Seed Trade

International Seed Trade

The export and import of seed for sowing in Hong Kong are accounted for about HKD 434 million of 2,401 metric tons and about HKD 388 million of 2,822 metric tons respectively. For international seed trade, an appropriate regulatory framework is important to harmonize seed standards and trade regulations, promote competitive seed markets, lower seed trade barriers, and thereby provide quality seeds to farmers. Various international organizations, conventions and treaties help regulate trade from obtaining to delivering quality seeds, including

Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development: OECD strives to promote the use of certified agriculture seed that is of consistently high quality in 37 participating countries. It formulates seed schemes that define eight group of species of cultivated plants comprising more than 200 agricultural and vegetable species.

The International Seed Testing Association:ISTA aims to develop and publish standard procedures in the field of seed testing. Members from 83 countries/distinct economies worldwide work together to achieve their vision of ‘uniformity in seed quality evaluation worldwide’. Its accredited 225 laboratories are entitled to issue certificates. China has also set national standards such as “Crop Seed Inspection Regulations”, based on ISTA methods.

The International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants: UPOV is established to provide and promote an effective system of plant variety protection among 76 state/organization members. It also published International Convention.

The International Seed Federation: ISF bears mission to create the best environment for the global movement of seed and promote plant breeding and innovation in seed. It sets clear and consistent trade rules for seed companies. Hong Kong Seed Trade Association is one of its members.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations: FAO aids its member states in seed policy and legislation development. Its International Plant Protection Convention, signed by over 180 countries, targets to protecting the world’s plant resources from pests and promoting safe trade.

More information, please readOECD SEED SCHEMES: A Synthesis of International Regulatory Aspects that Affect Seed Trade
https://www.oecd.org/agriculture/seeds/documents/international-regulatory-aspects-seed-trade.pdf
ISF Seed Statistics
https://www.worldseed.org/resources/seed-statistics/