Aleppo, Syria
July 2011

Source: Seed Info No. 41, official newsletter of the WANA Seed Network

The Seed and Plant Certification and Research Institute (SPCRI) organized a national consultation meeting on the formation of a national seed association on 27 February 2011 in Karaj. Various stakeholders from the national seed sector in Iran participated in the sessions. The workshop was attended by 68 people from different institutions, including the managers of public and private seed companies, leaders of various professional associations (growers, cooperatives), the Seed and Plant Improvement Institute (SPII), SPCRI, etc.

Two presentations were made during the workshop, (i) Overview of the seed sector in Iran (SPCRI) and (ii) The need for a national seed association (ICARDA). The presentation from SPCRI focused on summarizing key policy and regulatory issues pertinent to the seed sector and emphasizing the role of the private sector in Iran. ICARDA’s presentation, based on its regional and international experience, focused on the roles of the private sector and national seed association in development of the seed sector. The presentation also outlined the key role of the association at national, regional, and global levels highlighting its mission, objectives, activities, organization, etc. ICARDA presented a road map for the establishment of a national seed association and suggested forming a ‘consultative committee’.

Both presentations generated keen interest and discussion among the participants. During the ensuing discussions, most delegates endorsed the idea and formed a 10-member ‘Core Group’ representing the major stakeholders of the seed sector. The group will undertake further consultations and develop an action plan and timeframe for the formation of a national seed association. The action plan included:

• Developing a list of activities and a timeframe for their completion
• Preparing and circulating draft bylaws for the association
• Surveying seed companies interested to join the association
• Organizing a founding congress of the national seed association

The formation of a national umbrella organization is crucial to expanding the participation of the private sector by:

• Representing the interests and protecting the rights of its members and the national seed industry
• Participating in national dialogues and contributing to the development of an effective policy and regulatory framework for the seed industry
• Organizing a database of the seed sector and disseminating information to members and stakeholders
• Developing and enforcing ethical standards for the seed industry
• Networking members and establishing links to regional and global seed industry
• Providing training to strengthen the capacity of its members.

ICARDA will provide support in the development of bylaws and the establishment of the national seed association.

Samad Mobasser, SPCRI, Karaj, Iran. E-mail: sa_mobasser@yahoo.com and Zewdie Bishaw, ICARDA, P.O. Box 5466, Aleppo, Syria. E-mail: z.bishaw@cgiar.org.

Website: http://www.seedquest.com/seed/associations/international/wana.htm

Published: August 8, 2011