Agricultural Seeds

The OECD Schemes for the Varietal Certification of Seed, established in 1958, promotes the use of certified agriculture seed that is of consistently high quality. These seeds are produced – and officially controlled – according to a set of harmonised procedures put in place in the 61 participating countries. With membership open to OECD, UN and WTO countries, the aim is to stimulate the production and use of high quality seeds. There are eight schemes, each defined according to a group of species of cultivated plants; at present, 204 agricultural and vegetable species are covered.

The OECD Schemes for the Varietal Certification or the Control of Seed Moving in International Trade include Rules and Regulations applicable to eight groups of species constituting the following Schemes:

• Grasses and Legumes
• Crucifers and other Oil or Fibre species
• Cereals
• Maize
• Sorghum
• Sugar and Fodder Beet
• Subterranean clover and similar species
• Vegetables

These rules and regulations define the technical standards developed by seed certification specialists in participating countries in close co-operation with other international seed-related organisations, such as FAO, ISF, ISTA and UPOV. Many regional seed representative organisations also participate in the development of technical standards.

The OECD is known for its evidence-based advice and standards, as well as for being a forum where national experts from different areas can meet and jointly develop common standards and procedures. This and the involvement of highly qualified seed experts in the standard setting process ensure the wide acceptance of the OECD seed varietal certification system, and its value to the global seed and agricultural sectors.

The World Seed Partnership (WSP) is an initiative established by ISF, ISTA, OECD and UPOV to promote access to new varieties and high quality seed that supports sustainable agricultural development.

What is the World Seed Partnership?

The World Seed Partnership (WSP) is an initiative taken by five international organizations to support the development of the seed sector in countries around the world.

Making sure that farmers have access to high quality seed and suitable new plant varieties is key to ensuring food security and economic development, including in developing countries.

To do this, a country needs to have in place a framework that encourages the development of new varieties and the production of and delivery of high quality seed of suitable varieties to farmers.

Bringing together the knowledge and expertise of its five partners, the World Seed Partnership aims to provide guidance on the development of an appropriate and effective seed regulatory framework built on the following elements:

1. Establishment and implementation of an effective system of plant variety protection (UPOV)
2. Enhanced seed quality assurance for better on-field performance through improved seed sampling, seed testing and storage capabilities (ISTA)
3. Development of a reliable and internationally acceptable seed varietal certification system for seed movement nationally and internationally (OECD)
4. Facilitating growth of the local seed industry to ensure farmers’ access to improved varieties and seeds (ISF)
5. Ensuring the participation of farmers in relevant discussions and access to new plant varieties and sustainable and affordable seeds (WFO)