CHINA
1. 2016 Chinese Seed Market Watch Li Tongchao Strategic Planning Dept., China National Seed Group 2016 was the first year when the new seed law came into effect. During that year, an increase in the corn seed production area, cancelation of temporary purchasing and storage of corn and the reduction of corn planting area altogether has resulted in a continued downturn in the seed industry. However, several policies and regulations issued in support of the seed industry, a broadened market access and the government’s interpretation of GMO development are seen as positive for the seed industry. Let us look back and recap the year 2016, which had both opportunities and challenges.
New seed law comes into effect On January 1, 2016, the amended Seed Law of the People’s Republic of China came into effect, followed by three additional administrative measures implemented at a later date. The Administrative Measures for Major Crops Variety Registration included a green channel examination and approval approach, where the scope of examination and approval for major crops was reduced and the system of forced withdrawal of varieties was formulated; the Administrative Measures for Crop Seed Production and Operation Licensing, under which two licenses were consolidated as one, specified the responsibility of the business main body; the Administrative Measures for Seed Labeling and Use Instructions made clear the scope and content of labeling and use instructions. The amendments also reflected the intentions of the seed law to encouraged innovation, simplifying administrative measures and effected strict controls while allowing for a certain degree of flexibility.
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Seed Sectors Around the Globe
Seed Times January - April 2018