Update on the alignment of Seed policies to SADC Seed protocol - Malawi

1. Update on the alignment of Seed policies to SADC Seed protocol - Malawi Malawi Task Teams (Seed, Variety Release and Phytosanitary and Quarantine Measures)

2. Introduction Status of the policies • Seed Act (1996) – outdated and now undergoing review • Variety Release – non- existent (release through the ATCC) non-exhaustive approach. • Malawi does not yet have the legislation for the awarding of plant variety protection • A variety release committee has been institutionalized to work under the ATCC. • Plant Protection Act (1969)– draft bill ready and • regulations outdated.

3. Approach • Three task teams (Experts) were constituted: • Variety Release • Phytosanitary and Quarantine measures • Seed Certification and Quality assurance • The teams have met twice, the first meeting for a briefing and the second one was to commence the exercise.

4. Progress

5. Review of Seed Legislation • The following documents were gathered; Seed Act, 1996, Seed Policy, 1993 and Seed Regulations, 2003 • Gaps were identified in the documents

6. Seed Policy gaps • The policy needs to include key operational institutional and operational linkages • Absence of public and private sectors, CGIARs and civil societies partnership • DSU not in the legislation

7. Policy gaps continued.. • Seed production to include individual/ group associations not only companies • PBR system to include all crops and not hybrids only • Composition of the ‘National seed Commission’ spelt out • Inclusion of some omitted crops • Administration of the inspection, Registration and testing fees spelt out in the new Act

8. Gaps identified in the Act • These included, for example: no provision for horticulture and forestry seeds, absence of mechanized hybrid production..etc • QDS not included now to be taken on board • Suggestion to establish Seed Certification Scheme which will be semi autonomous • Refusal/cancellation procedures to be incorporated in the Act

9. Seed Regulations Gaps • Related to harvesting of hybrid seed, forms, addition of crops under compulsory certification and labeling

10. PHYTOSANITARY AND QUARANTINE LEGISLATION Draft Plant Protection Bill is ready to be submitted to Cabinet • Took into account the Regional and international protocol – IPPC, WTO, SADC and COMESA

11. Review of Regulations • Process initiated, identified gap and suggested amendments to the regulations. • Reviewed schedule in terms of procedures • Reviewed the list for pest of quarantine importance for movement of seed within SADC countries • Yet to start the review of pest list of quarantine importance if seed is coming from outside SADC

12. Variety Release • Gathered and analyzed relevant documents that have a bearing on seed variety release: • Environmental Act • Seed Act (1988 and 1996) • Malawi Plant Breeder’s Rights (Draft Bill) • Seed Policy 1993 • National Agriculture Policy • SADC Plant Variety Protection Protocol • SADC Seed Harmonisation Protocol

13. Approach • The VRC legislation is going to be incorporated into the Seed Act • To include DUS and VCU

14. Conclusions • Had some teething coordination problem but hope to sort them as soon as we get back • The delays due to logistics have been surmounted • Work calendar – annual review meetings • Exercise will be accomplished!

15. Thank you for your attentionasante sana!!