Phytosanitary regulations ensure viable seed industry

Pest introductions and outbreaks cost governments, farmers, and consumers millions every year due to loss of earnings from lower yields, the destruction of crops, or the implementation of control measures.

Once pest species become established, their eradication is often impossible or not economically feasible. These risks normally arise from the introduction, establishment or spread of pests and diseases that area carried by plant or animal material.

The international movement of seeds as a commodity for seeds for planting supports food production and hunger alleviation globally. Seeds for planting purposes are, however, classified as high-risk material in international trade, as it may provide a pathway for the geographical dispersion of pests and diseases, especially seed-borne pathogens.

Globally, phytosanitary measures are governed by the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (the SPS Agreement), and its Committee on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (the SPS Committee) and the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC).

To ensure the development of a viable and sustainable global seed market, and because prevention remains the best policy, it is imperative for countries and governments to establish effective regulations to control and manage these risks. As official government rules, phytosanitary regulations and measures are meant to regulate, restrict, or prevent the importation of certain plant species, or plant products.

The SPS Agreement and the IPPC, allow member countries to set their own level of protection through the implementation of phytosanitary regulations to protect their territories from phytosanitary threats from other countries. It further ensures that regulations are based on scientific principles and sufficient scientific evidence, solely applied to the extent necessary to protect against phytosanitary risks and restrict the use of unjustified phytosanitary regulations for protectionist purposes as disguised barriers to international trade.

These measures aim to prevent the introduction, establishment and/or spread of plant pests across international boundaries. This is undertaken in a way that does not limit trade while making trade in seeds safe.

The availability of a consistent supply of high-quality seed is the key to a competitive and productive seed industry and the distribution to farmers across the globe are of paramount importance. Creating a predictable trading environment by eliminating trade barriers for our members are a key priority for SANSOR, says Isabel Bezuidenhout, Phytosanitary Manager at SANSOR. Pest control can contribute to a significant percentage of the cost of producing seed and such costs may impact negatively on the availability, quality, and international competitiveness of agricultural commodities.

SANSOR maintains a close relationship with the South African national plant protection authority, foreign government plant quarantine bodies, International Seed Federation (ISF) and other regional organisations, including national and regional seed associations. ″Through this network, we monitor global discriminatory and unjustified phytosanitary regulations that might affect the movement of seed. SANSOR facilitates, through the use of science-based processes, the reduction or elimination of the use of unjustifiable phytosanitary measures,″ Bezuidenhout says.

Phytosanitary certificates are issued to indicate that consignments of plants, plant products or other regulated articles meet specified phytosanitary import or export requirements. SANSOR advises all parties involved in the import or export of seed and plant material to ensure that they comply to all the requirements.

According to Bezuidenhout, through SANSOR’s efforts, the seed industry in South Africa can continue to ensure the ability to import and export seed from all corners of the world.