the seed sector in particular. A brief on Comprehensive African Agriculture Development Program (CAADP) under New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) was presented to inform the seed sector about this important program including its objectives and main components for the development of agriculture in Africa.

The presentation by Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa gave an overview of the organization, progress made in trade capacity building for market access, and the opportunities and challenges. The presentation on facilitating access to publicly available germplasm addressed the constraints and the possible solutions in supporting the development of the seed industry. Participants discussed, among other issues, the establishment of the Foundation Seed Enterprise as a link between public plant breeding and the commercial seed companies, with a view to making available public varieties to farmers.

The presentation on the challenges of the seed market in Africa led to a lively discussion on variety release, realistic demand, seed marketing, seed price, regional seed trade barriers, plant variety protection, and biotechnology. The last presentation was on coexistence: "situation of harmonization of seed policy and regulations, including biotechnology in Africa." Representatives from the three sub-regions in sub-Saharan Africa, i.e., Southern African Development Community, Eastern and Central Africa and Western Africa, presented their achievements, followed by a discussion. The issue of coordination of actions amongst the organizations involved in the harmonization process was discussed and an agreement.

The General Assembly adopted three position papers on International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, modern biotechnology and the coexistence of genetically modified and conventional seeds. The Assembly confirmed that the seventh AFSTA Annual Congress will be held in Livingstone, Zambia, on 27-30 March 2007.

AFSTA will continue to organize technical training on seeds to build the capacity of its members in 2006/07. Particularly attention will be given to seed quality assurance management, seed association management, seed marketing, and business plan. AFSTA will strive to increase its membership to increase its financial stability. It will continue to support the harmonization of the seed relation process in the sub-regions.

All the papers and materials presented at the AFSTA Congress 2006 are available on request at AFSTA Secretariat (E-mail: afsta@afsta.org). Justin Rakotoarisaona, AFSTA, P.O. Box 2428 - 00202 KNH, Nairobi, Kenya; Fax: +254-20-2727861; E-mail: afsta@afsta.org.

Annual World Seed Congress
The 2006 ISF congress took place at the end of May in Copenhagen, Denmark. Some 1350 persons from 61 countries attended.

It was reiterated at the conference that the seed industry faces three major challenges, namely, intellectual property protection, adventitious presence of GM materials in non-GM seed, and phytosanitary restrictions, which acts as a barrier to trade. Since the 2005 congress in Santiago, three new countries have acceded to the UPOV Convention. With the accession of Albania, Iceland, the European Union, and over 65 member countries, UPOV has taken on a new role in the implementation of plant breeders' rights. ISF has established a working group to draft guidelines for its members on enforcement issues.

Adventitious presence (AP) of GM materials in non-GM seed remains a concern for the industry despite some recent welcome developments. At the last meeting of parties to the Biosafety Protocol, the decision to continue using the clause "may contain" in food and feed shipments is a step in the right direction. ISF has also set up a new working group on AP in seed, which will work in parallel with other organizations such as CropLife International and BIO.

Many countries have introduced new phytosanitary regulations, which affect the international trade in seed. ISF has been actively involved in Brazil and India in talks with the government, explaining the implications of the new regulations with some encouraging results. In order to pool the experience of ISF members in dealing with phytosanitary issues, the ISF Phytosanitary Committee was working on a document aimed at helping national associations and seed companies to work more effectively with governments in facilitating the international movement of seed.

The importance of strong national seed associations was emphasized at all levels. The presence of a strong association at all three levels - national, regional, and international - is necessary if the seed industry is to be seen as an important stakeholder in matters relating to agriculture.

In addition, issues relevant to the various sections and committees, such as essential derivation, access to genetic resources and the FAO International Treaty, and renewable energy were discussed during the three days of the congress. Several amendments to the ISF trade and dispute settlement rules were adopted as were position papers on:

•	use of proprietary parental lines of hybrids;
•	use of DNA markers for DUS testing;
•	provisional protection in UPOV Convention;
•	guidelines for use of seed health testing methods.

The trading floor was, as always, very active and many contracts were signed between companies from all over the world, confirming that ISF congresses are not only important for influencing regulations at the international level but also for doing business.

Mr Deon van Rooyen, Managing Director of Pannar Seed in South Africa was elected President of ISF. He is the second president from the south in a row and the first from Africa in the long history of the organization. Radha Ranganathan, ISF, Chemin du Reposoir 7, 1260 Nyon, Switzerland Fax: ++41-22-3654421; E-mail: r.ranganathan@ worldseed.org; Website: http://www.worldseed.org

Iceland Accedes to UPOV Convention
From 3 April 2006, Iceland became a full member of the International Convention for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV) by depositing the instruments of accession at the General Secretariat of the UPOV in Geneva, Switzerland. This brings the total number of UPOV members to 61. Accession to the UPOV Convention will allow Iceland to benefit from the rights conferred by the Convention, and to be recognized as a full member of the international group with clear-cut obligations and rules when it comes to plant variety rights. The UPOV Convention aims to ensure a harmonized international system for the protection of plant varieties and encourage the development of new varieties of plants. It was adopted in 1961, and has been revised three times, the most recent being in 1991. Source: http://www.upov.int

Asia Pacific Seed Association Announces Deputy Director
Mr. Kazuo Hatsuda, President of the Asia Pacific Seed Association (APSA), has announced the appointment of Dr Sampan Campiranon as Deputy Director of APSA. Dr Sampan has been widely involved in the international seed business, biotechnology, and agriculture. Dr Sampan has worked as an academic and a business executive. He will be assisting APSA Secretariat in Bangkok in achieving its goal of having a dynamic seed industry that benefits its members, the Asia Pacific region, and beyond. Dr Sampan has assumed office since 1 June 2006 and can be contacted by e-mail at: deputyd@apsaseed.com. Beth Erlano, Managing Editor, APSA; E-mail: publications@ apsaseed.com