Asian Seed Vol29 No3 Q3 2023

Rich in heritage full of potential Asia-Pacific grain harvest, seed export facts and figures in focus for millet, maize and more

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Asian Seed & Planting Material

Volume 29, July - September 2023

Official Publication

ISSN 0859-1776

APSA EXECUTIVE

COMMITTEE 2023

Office Bearers

President

Dr Manish Patel

Vice President

Mr Koh Teck Wah

Treasurer

Mr Takahiro Ando

Executive Committee Members

Dr Chua Kim Aik

Ms Amanda Forster

Mrs Zhu Xiaobo

Dr Yang Yasheng

Dr Kwanghong Lee

Mr François Burgaud

Dr MD Ali Afzal

Mr Farhan Tahir

Dr Frisco Malabanan

Mr Rahul Pagar

Ms Chia-Hui (Linda) Chang

Mr John Mizicko

Mrs Natthabhat Soontornpalin

Executive Director

Dr Kanokwan Chodchoey

Technical Advisor

Dr. Shivendra Bajaj

Membership Coordination Manager

Mr Komsak Kamjing

Technical Program Manager

Mrs Xiaofeng Li

Event Manager

Mr Mike Kingpayom

Technical Coordination Manager

Mrs Kunaporn Phuntunil

Chief Accountant

Ms Narima Setapanich

Partnership and Compliance Manager

Ms Weeranuch Mhadlhoo

Communications Manager

Mr Steven Layne

ICT Officer

Mr Visavesa Chuaysiri

14

Seed Association reps unite

In part 2/2 of our annual Seed Associations Meeting summary report, we feature details from the Federation of Seed Industry of India; Indonesian Seed Association; Seed Association of Pakistan and Thai Seed Trade Association.

APSA Past President and Honorary Lifetime Member Tells All

In part two of our two-part 'Seed for Thought' column, recently-retired Dr. Zhang Mengyu shares his insights and wisdom on the past, present and future of seed.

P.O. Box 1030, Kasetsart, Bangkok 10903, Thailand

Tel: +66 (0) 2-940-5464 Fax: +66 (0) 2-940-5467

Email: apsa@apsaseed.org www.apsaseed.org

Asian Seed & Planting Material is published quarterly as the official publication of the Asia & Pacific Seed Association (APSA). APSA is a provident organisation dedicated to the promotion and improvement of the seed industry in Asia Pacific.

Asian Seed has a pass-on readership of 3,500 worldwide. Eighty per cent of our subscribers reside in the Asia-Pacific region and include senior executives in seed enterprises, government agencies, universities and national seed associations.

Subscriptions are available on the APSA website or from the Secretariat.

Editorial contributions and advertising enquiries should be sent to the Secretariat or by email to apsa@apsaseed.org. APSA holds the right to accept or reject contributions.

The contents of this magazine may only be reproduced with the written consent of APSA.

Maintaining Momentum into the Final Bend of 2023

As Quarter Four begins, let me reflect on the past three months—a period of remarkable productivity for not only myself but, I dare say, for all my colleagues in the APSA Executive Committee and Secretariat.

First, let's start with an update from the APSA Office Bearers. We have meticulously reviewed applications from hundreds of potential candidates to fill the vacancy of CEO (executive director). It’s been a tedious and meticulous process thus far, and we have narrowed our list down to only a handful of potential candidates who we believe would be the best fit for the job. We have taken into consideration not only their professional competencies but also their personality qualities and management style. Our goal is to ensure that this person is the perfect fit for our team.

That said, it has not been an easy task; however, we are pleased to report that we are in the final stages of confirming the candidate. In the meantime, thank you for your patience, and do look forward to positive news on this soon. Despite the departure of Dr. May at the end of Quarter 2, the Secretariat has certainly not been idle, as anyone who follows us on social media will know (if you haven’t yet, please do follow us!). Let me recap some of the highlights of our most recent activities.

From September 11 to 15, APSA’s Weeranuch Mhadlhoo (Partnership and Compliance Manager) and Kunaporn Phuntunil (Technical Coordination Manager) joined our partners from the United States Department of Agriculture - Foreign Agricultural Service, particularly the Mekong US Partnership (MUSP), in Bogor, Indonesia, where they participated in the 6th Asian Short Course on Agribiotechnology, Biosafety Regulation, and Communication (ASCA).

This capacity-building platform for Asian scientists and regulators aims to develop and reinforce competence in the formation and sound, science-based policies related to biotechnology, thus supporting R&D, commercialization, and

trade of quality seeds, germplasm, and food grain crops. Read more on page 19.

From September 12 through 15, APSA's Technical Advisor, Dr. Shivendra Bajaj, participated in the Global Symposium on Farmers' Rights in New Delhi. This event was co-organized by the International Plant Treaty and the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmer's Welfare, Government of India. It was an enriching experience regarding the global efforts being made to support farmers' rights. The event facilitated progressive discussions on the available options for realizing farmers' rights as set out in Article 9 of the International Treaty.

On September 11, I had the privilege of attending the 30th China Beijing Seed Industry Conference, one of China’s most important annual seed industry meetings. In addition to exhibitions from Chinese and international seed companies (including many APSA members), the conference also featured a number of stakeholder forums. During the international forum I presented on the state and status of the Asia-Pacific seed industry, sharing valuable indicators, insights, and trends, specifically related to food security, harvest, and export trends. My visit to the Chinese capital provided a great opportunity to catch up with colleagues, including a few past presidents. See page 22.

Speaking of China, next year, APSA will celebrate its 30th year since establishment, which we will formally observe during the 2024 Asian Seed Congress, slated to be held in December in the southern Chinese city of Sanya on the island of Hainan, which is making a name for itself as the “Silicon Valley of Seeds.” As part of preparations for this grand event, APSA Event Manager, Mike Kingpayom, recently met with colleagues from the China National Seed Trade Association, Sanya Government, and other stakeholders to conduct inspections of the host venue, prospective hotels, and begin ironing out other important details. Stand by for further updates on this. Mike also accompanied APSA members for a

study tour on hybrid rice and corn in the Philippines in late September. Read about that on page 12.

Another important event APSA joined was on August 2, when Weeranuch traveled to Laos' capital, Vientiane, to partake in the East Asia Plant Variety Protection Forum, 16th Annual Meeting. Held in collaboration with fellow seed industry stakeholders, this hybrid meeting was attended in person by some 50 participants, including APSA and our partners with the MUSP, with whom we are pleased to synergize and address crucial matters related to plant variety protection. More on page 18, Finally, to conclude Q3, I had the privilege to represent APSA in my home country at a National Seminar on the Regulations and Governance Issues in the Indian Seed Sector on September 26 and 27. The seminar provided a good opportunity to provide an international seed sector perspective to colleagues and stakeholders, which we hope will have a positive outcome in the formulation of industry-friendly policies and regulations. More on this in my next letter.

Aside from this, another benchmark to report is progress with our University Connect. We have signed five more memorandums of understanding this past quarter with partnering national seed associations and agricultural universities. Catch up on the details on page 6.

Indeed, APSA has been making strides through all of these activities and initiatives, and many more are thoroughly covered in this magazine, as well as through our monthly newsletters and regular social media updates. We will continue to do so leading into our year finale with the 2024 Asian Seed Congress in Christchurch, New Zealand, where I look forward to catching up with all of you in person. Until then, stay vigilant and healthy.

Dr Manish Patel APSA President

University Connect: Seeding the future!

In a significant stride towards addressing the evolving needs of the seed industry and agricultural education, the Asia and Pacific Seed Alliance (APSA) has entered into eight “University Connect” program agreements in collaboration with national seed associations and agricultural universities. These agreements span across various countries, including China, India, Thailand, the Philippines, and Bangladesh.

The most recent memoradum of understanding (MoU) was signed on September 25 by representatives

from the Philippines Seed Industry Association and Central Luzon State University.

APSA’s seventh agreement was also signed virtually on September 21, featuring representatives from the Bangladesh Seed Association and SherE-Bangla Agricultural University. During another virtual signing ceremony on September 19, APSA established its fifth University Connect agreement, this time with representatives from the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, and the Federation Of Seed Industry Of India.

Before these, APSA signed its fifth

agreement on August 8 during a hybrid ceremony with representatives from the Thai Seed Trade Association (THASTA) and Kasetsart University (KU). In an earlier virtual ceremony on June 29, APSA inked its fourth MoU with the China National Seed Trade Association (CNSTA) and the College of Agronomy and Biotechnology of China Agricultural University. The first agreement was signed on March 4 during the Indian Seed Congress in Delhi, involving APSA, the National Seed Association of India (NSAI), and Gobind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture & Technology. This was followed by a virtual MoU signing ceremony on March 14, where APSA joined forces with the Thailand Seed Trade Association (THASTA) and the Agriculture and Agri-Food Business Development Unit of Khon Kaen University (AG-KKU). APSA continued its collaboration by signing an MoU with Northwest A & F University in China and the China Seed Association (CSA) on April 2.

The University Connect program is an initiative led by APSA’s Working Group of Integrated Vegetable Seed Companies (WIC), consisting of 24 prominent vegetable seed companies in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. This group, a subgroup of APSA’s Special Interest Group of Vegetables and Ornamentals (SIG V&O), identified critical gaps between the seed industry’s needs and the existing agricultural education offerings in the region. Based on industry feedback, the WIC launched the University Connect Program to bridge these gaps, connecting educational institutions with companies to create expedited career pathways for agricultural graduates in the seed industry.

Some of the key gaps and challenges identified by the program include:

Supply Line Issues: Agricultural curriculum currently places low emphasis on supply line management, despite a strong demand for skilled professionals in this area.

Quality of Education: Concerns about declining student quality and the inadequate quality of education due to outdated equipment and facilities.

Faculty Competence: A shortage of competent faculty members in emerging areas, limited emphasis on faculty improvement, and a lack of incentives.

Disconnect Between Education and Industry: A misalignment between agricultural education, employment opportunities, and industry requirements, leading to a lack of essential skills and practical experience.

Outdated Curriculum: Use of outdated curriculum delivery methods.

Limited Financial Resources: Inadequate and diminishing investment in agricultural universities/colleges.

Lack of Basic Sciences: The need to include basic sciences in agricultural curricula, such as STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Agriculture, and Mathematics) to promote a more comprehensive approach (STEAM).

In the short and medium terms (2023 –2025), the University Connect program aims to:

Establish an Institute-Industry Interface: Foster increased interaction through corporate visits and guest lectures by industry experts to shape the curriculum.

Evaluate Student Performance: Monitor student knowledge retention and skills delivery, track placement records, and recognize corporate or seed companies that engage with the program.

E-Learning Platform: Introduce an e-learning platform about the seed industry, enhancing students’ skills and knowledge, which universities can incorporate into their curriculum.

In the long term (from 2025 onward), the program envisions:

Talent Development: Nurturing talent with the skills required by industry

norms, integrating students into a comprehensive directory and database platform developed by APSA.

Enhanced Curriculum: Continuously updating the course curriculum to align with future skills and knowledge requirements for agricultural business professions.

Regional Platform: Creating a regional platform for engagement and mutual learning.

This collaborative initiative between APSA, educational institutions, and the seed industry is a vital step towards building a more robust and responsive agricultural education system while addressing the evolving needs of the seed sector in the Asia-Pacific region.

The Plant Breeding Toolbox of the Future

LONG GONE ARE the days of mashing plants together and hoping for the best. Plant breeders now have access to numerous tools which make their breeding work more precise and effective.

Take molecular markers as an example. Molecular markers are a tool or a group of plant breeding methods that enable breeders to examine the genome and understand the intricacies of it, Beni Kaufman, director of business development at Agriplex Genomics, explains on a recent episode of Seed Speaks. From there plant breeders can then identify the genome’s DNA sequence variation to use as the base for various breeding schemes.

“It is used to understand the genetic foundation — the blueprint if you will. It also is being used to monitor the changes that you are introducing over time,” he says.

For Ron Knox, a research scientist with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada in Swift Current, Sask, Canada, molecular markers have made his plant breeding work immensely easier.

“With the modern technologies and the number of markers that we have access to now, for somebody that's involved in molecular genetics, it's a little akin to a child in a candy store. It's a wonderful thing,” Knox explains. He adds the wealth of information can be overwhelming at times though.

One discovery that has pushed molecular marker technology and plant breeding forward is that of genome sequences. Groups of scientists around the world have been able to sequence the genomes of crops such as peas and wheat creating reference genomes. These genomes allow plant breeders to be more efficient in their plant breeding work.

“In the type of work that I've been involved with, there's a level of kind of chance and randomness to the work,” Knox explains. “Now, with the reference genome, all the sequences are laid out in a way every base in the DNA is numbered and organized.”

For Kaufman, reference genomes make all the difference in his work at Agriplex Genomics. He explains that there can’t be molecular marker data points without the right primers for PCR or sequencing reactions that come from reference genomes.

WHERE ON THE WEB

Genomics can get complicated. Can’t get enough of learning about it? Make sure to watch the full Seed Speaks episode at youtube.com/watch?v=s5Dr2y7I50o

“The reference genome gives this, if you will, topographical context to the markers. That is the tool that enables understanding linkage, mapping and the physical cloning of sequences or genes and so forth,” Kaufman adds.

Genomics isn’t the only promising area of plant breeding. Knox thinks there are lots of opportunities for phenomics moving forward.

“Phenomics and high throughput phenotyping, I think those provide opportunities to look at our plants in more detail and in terms of the phenomics – looking at traits as they progress over time. So, it provides an additional dimension to our understanding,” he explains.

Tom Warkentin, pulse breeder at the University of Saskatchewan, also sees a lot of possibilities for gene editing. He adds gene editing can be a very powerful tool if you know the gene of interest and its sequence. Warkentin cautions though that not all jurisdictions globally are welcoming of gene editing currently. SW

Modern plant breeders have access to a wealth of tools that make their work easier. Ashley Robinson

| Seed World

Tom Warkentin is a pulse breeder at the University of Saskatchewan.

Beni Kaufman serves as director of business development at Agriplex Genomics.

Ron Knox is a research scientist with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada in Swift Current, Sask.

Consumers Open Up to Gene Edited Foods

At the American Seed Trade Association’s Vegetable and Flower Conference, businesses talk about consumer preferences towards gene edited foods.

Editor | Seed World

WHEN IT COMES to gene edited foods, the world’s your oyster. Though the agriculture community was worried about the reception of vegetables created using gene editing — particularly due to the public’s reactions to GMOs — consumers are more open to the idea of products created by gene editing, according to panelists at the American Seed Trade Association’s (ASTA) Vegetable and Flower Conference.

Over the last 10 years, companies like North Hill Group — a business that helps seed businesses and plant breeding businesses file their gene edited products for regulatory approval — have seen an uptick in product submissions.

“Ten years ago, you had a very narrow set of companies making 90% of regulatory filings for a narrow set of products,” says Jeff Nawn, CEO of North Hill Group. “Today, it’s something like literally dozens of companies around the world developing products such as coffee, blackberries, cabbage, mustard greens, potatoes, chili peppers, apples… Just about everything you can imagine looking at disease resistance, productivity and consumer traits.”

Nawn says if your company is working towards gene edited products or you work in the seed sector, it’s exciting news, especially as gene editing seems to be accepted by more countries than GMOs were at

one point in time.

In fact, most of the gene editing pioneers wouldn’t be companies you’d think of immediately in terms of agriculture innovations. Countries like Guatemala and Honduras are leading the way to adopting more positive regulations towards gene editing.

“We’re finding well educated, highly curious people that want to understand the products that are being developed,” Nawn says, adding that Guatemala holds the fastest record for approving gene edited products, where they reviewed and issued the determination of a nonregulated status within 36 hours.

“While there are a number of countries embracing the technology, there’s another set of countries where we’d say there are opportunities for improvement — that’s the best way to put it,” Nawn says.

Mexico, the U.S.’s second-largest agricultural export market, hasn’t started contemplating or drafting gene editing regulations. South Korea, the fifth largest agricultural export market, has drafted revisions which are currently pending, but as they stand now, they call for a complicated system and review process. Nawn also sees it nearly impossible to imagine a future where gene edited products are regulated more efficiently than GMOs in the EU as well as China.

Though the conversation might be difficult to broach with consum-

ers, Bayer’s Lee Quarles sees a path forward to take control of the conversation. Unlike the early days of GMOs, where the industry thought the science could speak for itself, with the onset of online presence and messaging, joining the conversation is important.

“With the advent of social and online spaces, we’ve really leaned back into the conversation to work to take it back,” Quarles, global insights and research lead for Bayer, says. “It’s a great opportunity for all of us in this space to continue to identify ways to communicate.”

Quarles notes that in the discussion of new agricultural innovations, there are three voices that really move the needle: regulatory authorities, science leaders and the rise of a new segment — nutritionists and dietitians.

When it comes down to it, Quarles saw one important thing in terms of gene edited products: consumers want transparency, especially in areas such as food labels and information about the food they’re consuming.

“Communication about the science is just as important as the science itself,” he says.

Gene Edited Successes

While some governments still aren’t open to the idea of gene edited products, in countries where gene edited products are allowed, there have been successes in the food

realm. The key? According to Nawn, you need to have a local presence ready to back the product.

“For the most part, consumers told us that they trust their local food co-op,” Nawn says. “There was a level of distrust amongst all age cohorts for government spokesmen about the safety of their food. I guess if I were designing a messaging campaign, I would start there— not with traditional academics.”

One product was launched in Japan — the Sicilian Rouge High GABA tomato. This tomato from Sanatech Seed Co. was the first food to be considered as a CRISPR commercialized variety.

The big thing about the tomato variety? According to Shimpei Takeshita, chief innovation officer of Sanatech Seed Co., the breeders were striving for a tastier tomato with increased health benefits. With the introduction of a high GABA tomato, they were able to achieve just that.

GABA, for those unfamiliar with it, is a health-promoting functional substance— it’s a gamma-aminonbutyric acid that is sold as a dietary supplement in many countries, including Japan.

Takeshita says that the company looked at GABA specifically because it's proven to suppress high blood pressure, which can help prevent hypertension, stroke and heart attacks.

As for their marketing approach, Takeshita says the company focuses on messages that provide scientific evidence.

“Our marketing system is intended to help consumers make informed choices about the food they eat,” he adds.

Takeshita wasn’t the only one who found success in terms of gene

edited food products. Other companies, like Pairwise, have also seen success by being transparent about their products.

In a campaign called Conscious Greens — to learn more about how consumers feel about gene edited products and to showcase products they developed using gene editing — Pairwise employees traveled to three locations in the U.S. And, from that campaign, Megan Thomas, vice president of marketing and communications of Pairwise, says there’s plenty of opportunities to educate.

Instead of focusing on the science, focus on ideas about nutrition or flavor, or even bigger, more societal ideas — how gene editing can help climate change and sustainability as well as food access.

“Balancing that individual need in that larger community is important,” she says.

While on this campaign and asking consumers about their thoughts of gene editing, Pairwise took it one step further: they served free dishes of a gene edited leafy greens salad — one specifically aimed at increasing the taste and nutrition of prepackaged salad mixes.

“Consumers are smart,” Thomas says, adding that consumers want to understand the differences in their options in the grocery stores between one prepackaged spinach and another. “People are hungry for innovation, and there’s tremendous innovation that’s coming in and consumers love it. How do we bring that spirit of innovation into prepackaged salads? Differentiation is hard to produce. Gene editing unlocks all these opportunities for us to actually create that innovation from a technical standpoint and deliver it for consumers.”

“Only about 9% [surveyed] felt that they knew much about gene editing,” she says. “As we look at younger adults and the Gen Z who are just coming into adulthood, there’s very different attitudes and behaviors. It’s exciting to them.”

Within those education opportunities, Thomas says the consumer needs to understand how gene editing technology is delivering on something important to them. How can you make that message more personal?

Particularly, Pairwise focused on increasing the flavor of more nutrient dense leafy greens, like spinach and kale, using mustard greens as a flavor base. While in the field in Seattle, the Bay Area and Austin, 3,000 people took a survey about the gene edited product — only 1% of people had concerns about the products being made with gene editing.

While gene editing might be a new technology to consumers, overwhelmingly, it seems as if consumers are eager to try new innovations once they come to market. SW

“People are hungry for innovation, and there’s tremendous innovation that’s coming in and consumers love it.”

— Megan Thomas

Philippines and

From September 17 to 23, APSA’s Special Interest Group on Field Crops and the Philippine Seed Industry Association (PSIA) in partnership with the Rice Board hosted 15 delegates from various APSA member organizations for the APSA Hybrid Rice and Corn Study Tour in the Philippines.

Day 1 of the tour saw participants visit hybrid rice field demonstrations and the genebank at PhilRice, as well as Prasad Seeds’ hybrid corn seed processing and drying facilities. The group commenced Day 2 of the tour at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), where they met with Dr. Jauhar Ali, Hybrid Rice Breeding Lead Principal Scientist for a sit-down discussion.

Afterwards, they were treated to a tour of the world’s largest International Rice

Gene Bank, and concluded the IRRI visit with a stop by their Grain Quality & Nutrition Center, Seed Warehousing and Rapid Generation Advance facilities. The day ended with a trip to SL Agritech Corporation, where participants got to visit their impressive Hybrid Rice Field Demonstration.

The third day of the tour started off with an early morning flight from Manila to Davao, where participants visited various Hybrid Rice Field Demonstrations from SL Agritech, Tao Seeds, Longping Seeds and Bioseeds. On the next day, delegates participated in the 10th National Rice Technology Forum, where they visited various Hybrid Rice Field Demonstrations from over 12 companies, including Syngenta, Advanta Seeds, Bayer CropScience, PhilRice, Ramgo

by Mike Kingpayom

International, Leads Agri, Bioseed, SL Agritech, Corteva Agriscience, Tao Seeds, Seedworks Philippines, and Longping Seeds.

The last and final day of the tour kicked off in the morning with visiting corn field demonstrations from Bayer CropScience and Syngenta, before finishing off at Macatabo Farm, a beautiful urban agrofarm.

The five days provided an amazing, educational, and unforgettable journey for participants. would like to thank all of the participants who took part in our study tour, and give a big heartfelt appreciation to those who made this tour possible, specifically the Philippine Seed Industry Association (PSIA), PhilRice, and the Department of Agriculture Philippines.

APAC Seed Associations unite: Part 2/2 annual meeting report

In Part 1/2 published in Q2, we featured summaries from several seed industry stakeholders represented at APSA's annual Seed Associations meeting back in April. In this follow up conclusion we share summries and insights from four more, representing Indonesia, India, Pakistan and Thailand.

understand the laws and regulations. Additionally, gene editing has not yet been regulated and is currently under review by the government and the Genetic Resources Commission. Hence, the seed industry has not yet implemented gene editing technology. The Job Creation Act (UU Cipta Kerja) has been enacted to facilitate investment and simplify business procedures in Indonesia. While the percentage of foreign investment in the seed industry has changed, the procedures for doing business have not significantly evolved. Key Priorities: include advocating for seed regulations that support food security, increasing awareness about the association and its work among the seed industry in Indonesia to attract more seed producers, and encouraging more seed companies and growers to become members of ASBENINDO. They collaborate with the government to seek simpler and more conducive regulations and legislation for the seed industry. Furthermore, they are involved in communicating and clarifying laws and regulations to members as well as facilitating technology transfer to seed producers and growers.

FSII

Presented by MALLIKA VERMA, DIRECTOR GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS, FSII & DEEPAK PREM, LEAD, SEED REGULATORY COMMITTEE, FSII & MANAGER, REGULATORY ADVOCACY & SCIENTIFIC AFFAIRS, BAYER CROP SCIENCE LTD.

About ASBENINDO: Established in 1981 as a nonprofit organization, the association’s members include 74 domestic-owned, 12 foreign-owned, and three state-owned member companies, who are engaged in seed production, distribution, and plant breeding. ASBENINDO collaborates with government partners and seed suppliers, and participates in the development of food crops, horticulture, plantation, and forestry seeds. They advocate for relevant regulations and laws in Indonesia, serving as a reference for seed producers in conducting business, as well as considering regulations and laws of other countries for international partnerships.

Regulatory Affairs: Indonesia are ideal but complicated, posing an important issue for the association. All seed varieties circulating or being traded must be certified and formally released by the government. However, not all stakeholders in the seed industry fully

Proposed Collaboration between ASBININDO and APSA includes organizing two seminars in Indonesia, featuring experts/resource persons from APSA: one focused on global seed regulations, which would aim to shed light on various global seed regulations and trends. The other proposed seminar would be on the prospects of the seed market in Asia resulting from gene editing.

About FSII: A member-led organization consisting of plant science-based research and development companies involved in the production of highperformance, quality seeds for food, feed, and fiber in India. The membership structure includes both global and domestic seed companies. Membership is by invitation and is extended to companies with established research and development facilities. The association’s 42 members hold a significant market share of approximately 60% in the seed trade in India and contribute to around 70% of the research and development expenditure in the country. The core values of FSII member companies revolve around respecting research and intellectual property rights and promoting the seed business in India, including the protection of intellectual property. The primary objective of FSII is to provide new technologies for the benefit of Indian agriculture. The organization also has a special group called the Alliance for Agri Innovation, which focuses on new technologies such as gene modification and gene editing. The association’s members include 39 member companies and three associate members, while its secretariat comprises six positions, and technical committees that focus on seed regulatory issues.

ASBENINDO

General Secretary Nana Laksana said that the Indonesian Seed Association (ASBENINDO)

There are subgroups dedicated to seed movement-related matters, Plant Variety Protection (PVP) issues; access and benefit sharing; as well as the Alliance for Agri Innovation, which deals with biotech-related topics. Additionally, FSII has issue-specific committees for various crops, such as corn, cotton, rice, and vegetables. The organization has also formed a dedicated group to handle traceability issues in response to the Government of India implementing seed traceability through QR codes on seed labels. Furthermore, there is a special group that deals with taxation matters, including Goods and Services Tax (GST) and income tax deductions related to seeds. The FSII’s board consists of approximately 12 members, and the executive director reports directly to the board and the Director General. The organization has four director-level positions: Director of Government Affairs, Communications, Biotechnology, and Infringement (currently vacant). Additionally, there are positions for an administration manager, accounts officer, and supporting staff.

Key Priority Areas include policy advocacy and implementation, with a focus on policy changes that benefit the seed business. FSII also aims to establish itself as a think tank for the seed industry by providing inputs and recommendations for new policies and reforms. Another important area of focus is pushing for the approval and adoption of new technologies, such as gene editing. FSII is actively working on obtaining guidelines and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for gene editing and collaborating with state governments to promote new technologies like high-density plantation systems and direct-seeded rice (DSR).

The organization strives to create an environment conducive to increased investment in research and development in the seed sector, aiming to provide new technologies that promote sustainable agriculture and improve the livelihoods of farmers in India. On a day-to-day basis, FSII collaborates with industry stakeholders to address operational issues, and engages with state government offices to resolve industryspecific challenges. FSII publishes a monthly newsletter, organizes meetings to facilitate government-industry interactions, and discusses policy issues and other critical matters. Other key priorities include addressing pressing seed movement-related issues, notably, it has been working to find a sustainable solution for the challenges posed by the office memorandum issued on September 2021 (see WIC summary),

which has greatly affected imports into India. On this FSII successfully represented the industry’s concerns to the government which resulted in a two-year exemption from the imposed conditions. However, this exemption will expire in September of the current year. FSII is actively collaborating with the government to seek a sustainable resolution to this issue. Regarding plant variety protection (PVP), FSII has filed a case against the PVP authority due to changes introduced through Public Notice 1 of 2019. These changes drastically impact the DUS testing philosophy and grant of PVP registration in the form of compound registration. The organization aims to find a sustainable solution that benefits both the authority and the industry. FSII is also engaged in discussions with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India to influence import regulations for genetically modified (GM) food and feed products, particularly concerning the environmental reviews of GM crops. Another important criterion for FSII is the National Biodiversity related to the Biodiversity Act. The organization is actively working with the government, holding meetings with the Minister, Secretary, and Joint Secretary, to advocate for the expansion of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA) Annexure 1 crops. FSII maintains continuous dialogue with the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) on issues related to access and benefit sharing.

Regulatory Affairs: The Seed Act in India is outdated, and there is a proposal to amend it with the draft Seed Bill 2019. FSII has organized several industry interactions to gather input and responses for the new seed bill, which is expected to be introduced after 2024. Some of the key points highlighted in our representation to the government include the concept of “one nation, one license,” central or state variety registration for dealer distributor nurseries, voluntary seed certification, truthful labeling of seeds, and the decriminalization of offenses related to seeds. We advocate for minimal government interference in pricing. The Seed Act of 1966 is currently under revision and is anticipated to be discussed in Parliament in 2024. Detailed information about these acts and orders can be found on the provided links. The “New Policy on Seed Development, 1988” and the “Seed Control Order of 1983” ensure the availability of quality seeds and fall under the Essential Commodities Act. The “Plant Quarantine Order (2003)”

governs the import and export of seeds. The “Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers Rights (2001)” focuses on plant variety registration and provides a form of intellectual property protection. The “National Biodiversity Act” regulates access and benefit sharing of genetic resources. India is a signatory to both the Nagoya Protocol and the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA), and further details can be found on the respective websites provided.

Information about Seed Laws

Is there a seed law in your country? If yes, please provide links of the relevant seed laws

• The Seed Act, 1966 (https://seednet. gov.in/PDFFILES/Seed_Act_1966. pdf ) expected revisde 2024..

• New Policy on Seed Development, 1988 (https://seednet.gov.in/PDF FILES/NEW_POLICY_NPSD.pdf )

• The Seed Control Order 1983 Under Essential Commodities Act (https:// seednet.gov.in/PDFFILES/Seed_ Control_Order_1983.pdf )

• PQ Order2003 (https://plant quarantineindia.nic.in/PQISPub/ pdffiles/pqorder2015.pdf )

• The Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers Rights,2001 (https:// plantauthority.gov.in/sites/default/ files/ppvfract2001.pdf )

• Please provide the name (and link of the website) of the authority which regulates access and benefit sharing of the genetic resources

• The National Biodiversity Act and Rules (http://nbaindia.org/uploaded/ act/BDACT_ENG.pdf )

• Is your country signatory to Nagoya Protocol or to the ITPGRFA or both? Do you have any examples to share of these mechanisms at work?

• Yes India is a signatory to ITPGRFA as well as Nagoya Protocol.

• http://nbaindia.org/uploaded/pdf/ AR_English_2020-21.pdf Annual Report of NBA gives details of activities

• ITPGRFA notification, NBPGR’s PGR portal

• Please provide the name and details of the authority for plant variety registration

• The Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers Rights (https://plant authority.gov.in/sites/default/files/ ppvfract2001.pdf )

India Seed Trade: The major crops for seed exports from India include okra, rice, chili, tomato, maize, onion, garlic, peas, brinjal (eggplant), and squash. On the other hand, important import

crops are various brassica crops, capsicum and chili, watermelon and muskmelon, cucurbits, squash, carrots, and peas. Citing data from the Ministry of Commerce, in fiscal year 2021-2022, India’s seed imports amounted to $100.93 million USD, while seed exports primarily consisted of vegetable seeds and rice, reaching $148.8 million USD in the same period. The major imports are vegetable seeds, sourced mainly from the Netherlands, Italy, Thailand, Japan, and the United States. As for export destinations, India’s major markets are located in the APAC region and Africa.

Upcoming events: Policy advocacy on the aforementioned matters will be a key priority for FSII in the coming years, 2023 and 2024. The organization plans to actively follow up on the FSII’s filed litigation regarding public notice number one by the PVP authority. With the recent change in the chairperson at the authority, the industry sees this as a positive development and aims to arrange a meeting with the newly appointed chairperson to discuss the issue. Additionally, FSII intends to conduct consultations on international seed movement, specifically addressing the re-export issue highlighted in OM 2021. Efforts are being made to have representatives from the Indian NPPO visit labs in the Netherlands to gain confidence in facilitating smooth seed movement across borders. In 2022, FSII successfully organized several workshops on gene editing for universities. In the current year, the organization plans to conduct workshops in collaboration with state governments, focusing on gene editing, GM crops, and their release. Important states for the seed industry, such as Gujarat, Maharashtra, Telangana, and Karnataka, have been identified for these workshops. FSII also aims to organize awareness workshops on career opportunities in biotechnology, specifically active biotechnology, for students in grades 8 to 11. The objective is to provide them with the necessary information to make informed career choices beyond school.

Support sought from APSA: FSII has a long “wish list”, including support for a white paper on national registration procedures models from other countries to support their advocacy in improving/changing the Indian system. Likewise, they seek support for their policy advocacy efforts concerning the protection of native gene-edited traits, and they believe a position paper would be helpful. They also seek support in the form of technical expertise for organizing a workshop on

the inclusion of molecular fingerprinting as a requirement for seed registration and licensing in states. Additionally, they request technical expertise for workshops targeting government stakeholders on matters such as IP and trade protection infringements. Similarly, they ask for a position paper on patents versus plant variety protection (PVP), and they require clarificatory support regarding this specific issue, particularly in the context of GM traits. They mention a case filed in India against a company (Bayer), where the patent they held was revoked by the court. This raises the question of whether genes inserted into plants should be protected through PVP or patents. They acknowledge that the same debate arises when discussing gene-edited traits, and they understand that it is a global issue. The protection of gene-edited traits and native traits is equally important to them.

SAP

About SAP: The Seed Association of Pakistan (SAP) is a licensed organization under the Director General Trade Organization (DGTO) with 200 members. The association holds an 80% market share of member companies in the seed industry, with the current seed market value at $450 million. Pakistan is a signatory of the Nagoya Protocol and the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITP GFRFA). SAP is a member of various domestic and

international organizations, including the Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI), International Seed Federation, Asia and Pacific Seed Association, and Eco Seed Association. The organizational structure of SAP includes the General Body, Chairman, Vice Chairman, Executive Committee, Secretariat, General Committee, Secretary of Technical Committee, and Administrative Committee. The association has various technical committees, such as Cotton & Wheat Committee, Rice (Hybrid & OP) Committee, Hybrid Maize & Other Hybrids Committee, Vegetable Seeds Committee, Oilseeds & Other Crops Committee, Bio Technical Committee, and Import Seed Committee. SAP’s key priorities include providing a forum for seed companies to promote agricultural and social economic interests, promoting seed quality and development of seed varieties, fostering a dynamic and competitive research-based industry, raising farmer awareness about quality seeds, encouraging the establishment of advanced labs and research facilities, contributing to increased food grain and commodity production, engaging in policy matters with government ministries and departments, and collecting and circulating statistics while expanding membership and global representation. The seed industry in Pakistan has achieved several milestones, including the establishment of the National Seed Registration Department (NSRD) and the Federal Seed Certification Agency (FSCA) in 1976. Private seed companies were established in the 1980s, and in the 1990s, the seed sector was granted industry status to facilitate seed import and export. The NSRD and FSCA merged to form the Federal Seed Certification and Registration Department (FSC&RD). In 2010, SAP was established and became a member of FPCCI. Subsequently, in 2011, SAP joined the Asia and Pacific Seed Association, followed by membership in the ECO Seed Association (ECOSA) in 2014 and the International Seed Federation in 2018. The Seed Amendment Act 2015 provided formal recognition of the private seed industry, and the Plant Breeder’s Rights Act 2016 offered protection for breeder’s rights and encouraged foreign investment. In 2019, the National Seed Council was constituted under the Seed Amendment Act 2015.

Regulatory Affairs: Seed legislation milestones in Pakistan include the Seed Act and Plant Quarantine Act in 1976, Seed Registration Rules in 1987, and Seed Truth and Labeling Rules in 1991.

The Seed Association of Pakistan was established in 2010 under DGTO Rules, and the Seed Amendment Act 2015 was enacted, bringing significant changes to the seed industry. New Seed Rules were issued in 2016, along with the Plant Breeders’ Rights (PBR) Act 2016 and PBR Rules in 2018.

The amended Seed Act 2015 legalized the development of pre-basic and basic seeds, which were previously produced solely by public and government sectors. It introduced registration requirements for seed businesses, seed dealers, seed processing units, and investment in plant varieties. It also established accredited seed labs, registration of horticulture and nursery establishments, and federal seed committees. The regulatory body responsible for seed certification and registration is the Federal Seed Certification & Registration Department (FSC&RD). The PBR Act 2016 provides a legal framework for the protection of plant varieties. It incentivizes breeders through royalties and R&D, protects farmer’s rights, and establishes the Plant Breeders’ Rights Registry and the Plant Variety Protection Advisory Committee. It also ensures protection for essentially derived varieties. The regulatory body for plant breeder’s rights is the Plant Breeders’ Rights Registry. The seed industry in Pakistan is structured under three ministries: Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of National Food Security, and Ministry of Climate Change. The formal seed sector consists of the public sector, including research institutes that develop prebasic and basic seeds, and provincial seed corporations responsible for basic and certified seeds. The private sector includes national seed companies, multinational companies, and seed importers. The informal sector involves farmers saving their own seeds, farmer-to-farmer seed exchange, and purchasing seeds from middlemen or unauthorized sources.

Seed Demand, Production

and Trade: In Pakistan, major local seed production is focused on crops such as wheat, cotton, pulses, oilseeds, fodder crops, potatoes, rice (OP varieties), maize, and vegetables. The private sector dominates the production of wheat, cotton, and pulse seeds, accounting for 90% or more of the market share. For paddy (rice) seeds, the total seed availability is 44,450 metric tons, with 4,150 metric tons of hybrid seeds (imported) and 3,950 metric tons of locally produced OP (open-pollinated) varieties. Maize seed availability is 49,500 metric tons, with 24,500 metric tons of imported hybrid

seeds and 8,000 metric tons of locally produced OP seeds.

Planned activities of the Seed Association of Pakistan (SAP) include organizing a Traveling Seminar during Maize National Uniform Yield Trials, participating in the National Seed Council Seminar on Rice, participating in the Punjab Agri Expo 2023, seeking approval for new hybrids, increasing local production of rice hybrids for exports, conducting R&D on vegetable hybrids and OP varieties, and hosting international seed industry events in Pakistan. SAP has expressed interest in hosting the Asian Seed Congress and seeks assistance and cooperation from the APSA for hosting the event. SAP also seeks APSA’s support in providing inbred lines to enhance local production and collaborating in R&D programs with recommended local seed companies.

Plant Protection Organization (NPPO) for field inspections. THASTA supports electronic phytosanitary activities with the Department of Agriculture and engages in policy discussions and workshops on gene editing with the Biotech committee in Thailand. Additionally, THASTA maintains a longstanding collaboration with the government, APSA, and UPOV in the area of Plant Variety Protection (PVP). They focus on establishing and strengthening public-private collaborations to improve the effectiveness of seed production, commercialization, and export.

Regulatory Affairs: Thailand has several seed laws in place to regulate seed production, commercialization, import, and export. The Plant Act governs seed production and domestic commercialization, while the Plant Quarantine Act regulates import and export. Additionally, Thailand has a Plant Variety Protection Act that covers new plant variety protection, breeders’ rights, and access and benefit sharing of genetic resources. These acts are under the authority of the Department of Agriculture, which is part of the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives. Thailand is also a contracting party of the Nagoya Protocol, indicating its commitment to genetic resource access and benefit sharing.

THASTA

About: The Thai Seed Trade Association (THASTA), currently led by President Boonyanat Natwong of Bayer Crop Science, comprises 129 members, including seed production, export, and trading companies. They are working on including small and medium enterprises in the association. THASTA operates under local regulations and has an Executive Committee, office bearers, and various technical committees. Their key priority is to promote science-based policies and regulations for the seed industry in Thailand.

Priorities and Activities: THASTA has initiated several projects and collaborations, such as seed test laboratory accreditation in partnership with the Department of Agriculture. They conduct proficiency tests and work on seed health test laboratory accreditation framework. They are also in discussions with the government to establish a field inspection accreditation system and a field inspection academy in collaboration with universities. These efforts aim to enhance the capacity of the National

Seed Trade: Regarding seed exports, Thailand specializes in field corn and vegetable seeds, with top exports including tomato, pepper, and cucurbits. In 2022, the total export value reached 280 million USD. Thailand has the potential to further increase its export value and currently represents around 2.2% of global seed exporters.

Upcoming Events: THASTA and APSA collaborate on various key events. They are working on enhancing the e-phyto system to facilitate seed export by accommodating seed test reports from accredited laboratories. This integration aims to streamline the process and reduce lead time and costs. THASTA is also actively involved in driving policies and regulations related to field inspection and accreditation, aligning with ISPM 45. They engage in policy communication regarding gene editing to ensure science-based regulations that foster breeding innovation. Furthermore, THASTA participates in policy dialogues on Plant Variety Protection (PVP) and UPOV 1991 with relevant policymakers. Overall, THASTA is actively engaged in representation, policy advocacy, and collaborative efforts to promote the seed industry in Thailand.

East Asia Plant Variety Protection Forum's 16th Annual Meeting in Lao PDR

On August 2, 2023, the East Asia Plant Variety Protection Forum convened its 16th Annual Meeting, hosted by Lao PDR.

The event, hosted by the Department of Intellectual Property of MOIC Lao PDR in collaboration with the EAPVP Forum Office and MAFF Japan, took place at the scenic Loas Plaza Hotel in Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR. It attracted around 50 participants, including PVP Government officers from 10 ASEAN Countries + 3 (China, Japan, South Korea), UPOV, USDA, Naktuinbouw, JATAFF, and, of course, APSA.

Mr. Santisouk Phounesavath, Director General of the Department of Intellectual Property, Ministry of Industry and Commerce, Lao PDR, chaired the meeting, with Ms. Akiko Nagano, Deputy Director of PVP Office, Intellectual Property Division, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries, Japan, serving as co-chair.

The meeting commenced with opening remarks from Mr. Santisouk Phounesavath and Ms. Akiko Nagano, followed by remarks from Mr. Peter Button, Vice Secretary-General of UPOV.

During the meeting, the attendees reviewed recent developments in UPOV, as reported by the UPOV Office (Document EAPVPF/16/06, Page 2), and discussed the Cooperation Activities in 2022-2023, as outlined in document EAPVPF/16/02 presented by

the Forum Office.

Country representatives provided updates on PVP Status and movements, with delegations from Brunei Darussalam, Kingdom of Cambodia, People's Republic of China, Republic of Indonesia, Japan, Republic of Korea, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Malaysia, Union of Myanmar, Republic of the Philippines, Republic of Singapore, Kingdom of Thailand, and Socialist Republic of Vietnam presenting their reports.

Subsequently, the meeting shifted its focus to Cooperation Activities in 2023-2024 and adopted the list of such activities.

Cambodia's proposal to host the 17th EAPVP Forum Annual Meeting

in August 2024 received unanimous approval.

For access to all aforementioned reports and relevant documents, please visit the EAPVP website (http://eapvp. org/report-data/lao/the-16th-eastasia-plant-variety-protection-forummeeting/).

APSA and stakeholders expressed their satisfaction in collaborating with the Mekong US Partnership (MUSP) along with PVP public sector representatives from Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam. Together, they harmonized their efforts and shared valuable insights to address crucial matters related to plant variety protection and promote sustainable agricultural practices in the region.

ASCA 2023: Cultivating Science-Based Solutions for Agriculture

From September 11-15, representatives from the Asia Pacific Seed Alliance (APSA) partnered with associates from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) in the lush green surroundings of Bogor, Indonesia.

They eagerly anticipated 6th Asian Short Course on Agribiotechnology, Biosafety Regulation, and Communication (ASCA). Hosted by the Indonesian Biotechnology Information Centre (IndoBic) in collaboration with the Malaysian Biotechnology Information Centre (MABIC), the International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications Inc. (ISAAA Inc.), and BioTrust-ISAAA, ASCA stands as a beacon of knowledge exchange and capacity-building for Asian scientists and regulators.

The central mission of ASCA is clear: to empower these professionals with the tools and insights needed to craft robust, science-backed policies concerning biotechnology. These policies, in turn, play a pivotal role in supporting research and development, facilitating commercialization, and promoting the international trade of high-quality seeds, germplasm, and food grain crops. This year, ASCA draws participants from a diverse range of Southeast Asian countries, including Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. With 43 participants in total, this event brings together government officials, representatives from academia, and the private sector, fostering crucial collaboration and dialogue.

The event is a key milestone in the ongoing collaboration between APSA and the USDA, carried out under the Mekong-US Partnership (MUSP). Government delegates from four countries, all tasked with shaping policies related to biosafety and agribiotechnology, are among the distinguished attendees. Their presence underscores the importance of promoting new plant breeding technology in the ever-evolving landscape of agriculture in Asia.

The ASCA program encompasses a wide range of topics, from Crop Improvement Technologies and Cartagena Protocols to Gene Editing

regulations. Additionally, country-specific presentations will delve into the current developments, potential, and challenges in agbiotech. The event also tackles critical subjects like Biotechnology Stewardship, Low-Level Presence, and

the Socioeconomics of Glyphosate in Biotech crops. To provide a hands-on experience, participants will embark on a field trip to explore GM potato trials and research facilities.

Wisdom from our main man on the mainland

Welcome to part two of two of our “Seed For Thought,” featuring Dr. Zhang Mengyu, esteemed Past President and Honorary Lifetime Member of APSA. If you haven’t already, be sure to read part one in Quarter 2 issue of Asian Seed & Planting Material. In this follow-up and conclusion we are privileged to delve in to Dr. Zhang’s wisdom, advice, and analysis of future challenges and opportunities facing the seed industry. Tapping into his vast experience and deep understanding of the global seed industry, Dr. Zhang shares his insights on topics such as biotechnology, information technology, intellectual property protection, and the harmonization of plant quarantine and phytosanitary certificates. Additionally, Dr. Zhang shares his thoughts on the importance of continuous self-improvement, sincere collaboration, and maintaining an optimistic attitude.

Throughout my career in the seed industry, I have gained valuable skills and experiences that have enhanced my communication abilities and coordination capabilities with various stakeholders. These developments have significantly improved my efficiency in business and enabled me to excel in different positions at CNSGC, DuPont Pioneer China, and Syngenta China.

Working as Vice President and Secretary General of CNSTA from 2007 to 2010, I utilized the accumulated resources to strengthen communications and expand relations with international seed-related organizations such as APSA, ISF, UPOV, ISTA, and ASTA. This broadened the stage for CNSTA and the Chinese seed industry to engage in international collaborations. Additionally, as a board member of the Ornamental and Vegetable section and a committee member of the Plant Quarantine Committee in ISF, I actively contributed to these groups, providing valuable insights and comments.

Building on the experience of hosting ASC2005, I successfully applied for Beijing to host the World Seed Congress in 2014 (WSC2014) on behalf of CNSTA. I was appointed as the general consultant for WSC2014, further expanding my responsibilities and contributions to the seed industry. During my 13-year tenure as the China Seed Committee Chair and member of CropLife Asia (CLA), I played an active role in government-industry communication, policy advice and comments, and talent training for universities and institutes. These efforts contributed to establishing a favorable reputation for CLA in the industry.

Moreover, I have been invited to take on significant responsibilities in multiple seed and agricultural industry organizations, including serving as a board member of China Seed Association (CNSA), the China Association for Promotion of International Cooperation (CAPIAC), Vice President of Beijing Seeds Association (BSA), Vice President of China Vegetables Allied, and Honorary President of Beijing

Fengtai Seed Association.

From a global perspective, we are witnessing the rapid development of biotechnology and information technology in seed research. Developed countries like the United States, France, Germany, and others have effectively integrated these advancements (Biotech+Data) to propel crop breeding technology to the 4.0 generation. This has accelerated variety renewal in crops such as corn, soybeans, and vegetables, leading to increased market value and international seed trade globally. The contribution of seeds to agricultural production in these developed countries has surpassed 60%.

In the Asia-Pacific region, countries like China, India, Thailand, South Korea, and Japan are rapidly catching up with developed nations. APAC has emerged

as a new engine driving the growth of market value and international seed trade. Some APAC countries have become seed production centers, playing a vital role in the global seed supply chain. APSA’s crucial role in the global seed industry as well as its commitment to sustainable development and food security underscores its significance.

In China, the seed industry has undergone a transition from a planned economy to a market economy. Currently, it is experiencing accelerated development in the fast lane, leading to a revitalization of the seed sector. Advancements in seed technology, the introduction of diverse and improved varieties, enhanced seed quality, and increased international seed trade all reflect the dynamism of China’s seed industry.

From left: Mr. Qiang Zhao, Executive Director of CLA Beijing Office, Ms. Yue Hu, Communication Manager of CLA Beijing Office, Dr. Zhang Mengyu and Mr. Zuping Cao, Director of Regulatory and Government Affairs from BASF; President of Seed Committee of CLA Bejing Office

Mrs. Weihong Tian, CNSTA Secretarygeneral with Dr. Zhang Mengyu

Dr. Zhang Mengyu with Mrs. Xiaofeng Li, APSA Technical Program Manager

However, amidst this rapid growth, we must acknowledge the significant challenges that persist, including innovative resource sharing, breeding technology innovation, intellectual property protection, and efficient customs clearance for international seed trade. Development in the seed industry remains uneven across regions and countries, and achieving harmonization or coordination of plant quarantine and phytosanitary certificates remains a difficult task. Many APAC countries still lag behind in breeding technology, particularly in biotechnology, PVP technology, and enforcement, which limits original innovation and efficient market circulation of new varieties.

This has brought us new topics for APSA. Through full communication and coordination among APSA, national seed associations, and governments in APAC countries, we could leverage the functions of APSA’s professional technical committees or groups to fully communicate and negotiate laws, regulations, and policies on resource benefit sharing, PVP, and inspection and quarantine in cross-border seed trade, among others. By doing so, we can promote the healthy development of APAC’s seed import and export,

benefiting both APAC and global agriculture, farmers, and consumers.

Following the consistent approach of my career, I am willing to share the following points:

Take every task seriously and do it well: Regardless of the job or personal preferences, it is essential to dedicate oneself and approach every task with diligence. Adopting the right attitude and focusing on details can determine the outcome and pave the way for success.

Continuously improve yourself: In a rapidly changing era, it is crucial to embrace continuous learning and self-improvement while excelling in one’s current role. Learning is a lifelong journey, and acquiring new knowledge and skills remains important. As an example, I pursued my EMBA 15 years after completing my undergraduate studies and obtained my Ph.D. when I was nearly 50 years old.

Treat people sincerely: Extend sincere help and support to others, especially young individuals, within the scope of your work. By doing so, you will build a network of support and create a cohesive team that strives towards common goals.

Always maintain an optimistic attitude: Regardless of the challenges or difficulties encountered, maintaining a positive and optimistic mindset can lead to finding solutions. A smile and a positive outlook can make a significant difference.

In my retirement, I eagerly anticipate having more free time to engage in activities I enjoy. Nevertheless, I will remain attentive to the development of the global seed industry, particularly in China and APAC, as well as the progress of APSA. I am grateful to APSA for granting me the distinction of Honorary Life Member. As China promotes the revitalization of the seed industry and establishes a new pattern of domestic and international “dual circulation,” I believe it will create fresh opportunities and momentum for the global seed industry. I am delighted that APSA will host another successful ASC in Sanya, China, after 19 years since ASC 2005. I warmly welcome APSA and friends from the international seed industry to actively participate in this event, where valuable experiences and insights will undoubtedly be gained. I wish APSA continuous progress and development.

Chinese capital ‘in bloom’ for 30th China Beijing Seed Industry Conference

On September 11th, the 30th China Beijing Seed Industry Conference commenced at the International Seed Industry Science and Technology Park in Tongzhou District, Beijing. It was followed by its main forum, the "International Seed Industry Forum."

With the theme of "One Seed Changes the World: Seed Industry Revitalizes from Beijing Firstly," this event featured one main forum, six professional forums, three exhibitions, and numerous special events. These activities focused on a range of professional fields, including crops, livestock and poultry, aquatic products, forest fruits, microbial seed industry, and more. The goal was to establish an international, leading, and practical platform for the exchange and trade of seed industry knowledge.

Distinguished leaders from Beijing, as well as officials from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, and several academicians and industry experts graced the opening ceremony of the conference.

Beijing boasts ideal conditions for the revitalization of the seed industry. It is home to state-level agricultural research institutes, ranking first in the country in terms of both first-class disciplines and academicians in agriculture-related fields. Additionally, Beijing accounts for nearly 40% of the country's patents for biological breeding. It is worth noting that Beijing leads in the preservation of germplasm resources, ranking first in the country and second in the world. Each year, more than 400 new crop varieties are developed, constituting 10% of the country's total varieties and sales. Beijing is committed to accelerating the consolidation and enhancement of its seed industry's development advantages.

As previously mentioned, the conference hosted three exhibitions. The first was the Seed Industry Revitalization Achievement Exhibition, which featured participation from nine key provinces, five leading enterprises, and three formation enterprises. This exhibition showcased breakthrough achievements from the three-year basic phase of the seed industry revitalization activity. The second exhibition was the Seed Industry Business Exhibition, where over 300

renowned seed industry enterprises from 22 provinces showcased their varieties and strengths. Finally, there was a field exhibition of excellent varieties, featuring more than 2300 varieties from 187 enterprises in the three core areas of corn, vegetables, and aerospace breeding. This exhibition covered an extensive display area of approximately 30,000 square meters and saw participation from several

By Xiaofeng Li

APSA members, including Shandong Huasheng Seed Group and China Vegetable Seed Technology Co., Ltd. (Beijing).

Dr. Manish Patel, the President of APSA, was invited to participate in the Inaugural Ceremony and deliver a presentation at the International Seed Industry Forum. International seed trade plays a crucial role in global food security. With the

From left: APSA's past president, Mr. Zhiping Wang, APSA's President, Dr. Manish Patel and APSA Technical Program Manager Mrs Xiaofeng Li

Asia-Pacific region accounting for 54% of the world's population and experiencing rapid growth, the demand for food is on the rise. Dr. Manish Patel, President of APSA, emphasized in his speech that food security starts with seed security. He called for the provision of high-quality seed production and trade through sustainable agriculture.

Although China's seed market currently accounts for only 17% of the world's market capitalization, there is ample room for growth and improvement.

On September 11th, a Chinese-Foreign Enterprise Connection Cocktail Party was held. Additionally, a Workshop on Gene Editing Regulatory Policy

was organized by the China National Seed Trade Association for delegates from both multinational and domestic companies to address pressing issues.

Notably, APSA's past president, Mr. Zhiping Wang, and APSA Technical Program Manager Mrs Xiaofeng Li attended the conference alongside Dr. Patel.

Bangkok workshop raises the bar for Seed Vigour Testing

In the latest stride to elevate international seed testing competency and capacities in the Asia-Pacific region was the APSAISTA Seed Vigour Testing Workshop held recently in Bangkok.

Jointly organized from 26-28 September by APSA and ISTA in partnership with the Department of DoA Thailand, Kasetsart University, and prominent Thailand-based international seed companies Chia Tai Seeds and East-West Seed, the workshop was held at Vajiranusorn Building, Kasetsat University, Bangkok, Thailand. Attending were a total of 51 participants representing government agencies and APSA member companies hailing from Thailand, India, Indonesia, the Philippines, Myanmar, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Vietnam came together for this event.

The primary focus of the workshop revolved around species of interest to APSA members, with an emphasis on in-house development of vigour tests and the application of cutting-edge technologies. This endeavor was led by several distinguished ISTA lecturers:

Dr. Alison Powell (Chair, ISTA Vigour Committee, Aberdeen University, UK)

Dr. Hulya Ilbi (Vice-Chair, ISTA Vigour Committee, Ege University, Turkey)

Dr. Stan Matthews (Vigour Committee Member, Aberdeen University, UK)

Marie-Helene Wagner (Vigour Committee Member, GEVES, France)

During the workshop, participants delved into four validated vigour tests: Electrical Conductivity (EC),

Accelerated Ageing (AA), Controlled Deterioration (CD), and Radicle Emergence (RE). They were thoroughly briefed on the current validated test methods and the procedures used to establish the testing conditions.

Participants actively engaged in handson exercises, applying the validated test methods to species of particular interest to APSA members. These test conditions were selected from research papers where the validated tests had been applied to sweetcorn and species from the Solanaceae and Cucurbitaceae families. The results obtained were used to illustrate the process of determining appropriate test conditions. Additionally, other crucial aspects of test development, such as field and greenhouse trials, were extensively discussed. The participants were also introduced to the practical applications of image analysis in vigour testing.

This workshop marked the third collaborative effort between APSA and ISTA since their formal collaboration began in 2020. In February 2020, the two organizations, along with Thailand’s Department of Agriculture, jointly organized a Seed Quality Management Seminar, which brought together around 100 quality assurance personnel representing both seed companies and government agencies from across the region. Following this successful seminar, the organizations signed a Memorandum of Understanding in October 2020, with the aim of facilitating collaborative projects to strengthen seed research, training initiatives, and the promotion of seed testing programs and the ISTA accreditation system in the Asia Pacific region.

Continuing their collaborative efforts, APSA and ISTA, in partnership with the Department of Agriculture, Thailand (DoA) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), organized a "Workshop on Quality Assurance and ISTA Accreditation for Beginners" in Thailand from November 21st to 23rd. This workshop saw the participation of 26 individuals from Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Pakistan, the Philippines, Chinese Taipei, and Thailand.

APSA and ISTA are set to renew their aforementioned Memorandum of Understanding for an additional three years, with the signing ceremony slated to take place during the upcoming Asian Seed Congress this November in Christchurch. Watch this space.

Seed Insights from the South Seas

In anticipation of the upcoming Asian Seed Congress, scheduled for November 20-24 in Christchurch, New Zealand, Asian Seed connects with Edward Luisetti, Managing Director at Luisetti Seeds. This prominent New Zealand seed company specializes in producing a wide range of seeds, catering to customers both domestically and internationally. Edward shares valuable insights into New Zealand’s strengths in seed production, and sheds light on the challenges and opportunities being explored to enhance food self-sufficiency and security not only in the South Seas but also on a global scale.

Asian Seed: First, please tell us about Luisetti Seeds and your background with the company?

Edward Luisetti: Established in 1932 by my grandfather, Luisetti Seeds is a Family owned and operated company located in Rangiora and Ashburton, on the Canterbury plains of the South Island of New Zealand. Luisetti Seeds produces seed in New Zealand for its local customers and exports New Zealand seed around the world. I began working for the company at the age of 12, biking to the store after school. I studied at Lincoln University, obtaining a Bachelor of Agriculture and Commerce. After working for a vegetable processing company in New Zealand, along with a stint working overseas, I returned to the company in 2002 and am now the Managing Director.

As a company of 90 years, some of our farmer clients have been dealing with us for four generations.

What does your company specialize in, and can you tell us about some of your industry partnerships?

Edward

We specialize in Seed Multiplication for reproduction and re-export to international companies in both the Northern and Southern Hemisphere. The fertile Canterbury Plains of New Zealand are worldrenowned for some of the most consistent and highest quality seed production in the world.

25 years ago, Luisetti Seeds and Plant and Food Research (New Zealand government plant breeder) formed a joint venture to breed and market milling wheats, feed wheats and feed barleys for the New Zealand market. Since then, our partnership has continued to flourish. We are proud to say that the Luisetti Seeds/Plant & Food Research cereal breeding programme is the largest cereal breeding operation in New Zealand. Luisetti Seeds is head licensee for eight New Zealand milling wheat cultivars with an established market share of 75%.

We breed to improve resistance to the three biggest yield robbers of the New Zealand cereal crop: scald, BYDV and Septoria Tritici Blotch. We are making

excellent progress. Every year our efforts produce higher yielding and more resistant cultivars.

Luisetti Seeds partners with GRASSLANZ (New Zealand government breeder) to breed and deliver a diverse portfolio of highquality crop and pasture seeds to New Zealand’s agricultural industry. Our Quality Assurance programme exceeds the requirements of the national varietal certification system; meaning only premium seed, with high health, purity, germination, and overall reliability, reaches the market. The cultivars we have grown through their breeding include white clovers, sub clover, Persian clover, plantain, lucerne, and cocksfoot.

In addition to marketing some of New Zealand’s leading pea cultivars, Luisetti Seeds exclusively markets varieties for two international pea breeders. We are also involved with research and development with vegetable processing companies.

We have an extensive contract

Luisetti:

grower base in Canterbury. Our field representatives’ contract and grow a wide range of grain and seed, including process and field peas, milling wheat, radish, ryegrass, barley, and specialist clover crops.

Luisetti Seeds also offers Seed Dressing services. We enjoy a reputation of quality dressing with a minimum of product loss. Luisetti Seeds takes pride in our state-of-the-art seed-cleaning machinery and grainhandling equipment. Our seed cleaning equipment is some of the newest and best in the New Zealand industry.

Asian Seed: New Zealand is known for producing reliable and highquality seed. Could you share some key challenges and opportunities for the New Zealand seed sector, especially in the context of food security?

Edward Luisetti: We should be producing more of our own milling wheat, rather than relying on imports. All the wheat is grown in the South Island, which then needs to be transported to the North Island. With improved infrastructure and coastal shipping, this could be achieved.

Asian Seed: Can you provide some

insight and context regarding the food grain and field crop seed supply situation in New Zealand? About a quarter of the wheat grown in New Zealand is for milling, and the other three-quarters is for feed, primarily for dairy cows. The South Island of New Zealand produces most of its own milling wheat requirements, however the more highly populated North Island uses primarily Australian grown milling wheat.

The NZGSTA along with other farmer groups are wanting New Zealand to become self-sustainable in milling wheat as we were 30 years ago. New Zealand has excellent soils and a very suitable climate for producing wheat, and our wheat paddocks are some of the highest yielding in the world. Until recently a New Zealand grower held the world record of 17.398 tonne/ha (the record is now 17.95 tonne and is held by an English farmer). Feed barley is widely grown, and this is used primarily for the dairy industry (to feed dairy cows).

New Zealand also grows its own malting barley for the brewing industry. There is large areas of maize grown in the North Island, also for the dairy industry.

With the increase in demand for oat milk, along with the establishment of factories, more and more oats will be grown for oat milk.

With plant-based protein becoming an increasing focus, New Zealand is in a good position to take advantage of this emerging market through the growing of crops such as peas and lucerne, which both thrive in our fertile soils and excellent climate.

Unlike other parts of the world where mono-cultures are common, New Zealand arable farmers use lengthy cropping rotations, often up to 7 years before the same crop is repeated. This has many benefits including, a combination of restorative and depletive crops, breaks in the cycle to prevent the buildup of disease, the ability to use chemicals with different modes of action so resistance does not become a problem, improved soil health, improved bio-diversity including insect life, as well as reducing financial risk.

Asian Seed: Given the global cereals reserves are tightening, and there’s an increased demand for food crops, what strategies are you and other seed-supplying companies in New Zealand adopting to address these challenges?

New R&D work on cereal breeding is focused on reducing farmer inputs, especially around the use of insecticides and fungicides, but also in reducing nitrogen requirements. There is also a push to produce wheat with reduced gluten. Raising the profile of the arable industry has been a focus of the NZGSTA. The arable industry produces significant export earnings for the country, but we do fall into the shadow of our bigger cousins in the horticultural industry and of course, dairy, which is the biggest export earner for New Zealand. Being mindful of increasing environmental requirements, strip-tilling is becoming more common in New Zealand where only the portion of the soil that is to contain the seed row is disturbed. New Zealand arable farmers are very conscious about our environment, and they do everything in their power to grow their crops as sustainably as they can. We have a beautiful country which we need to protect and preserve so we can be proud of what we pass to our children. Our rivers give us life. They sustain us. They are a taonga (a Maori term for an object or natural resource which is highly prized) and New Zealand farmers are very aware of their need to protect our valuable waterways.

Millets & Maize: Special Regional Report

While food inflation-cum-insecurity continues to damper the lives and livelihoods of millions, there has been some reprieve to report. According to the August 2023 report of the FAO Food Price Index (FFPI), for example, prices for dairy products, vegetable oils, meat and cereals have been on a slight decline this year. . . mostly reflecting higher seasonal availability from ongoing harvests in several leading exporters in the Northern Hemisphere. . .” Welcome news, though we’re not in the clear yet considering that the corresponding index for rice – the world’s third most produced grain – reached a “15-year nominal high, reflecting trade disruptions registered

in the aftermath of India's July ban on Indica white rice exports.” Casting clouds further on the global grain outlook has been an unpredictable wheat supply chain: under sustained stress from the ongoing Ukraine and Russia conflict, the world’s second most produced grain has been plagued with missed expectations for a strong harvest this year due to adverse cultivation conditions impacting harvests in key producing regions of Canada, European Union, and China. Considering all the complexities and politics surrounding paddy and wheat, the world is increasingly looking to other key staples to supplement diets. Two grain crops are the focus of this

special regional report: maize, which is by far the world’s most cultivated grain –utilized not only for human food, but as an increasingly important animal feed and fuel supplement – and millets – an up-and-coming food grain crop that has been in the spotlight as of late. Indeed, 2023 is the International Year of Millets, and the trade and utilization of this ‘underdog’ crop is only set to expand in the coming critical years. The following Asia-Pacific focused report covers facts, figures and insights on the export of both respective crops’ seeds for sowing, as well as cultivation and harvesting data sourced from the FAO and the World Trade Organization.

Thailand

India

Türkiye

New Zealand

Viet Nam

Philippines

China

Australia

Pakistan

Rest of APAC

Combined, the countries in Asia and the Pacific export about $200 million worth of maize seed annually, grossing about $787mn in the four years from 2019 to 2022. During this four-year period, APAC’s share of the world’s maize seed exports was about 6.6%.

Figure1:

Maize Seed Exports (2022)

In terms of value, 2022 was a strong year for global and regional maize sowing seed (HS 100510) exports; last year the gross value of outbound maize seed consignments globally was $3.51 billion, which represented a 19.3 percent increase from 2021’s $2.94bn. Top exporters include France (about 25% global market share); Hungary (8.3%); the US (8.2%); Romania (7%) and Austria (6.2%). In the Asia-Pacific region, 2022 saw an 11.8% increase over 2021; the value of outbound maize seed consignments swelled to $241.3 million from $215.7mn in the previous year. The APAC’s maize seed export market is dominated by three countries –Thailand (2.7%); India (1.7%) and Turkey (1.4%), together accounting for about 85% of the region’s total maize seed exports in terms of value. [See Figure 1 for regional trend breakdown, and country by country analysis for further insights]

According to statistics published by the FAO, approximately 205.9 million hectares of maize was harvested around the world in 2021; this acreage yielded some 1.21 billion tonnes of the staple food, feed and fuel grain, which equates to an average yield of about 6 t per ha. Of this, 379.3mn tonnes (31%) was harvested from about 68mn ha of maize (33%) sown in Asia and the Pacific – a yield of about 5.5 t per ha. The world’s leading cultivator of maize, the United States yielded 383.9 mn t of maize, which represented 31.7% of all global output, despite harvesting the grain from just 16.7% (34.5mn ha) of the world’s fields sown with maize. Indeed, though China led the world in terms of hectares harvested (43.3mn ha or 21% of the global acreage), the US had superior productivity of 11.1 t /ha, compared to China’s 6.3 t/ha The world’s third leading producer of maize, Brazil, output 88.4mn t (7.3% of world) from its 19mn ha (9% of world) for an average yield of 4.6 t per ha. Asia-Pacific’s second leading maize cultivator, India, harvested 31.6mn t of maize (2.6% of the world) from its 9.8mn ha (4.7% of world), a yield of about 3.2 t per ha.

Participants PHL Study Tour_FINAL

In terms of volume, export data highlights a contrasting story; last year saw an 8.3% dip in quantities of maize seed exported from all countries around the world – dropping from 2.6mn tonnes in 2021 to 2.38mn tonnes in 2022. In APAC, the y-o-y reduction in maize seed exports was noticeably more extreme, falling by about 69% to 406,198 tonnes – about 17% share of the world’s maize seed exports. Measured by tonnage, South Africa (17.4% of world) and Poland (13.3%) were the world’s leading exporter of maize seed; while Viet Nam and Pakistan were APAC’s leading maize seed exporters, accounting for 6.9% and 5.8% of the world’s seed exports in 2022, respectively.

Harvest & Production (2021)

According to statistics published by the FAO, approximately 205.9 million hectares of maize was harvested around the world in 2021; this acreage yielded some 1.21 billion tonnes of the staple

APAC Maize Harvested Area in 2021

food, feed and fuel grain, which equates to an average yield of about 6 t per ha. Of this, 379.3mn tonnes (31%) was harvested from about 68mn ha of maize (33%) sown in Asia and the Pacific – a yield of about 5.5 t per ha. The world’s leading cultivator of maize, the United States yielded 383.9 mn t of maize, which represented 31.7% of all global output, despite harvesting the grain from just 16.7% (34.5mn ha) of the world’s fields sown with maize. Indeed, though China led the world in terms of hectares harvested (43.3mn ha or 21% of the global acreage), the US had superior productivity of 11.1 t /ha, compared to China’s 6.3 t/ha. The world’s third leading producer of maize, Brazil, output 88.4mn t (7.3% of world) from its 19mn ha (9% of world) for an average yield of 4.6 t per ha. Asia-Pacific’s second leading maize cultivator, India, harvested 31.6mn t of maize (2.6% of the world) from its 9.8mn ha (4.7% of world), a yield of about 3.2 t per ha.

Harvested Area Yield

[Graphic Figure 2: = two elements make into one to fill width of an entire page, with pie graph on left, and table on right, or even pie graph on top, table on bottom]

Millets

Seed Exports (2022)

In terms of value, 2022 was a robust year for the overall millet sowing seed (HS 1008210) export market; last year the gross value of outbound millet seed consignments was $27.6 million globally, representing a 7% increase year-onyear from 2021’s grossing of $25.8mn. In Asia and the Pacific, however, value, which represented 43.6% of the entire global millet seed market, contracted year-on-year by 3%, falling to just over $12mn in 2022 from $12.4mn in 2021. India, maintained its market dominance, exporting $10.5mn worth of this type of seed to claim 87% of the region’s, and 38% of the world’s market share –despite a 2.3% y-o-y contraction from its grossing of $10.8mn the previous year. Claiming second, the US exported $7.9mn worth of millet seed, a y-o-y jump of 9% to claim 28% of the global market. Coming in 3rd and 4th, France and Poland also saw impressive growth of 45% and 111%, to gross $3.1mn and $856,000 for 11% and 3% respective market shares. The world’s fifth, and Asia-Pacfic region’s second market leader, was Australia, where exports contracted by 32% from $1.2mn in 2021, to $816,000 in 2022, to claim just under 3% of the global market.

Though quantities of millet seed exported in 2022 increased by 2.7% y-o-y – swelling to 56,234 tonnes from 54,745 t the previous year – the overall volume of this type of seed exported from Asia-Pacific countries contracted during the same period by 4%, falling to 32,670 t, from 34,086 t in 2021. Nonetheless, exports from

Millet Seed Exports: 2019-2022

The world’s millet seed supply is dominated by two countries – the United States and India, together claiming about two thirds of the global market. Individually, these countries regularly export

the region still represented 58% of all millet seed exports globally. More than half, or 55% of APAC’s millet seeds, were exported by global leader, India, which delivered 5% less millet seeds in 2022 (30,972 t) compared to 2021 (32,656 t). This was followed by the world’s second leading supplier, the US, which increased its supply of millet seed internally in 2022 by about 20% (from 10,347 t to 12,395 t) for 22% market share. Likewise, the world’s 3rd and 4th top exporters, France and Poland, saw phenomenal growth of 64 and 80%, reapectively, moving 5,552 t and 1,661 t of seed for respective shares of 9.3% and 2.9%. Coming in fifth, was Canada, exporting 931 t of seed (-73% y-o-y) or 1.6% of global volume. This was followed by Asia’s next two top suppliers, Australia and Pakistan. While the latter contracted by 26% to 778 t for a 1.4% claim; the former saw a three-fold increase year-on-year, from 173 to 698 tonnes, representing of 1.24% of global consignments by volume.

for 11.7 mn t (38%) from 17mn hectares (56%). Compared to other staple grain crops, productivity of millet fields is much lower, with the average yield Asia-Pacific at about 690kg per hectare, and just over a tonne per hectare globally. Though India is by far the leading producer of millet in the world,

producing 9.7mn tonnes, or 31% of global production, which it cultivated on 13.2mn hectares – 44% of all the world’s harvested millet fields, a large majority of the remaining tonnage was produced in African countries, led by Niger (6.1mn t); Sudan (2.8mn t); Mali and Nigeria (2mn t each).

APAC Millets Harvested Area in 2021

India

China (mainland)

Nepal

Myanmar

Pakistan

rest of APAC

world’s harvested millet fields, a large majority of the remaining tonnage was produced in African countries, led by Niger (6.1mn t); Sudan (2.8mn t); Mali and Nigeria (2mn t each).

Harvest and Production (2021)

According to the FAO, in 2021 a total of 30.9mn tonnes of millet was harvested from just over 30mn hectares of sown area in 2021. Asia-Pacific accounted

Country Production Harvested Area Yield

As with maize, millet production in the Asia-Pacific region is dominated by India and China. Outside of the India, African countries dominate the market.

[Figure Four = table and pie graph, integrate into one]

Updates from APSA Technical Affairs

Standing Committee on Intellectual Property Rights and Biodiversity

The committee finalized 2 important programs for the ASC in November; the agenda for the APSA Congress Workshop on November 20th, focusing on "Essentially Derived Varieties (EDV): A perspective from breeders." and the agenda for the SC IPR & Biodiversity Technical Session on November 22nd, covering topics such as Biodiversity

and Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS), as well as Intellectual Property Rights. In addition, some committee members participated in the Global Symposium on Farmers' Rights in New Delhi from September 12-15, gaining insights into global efforts to support farmers' rights and discussing options outlined in Article 9 of the International Treaty.

Standing Committee on Seed Technology

APSA extended our sincere gratitude to Mr. Johan van Asbrouck for his remarkable 12-year tenure as Chair and committee member of the SC Seed Technology Committee, acknowledging his invaluable contributions to the advancement of seed technology within APSA. The committee also welcomed Ms. Patcharin Taridno, an Industrial Analytic Director from Rhino as an observer, and Dr. Rajasekaran Rajakumar to be re-nominated as a committee member from Mahyco Private Limited.

The committee's ongoing efforts included finalizing panel discussions for the APSA Technical Session for Seed Technology in the November ASC event and plans for the APSA Seed Academy Program. Additionally, details about the successful organization of APSA Seed Technology Webinar Session 3 on Seed Disinfection and the upcoming Session 4 on Seed Quality/Seed Vigor were shared in APSA monthly Newsletter.

Standing Committee on International Trade and Quarantine

The SC ITQ remained vigilant in monitoring seed regulatory developments. Notably, the World Trade Organization (WTO) introduced measures to prevent the spread of Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus (ToBRFV) in South Korea, affecting the importation of Capsicum spp. and Solanum lycopersicum seeds and seedlings. The committee engaged in meaningful discussions during its 3rd quarter meeting, addressing policy and regulation updates in APAC countries

such as the APSA's joint efforts with CropLife Asia and ISF to seek clarification on sample size increases of the seed regulation updates in Korea, the address new pests on quarantine lists from Vietnam and the extend re-export deadlines for India Office Memorandum (OM). The committee also plan the APSA 10th Phytosanitary Expert Consultation tentatively scheduled for late February to early March 2024 in Manila, Philippines.

Special Interest Groups on Field Crops

The APSA SIG Field Crops Committee has been actively engaged in various initiatives. They finalized the program for the APSA ASC Technical Session scheduled for November 21st. On Sep 17-23, APSA successfully organized "Hybrid Rice and Corn Study Tour in the Philippines" in collaboration with the Philippines Seed Industry Association

(PSIA) and the Rice Board, welcoming delegates from APSA member organizations in Bangladesh, China, India, Malaysia, the Philippines and Sri Lanka. The committee also discussed in the quarterly meeting to explore potential collaboration with One CGIAR and to seek an initiative to gather market size information for field crops.

SIG Field Crops

SC Seed Technology

Chair: Dr. Sandeep Jadli Co-Chair: Mr. Farhan Tahir

SC IPR & Biodiversity

Chair: Dr Arvind Kapur Co-Chair: Mr Francois Burgaud

Chair: Dr Mary Ann Sayoc

Co-Chair: Mr. John Mizicko

SC International Trade & Quarantine

Chair: Dr Chua Kim Aik Co-Chair: Dr. MD. Ali Afzal

Special Interest Group on Vegetables and Ornamentals (SIG Veg & Orn)

The Committee has been actively engaged in maintaining effective communication with sub-groups and members to ensure prompt sharing of activity updates. They have exciting plans ahead, including the organization of a SIG V&O study tour in Japan, focusing on urban and hi-tech farming, tentatively scheduled for 2024, with a

commitment to offering a rewarding experience.

From Sep 26-28, the APSA-ISTA Seed Vigor Testing Workshop in Bangkok was successfully organized, brought together 51 participants from various countries, fostering growth and discovery in the world of seed testing and innovation.

SIG Vegetables & Ornamentals

The Working Group of Integrated Vegetable Seed Companies (WIC) WIC has continued its productive efforts, maintaining communication through email to address action points from the April WIC meeting. A significant milestone is the MOU signing with several agricultural universities and seed associations in China, India, and Thailand. (more details in the University Connect Program article)

Besides, Mr. Sushil Kumar Kaushik, a long-standing member of APSA WIC since its formation in 2017, is thanked for his great contributions, and Mr. Rajendra Velagala from Nunhems India Pvt. Ltd. (BASF) is welcomed as the new WIC representative from the same company.

The DRT Working Group

Good news for the DRT Watermelon Fusarium Wilt Sub-group. The phytosanitary certificate of watermelon seeds from USDA has successfully been approved. Seeds are going to be shipped to Thailand and later to multiply seeds.

For the DRT Bitter Gourd Powdery Mildew Subgroup, letters were submitted to the National Biodiversity of India (NBA) to update on new representatives changes and to update that seeds will be shipped out of India by DRT member company.

The R&D Advisory Group

The Committee has been actively engaged in various activities. On Sep 29, they successfully conducted APSA

Upcoming Events Events

APSA Seed Technology Webinar Session 4 - Seed Quality / Seed Vigour (APSA Members Only)

Mekong US Partnership Regional Workshop (Invite Only)

October 17, 2023

October 24-26 , 2023

November 20-24, 2023

Solanaciars TGIF Session 3 with insightful presentations on whitefly management and resistance.

They welcomed Dr. G. Chaluvaraju, BASF – APAC Head of Research and Product Development, as a new R&D member, recognizing his exceptional leadership and expertise. The committee also had its 3rd quarter meeting to discuss survey feedback from the APSA-WorldVeg Consortium on a field demonstration in India in 2024 and initiate a new TGIF webinar series.

Lastly, the APSA Asian Cucurbits Round Table-2 has been postponed to 2024 due to unforeseen circumstances, but the committee remains committed to its success in the future.

https://web.apsaseed.org/events/2023-apsa-seedtechnology-webinar-session-4

Courtyard by Marriott, Bangkok, Thailand and online Zoom platform

https://web.apsaseed.org/events/2023-muspregional-workshop

Asian Seed Congress

APSA Solanaciars TGIF Session 4 (APSA Members Only)

December 8 , 2023

Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre, Christchurch, New Zealand

https://web.apsaseed.org/asc2023

APSA Seed Academy virtual platform

https://web.apsaseed.org/events/2023-apsasolanaciars-tgif-session-4

Chair: Mr Rahul Pagar Co-Chair: Ms. Linda Chang

Webinar (Zoom and APSA's website)