Seed and Seed Varieties Bill could limit import and export of seed: Schlettwein

WINDHOEK, 16 JUL  – The Seed and Seed Varieties Bill, expected to be adopted by the National Assembly, could limit the importing and exporting of seeds, Minister of Finance Calle Schlettwein has said.
Making his contribution to the Bill tabled by Minister of Agriculture, Water and Forestry Alpheus !Naruseb recently in the National Assembly (NA), Schlettwein said the definition of seeds is comprehensive enough, however the Bill seems to limit its trade flows.
The Bill intends to regulate the production, processing, certification, marking and trade of seeds in Namibia.
Schlettwein made reference to the wellknown seed and plant trader Ferreira’s Garden Centre in Windhoek and whether such retailers would have to register as horticulture nurseries.
In response, !Naruseb argued that seed by the definition of the Bill is any type of living embryo capable of regeneration and such must go through the process of identification of source and performance of mother trees.
“Nurseries deal with seedlings which according to the Bill are considered seeds and therefore must be registered as materials. They would be expected to have the identity of origin and record of performance of mother trees to ensure quality of seedling supply made available for sale,” he said.
He emphasised that should some people obtain seeds to be used for non-commercial purposes such as planting for domestic use, the Bill does not include such.
!Naruseb explained that traditional varieties have the opportunity to be recognised and registered, provided they satisfy the requirement for registration.
He added that farmers can continue cultivating the traditional varieties using farm-saved seeds or seeds acquired through exchange and bartering. However, such seeds do not qualify to be certified and cannot be sold in the market.
“The Act will complement other laws on safeguarding biodiversity and bio-safety in order to take into account plant health risks,” he said.
Through the Bill, the ministry will have control over imported and exported seeds to make sure they meet prescribed standards.
The Bill would further establish the national seed council comprising of farmers, ministry representatives and seed dealers who will contribute to the formulation of policies and guidelines for the industry.
A seed varieties committee will be created to oversee the process of the release of new seed varieties.
(NAMPA)