inside 2016 use only:Layout 1 2016/04/18 11:09 AM Page 2€¦ · 9. National Seed Certification 20...

Notice of Annual General Meeting 3

2. Mission and Vision 4

3. SANSOR membership 7

4. Message from the Chairman of the Board of Directors 8

5. Report by the General Manager and ISF 9

6 Annual Report: Agronomy Division 12

7. Annual Report: Forage Division 15

8. Annual Report: Horticulture Division 17

9. National Seed Certification 20

10. Phytosanitary Report 22

11. Seed Analysts 24

12. Industry Promotion & Capability Development 26

13 Biotech and Innovation 28

14 AFSTA Report 30

15 OECD Report 32

16 Plant Breeders’ Rights Licences 34

17. ANNEXURE – 2015/16 Membership List 35

1

Contents

inside 2016 use only:Layout 1 2016/04/18 11:09 AM Page 1

3

NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Notice is hereby given of the 27th Annual General Meeting of the South African National SeedOrganization (SANSOR) on Wednesday and Thursday, 4 and 5 May 2016.

According to Article 6 of the SANSOR Constitution, the functions of the Annual General Meeting are:

• The consideration and discussion of the SANSOR Annual Report, financial statements andauditor’s report

• The election of Office Bearers

• The appointment of auditors and approval of their remuneration

• The handling of such other business as may properly come before the meeting

The following is hereby submitted to the Annual General Meeting:

1. Report on the activities of the organization

2. Annual financial statements (under separate cover)

3. Relevant agendas and minutes of the 26th Annual Congress of SANSOR (under separatecover)

Lukeshni ChettyGENERAL MANAGER


4

MISSION AND VISION

The South African National Seed Organization (SANSOR) was established in March 1989 when existingseed trade associations amalgamated. SANSOR is registered as a Section 21 company withoutprofit motive.

MISSION

To represent, protect and further the interests of the seed trade to the benefit of its members.

VISION

The establishment of SANSOR as the leading authority for the provision of industry-related, strategicservices to the South African Seed Industry and to promote the South African Seed Industry.

OBJECTIVES

• To represent the seed trade nationally and internationally.

• To liaise with all parties relevant to the seed trade such as government departments/ministries,parastatal organizations, universities, institutes and organized agriculture.

• To facilitate consultation and training for its members in line with National and Internationalstandards.

• To act as licensing body for cultivars of seed crops developed by the Agricultural ResearchCouncil (ARC).

• To assist in the collection of industry-related statistics.

• To promote the use of good quality seed.

• To promote high standards of ethical conduct by way of having all its members subscribe to acode of conduct and trade mission statement.

PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

• Strategic mediation of industry-related issues.

• Strategic co-ordination of industry-related issues.

• Strategic provision of industry-related information.

• Provision of industry-related extension services.

• Facilitation of technology transfer.

• Creation of an enabling environment for industry-related growth.

• Provision of an arbitration co-ordination to the industry.


5

ORGANOGRAM

SANSORDEVELOPMENTFOUNDATION

AD HOC COMMITTEES

• AGM Organizing

• Arbitration

• International

• Legal

• Plant Breeders

• Training

• Turf Grass Seed

REPRESENTATIVES ON OTHER BODIES

INTERNATIONAL• ISF• AFSTA

INDUSTRIAL ORGANIZATIONS• ABC • Agri SA• Bee Associations • Croplife/SANSOR Liaison• Dry Bean Forum • Fresh Produce Forum• Grain SA: Agronomy • Groundnut Forum• GSSA • Maize Forum • Oil Seed Trust • NAMC• National Lucerne Trust • SAGIS• SAGL • SAPBA• SGASA • Sorghum Forum • Soybean & Sunflower Forum • Wheat Forum

RESEARCH• Cultivar Evaluation Committees • Dry Bean Research Committee• Oil Seed Trust • Protein Research Trust• Sorghum Research Committee

LEGISLATION• Agricultural Pests • Biodiversity & Plant Breeders • Biosafety sub-group• Environment • GMO Act• Govt. GMO Working Group • National Plant Genetic Resources• Plant Breeders Rights • SPS Market Access Task Team:• Trade Metrology Seed & Grain

SECRETARIAT

• National Seed

Certification

• Licensing of Plant

Breeders’ Rights

AGRONOMYDIVISION6-MemberCommittee

HORTICULTUREDIVISION6-MemberCommittee

FORAGEDIVISION6-MemberCommittee

STANDING COMMITTEES• Certification • Biotech and Innovation• Human Resources• Phytosanitary• Seed Analysts

MANAGEMENT

Division Chairmen (3) Board of Directors

Division Vice Chairmen (3)

General Manager

Former Chairman

}


MEMBERS OF DIVISIONAL COMMITTEES, CHAIRMEN OF STANDINGCOMMITTEES AND SANSOR SECRETARIAT

From left to right:

1st Row – Gert Heyns (Monsanto SA), David Malan (Klein Karoo Seed Production), M Brown (Panaar ), Lukeshni Chetty (SANSOR Secretariat ) , Susan Allen (Sakata Seed),Annamarie Botha (SANSOR Secretariat) , Melody Spicer (SANSOR Secretariat)

2nd Row – Eddie Goldschagg (SANSOR Secretariat), Matome Ramokgopa (Enza Zaden), Pine Pienaar (SANSOR Secretariat), Kobus Burger ( Monsanto S.A.),Isabel Bezuidenhout ( Sansor Secretariat), Wilmarie Kriel (Starke Ayres), Lorraine Coetzee (Sakata Seed), Dean Miller (Sansor Secretariat),Willem Engelbrecht (Klein Karoo Seed Marketing) , Rikus Schoeman (DuPont)

3rd Row – Patrick Graham (Sensako), David Durandt (Seedcor), Kobus van Huyssteen (Sansor Secretariat) , Douw Steyn (Barenburg), John Odendaal (Pannar),Jan Coetzer (AGT Foods Africa)

From left to right: 1st Row – Susan Allen, Willem Engelbrecht, (vice-chairman), David Malan

2nd Row –David Durandt, Gert Heyns (chairman) Jan Coetzer

SANSOR MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

6


7

Full members

Affiliate members

International members

Associated members

Third Party Distributors

Honoury members

74

86

2

7

25

SANSOR MEMBERSHIP

A total of 122 members were recorded for the 2015/2016 financial year, comprising 74 full, two thirdparty distributors, 25 associate, six international, seven affiliate and eight honorary members (seefigure 1).

Five new members joined, i.e. Full members: Dynamic Seeds and Quality Seed (Pty) Ltd.; Associatemembers: South Africa Seed Institute and GDM Seeds SA (Pty) Ltd; International Member: WestcapeBiotech (Pty) Ltd.

The following members changed membership type:

• Selected Seeds (Pty) Ltd. – from international member to full member. • Rijk Zwaan Export B.V. – from international members to full member.

Nunhems Netherlands Bv. amalgamated with Bayer Crop Science (they are now part of BayerVegetable Seeds).

The following members changed company names:

• Advance Seed (Pty) Ltd. to AGT Foods Africa (Pty) Ltd.• Selected Seeds (Pty) Ltd. to Selected Seeds South Africa• Rijk Zwaan Export B.V. to Rijk Zwaan South Africa (Pty) Ltd.• Chemtura AgroSolutions to Arysta LifeScience

Three members terminated membership, i.e. PerkinElmer South Africa (Pty) Ltd., Oos-Vrystaat KaapBedryf Bpk. (OVK) and Nuseed (Pty) Ltd.

Please refer to the Annexure on page 35 for a comprehensive list of current SANSOR members.

SANSOR MEMBERSHIP 2015/16

Figure 1: Relative distribution of SANSOR Membership for 2015/2016


8

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The summer of 2015/16, will be one remembered for a very long time.According to long term statistics, the summer season was one of thedriest seasons in 150 years. Not only did summer crops suffer severedamage, but could crops not even be planted in many districts of thewestern production areas. In others, summer crops were planted verylate. This led to crop estimates of the most important summer crops likemaize, to be lowered significantly and will South Africa be forced toimport large quantities of grain.

The drought also demonstrated the vulnerability of our country andplaced a lot of emphasis on food security. White maize is mainly used forhuman consumption and in times of shortage in South Africa, largequantities are not available to be imported from other countries abroad.We also have take cognisance of the fact that we have to align ourbiotechnology strategies with other maize producing countries, in termsof commodity clearance, to be able to import maize from countries alsoutilising the advantages of biotechnology. This places a largeresponsibility on, not only the seed industry, but on all role players inagricultural grain production toady.

The SANSOR financial situation is sound. Income based on membershipfees, SANSOR investments and other income, exceeded the expectations which lead to positiveresults. Due to lower seed sales, seed returns and on farm carry over of seed, careful budgeting ofincome and firm management of expenditure will have to be done in future, until seed salesnormalise again.

SANSOR has to ensure that our members are able to operate efficient and viable seed businessesat a local and international level. Therefore SANSOR also liaises and has regular meetings with variousrole players such as DAFF, Grain SA and AgBiz. This has lead to a more focussed approach andbenefits agriculture as a whole. As more investments are made into seed businesses in other Africancountries, SANSOR will play a more important role in the region, on giving guidance as a successfulindustry organisation.

The Board of directors remain focussed on our strategic objectives. The SANSOR representation of theSouth African seed industry at various levels, both locally and abroad will remain a high priority.

SANSOR and its members play an important role in the international seed arena. Not only is SANSORrecognised as an efficient seed organization, but we also have SANSOR employees as well asmembers representing our local seed industry at various levels in the international seed industry.Such is the confidence that we have been awarded the opportunity of hosting the 2020 ISFInternational Congress.

The nomination of a new chairman to the Board of Directors will take place on 4 May 2016. My bestwishes to this chairman and the new Board as we move into the future.

In conclusion I would like to mention that it has been a privilege to serve as chairman of this dynamicorganisation over the past two years. I would like to acknowledge the hard work, inputs andcommitment of the personnel, committees and members, who make it possible for SANSOR to bea successful industry organisation

Mr Gert HeynsChairman: SANSOR Board of Directors


REPORT BY THE GENERAL MANAGER

This last year has been severely marked by the worst drought in decades.The impact of which has been felt by all sectors within the agriculturalfraternity. In response, the industry convened several meetings in the latterpart of 2015 and early 2016 with various stakeholders as well as governmentofficials coming together to ensure food security in the coming months.

Despite the harsh climate, we have had several highlights in the last year.Internationally, we have been successful in having Isabel Bezuidenhoutrepresent us on the ISF Phytosanitary committee. Also I am pleased to informyou the Eddie Goldschagg has been nominated for another three years asChairman of the ISTA Bulk and Sampling committee. The Seed certificationdatabase was launched in September last year successfully and we arecontinuing to upgrade for your ease of use.

SANSOR had the opportunity to host delegates from three African countries; Uganda, Nigeria andKenya. The delegation comprised government officials, private and public seed sector individualsand donor organisations representatives. The purpose of these visits was to explore SANSORs seedcertification role as well as association functions. These visits were very successful and Uganda hasformed a body that will offer independent third party inspection and certification services to seedcompanies. In Kenya, they have had very productive and positive conversations with theirgovernment on following a system very similar to SANSOR. To the members that assisted us in hostingpart of these visits - Dry Bean Seed, Advance Seed, Hygrotech, Monsanto and DuPont – a big thankyou. I must also extend an additional thank you to the staff at the Official Seed Testing Laboratoryand government officials from the Department of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) who offeredup their time and expertise to assist and advise the various delegations.

Our interaction with DAFF further extends to two bilateral meetings per year where SANSOR andgovernment have the opportunity to discuss mutual challenges and areas of cooperation. We havealso supported them in sponsoring four inspectors to attend the ISTA workshop held in Novemberand another two interns to attend the seed science course held by University of Pretoria. In additionSANSOR hosted the OECD meeting in January 2016 in Cape Town. We continue to strive to supportDAFF.

No year is ever complete without its fair share of challenges. One particular thorny issue is the tariffon melon and other oilseeds. This issue has been extremely difficult to resolve. This does not howeverimply that SANSOR is not committed to trying every avenue possible to find the necessary solution.

During the course of the last year we saw the resignation of two staff Ms. A. Botha and Ms. MelodySpicer. Both have been with SANSOR for many years and we wish them well in their new adventures.We have also recently appointed a new Executive Secretary, Ms. Veronica De La Rey. The positionfor bookkeeper is still open and we hope to fill the appointment in the upcoming months.

In the coming year, we would like to cultivate and expand our relationship with the ARC beyondroyalty collection. The development of new varieties is vital to our sector and now more crucial withthe changing climate. And hence the conservation of important germplasm becomes essential.Also, capacity development remains a key strategic area for SANSOR. And we hope to form apartnership with University of Pretoria for various training opportunities specific to the seed sector.

9

Dr Lukeshni ChettyGeneral Manager of SANSOR


While the past year was hard for many companies, we hope that the year ahead holds morepromise. I would like to close by reiterating our commitment to supporting you in your business andthe South African seed sector. Further, we welcome your interaction and participation in the variousSANSOR committees.

World seed congress in Krakow Poland was a tremendous success, with anattendance of almost 1600 delegates. During the opening ceremony MrMichael Keller highlighted the ISF priorities, which are seed appliedtechnologies, harmonization of phyto measures, royalty collection, efficientprotection, Multi-lateral system of access and benefit sharing, Plant breedingand Innovation.

To support this ISF hosted two meetings with government officials from various countries to discussconsistent polices for Plant Breeding innovation. SANSOR had the opportunity to attend both.

Also a highlight of the congress was the announcement that SANSOR had been awarded the bid tohost the World Seed Congress in Cape Town 2020. We are very excited at this opportunity towelcome the world once again to do seed business in South Africa.

I would like to wish you all a good congress and to thank you for tireless support and effort in the lastyear to the SANSOR secretariat.

10


12

AGRONOMY DIVISION

During the past year, the Agronomy divisional committee held two meetings.The joint meeting with Grain SA input and production working group held inAugust was an important meeting. Issues of significance, to both the seedindustry and producers were discussed, of which, the most important, is theend point royalty system for self- pollinated crops.

A working group, consisting of Grain SA, Agbiz Grain, the Department ofAgriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF), Agricultural Research Council (ARC),Baking Industry, Milling Industry and Sansor was formed. A number of meetingsand hours of work were put in by committee members, in particular, Mr CorneLouw from Grain SA and Mr Patrick Graham from Sensako, Chairman andVice Chairman of the committee, respectively. The working group is at thepoint of applying for a statutory end point royalty on wheat and barley; theroyalty will be levied at the first point of sale. Soyabeans will be applied fornext.

The previous season experienced a very dry season in the summer rainfall areas, having a negativeimpact on yields of agronomic crops of which the majority is produced under dry land condition. Analmost all-time record crop of maize (14 250 000 t) in 2013/14 was followed by a crop of (9 900 000t) in the 2014/15 season, down by 30,5%. The current season is one of the driest seasons since 1904,the latest crop estimate committee report has indicated that the area under summer crops, hasdropped to 3 281 050 ha, down by 26% from the previous season.

Area under white maize, has decreased by 29.5% (1 020 750 ha), and the estimated yields aredown by 32,5% (3 195800 t), from the previous year.

Area under yellow maize, has decreased by 22,5% (945 000 ha), and the estimated yields are downby 22,2% (4 059 950 t), from the previous year.

Area under sunflower, has increased by 20,9% (687 500 ha). Large areas were planted late Januaryand frost damage could be a risk. The estimated yield increased by 3.6% (687 300t), from theprevious year.

Area under soybean has decreased by 24,3% (519 800 ha), and the estimated yields are down by32,2% (724 600t), from the previous year.

Area under groundnuts has decreased by 31,0% (23 100 ha), and estimated yields are down by45,2% (34 120t), from the previous year.

Area under sorghum has decreased by 31,2% (48 500 ha), and estimated yields are down by 22,5%(93 400 t), from the previous year.

Area under dry beans has decreased by 43,1% (36 400ha), and estimated yields are down by 39,9%(44 095 t), from the previous year.

As can be seen from the statistics above, the summer grain producers as well as the agronomic seedsuppliers faced major challenges during the past season.

Mr Willem EngelbrechtChairman: Agronomy Division

Committee


13

The winter crops have had challenges of their own. The wheat industry is in distress due to the highquality standards for the registration of new varieties. Wheat plantings increased by 1,1% (482 150ha), with the Free Sate, which has been the main producer in the past, only planted 80 000 ha. The Western Cape, the main wheat producing area now, has been negatively impacted by droughtand the total yield has decreased by 22,5% for the region from the previous year, the total crop isdown from 26,7 % (1 457 015 t), from the previous year.

Canola plantings has decreased by 17,9% (78 050 ha). The final crop is down by 19,8% (97 500 t).The negative position will no doubt have an impact on the industry over the next few years due tothe weak financial situation of the producers. A number of farmers who were blessed with goodrains will have a bumper year. In other areas however, such as, the North Western Free State and theNorth Western province, farmers have had a total crop loss. South Africa will have to importapproximately 5 million tonne of maize this season for domestic use as well as for export toneighbouring countries.

It has been a privilege to serve on this committee and I would very much like to thank my fellowmembers for their support as well as to the Sansor personnel for their commitment and hard workduring the past year.


14

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Crop


ANNUAL REPORT: FORAGE DIVISION

If I were to open my report with the one matter most prevalent in South AfricanAgriculture today, I am sure I would blindly mirror the same golden thread to befound through all the other divisions within SANSOR:“It is so dry the trees are bribing the dogs.” – Charles Martin This could very well be the worst drought which anyone alive today in SouthAfrica can remember, and this fact will no doubt have very severe ramificationsfor every stakeholder in our trade. At the time of writing this report I can alreadysee a major shift in sales towards the non-irrigated forage crops. Pastureproducers simply do not know whether they will have adequate water to irrigatetheir pastures this coming winter. In addition to this there is a large group ofproducers who are still on the fence with regards to planting their dry land wintercrops in these arid soils. One can only hope and pray that by the time this

report is published, the el Niño pattern will have rotated, bringing much needed rain to our markets,our customers and our companions in industry.

During the last year the SANSOR Forage Division had two meetings, on the 15th of September 2015and again on the 11th of February 2016. Both these meetings were well attended, after there hadbeen some poor attendance in recent years. To me this is indicative of the various matters in theforage industry today which involve our stakeholders and pique their interest.

During the September 2015 meeting the new found amicable relationship between the NationalLucerne Trust (NLT) and SANSOR occasioned in Mr. Riaan Roselt (Agricol Seed) being nominated, andrecognized to serve on the NLT’s Board of trustees on behalf of the seed trade industry. Mr. Roselt’sterm will last for three years, during which I believe, that through continual interface stronger bondsbetween SANSOR and the NLT will be forged.

It is also during this last year that we have seen the organisation Grass SA being established fully.Grass SA also administered a successful Forage Sorghum Trial, in which numerous SANSOR memberspartook. This opens a new era in forage research in South Africa and sets the precedent that forageresearch could very well be done by private research institutions in the future, as we are witness to adecline in the readiness and ability of our state-operated institutions to do so.

Other matters which enjoyed attention over the last year include, but are not limited to, the geneticpurity of imported medics, varietal listing of Lucerne cultivars, seed coating implications, the long-suffering Clavibacter issue and the ongoing challenge of keeping forage research alive in SouthAfrica. And even though it sounds like a lot of dark cloud, there is surely a silver lining. I have onceagain seen how several stakeholders from outside of the seed trade step forward and extend a handtowards solving the conundrums which portend our industry’s forward momentum.

Israelmore Ayivor said: “Not every dream grows on every land, so you got to watch out! “Sugar cane”dreams should find the environment where there is flooding of great ideas from great people. It willdie off if it is planted at the place where the drought for discouragement is a well cherished culture!”Without the support from various branches within DAFF, Universities and even private individuals theforage seed trade in South Africa would certainly wilt, wither and die. I therefore applaud all thestakeholders outside of our SANSOR members, who fight this good fight alongside us. I look forwardto the coming year - challenges which will surely come, but we will again face them head-on withgusto and passion, and we will do it together.

15

Mr Jan CoetzerChairman: Forage Division

Committee


16

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17

ANNUAL REPORT: HORTICULTURE DIVISION

This was a year of mixed fortunes in for the horticultural division. While seed

production fared well with an 18 percent growth in turnover compared to

the previous year, the trading value grew by only 7 percent which can be

attributed to price increases rather than an increase in units sold. The total

sales for this division including both the production and the trading

components grew by 8 percent.

Ironically the main seed production area (which is classified as a semi-

desert) was one of the few regions that had relatively normal rainfall and

seed yields were generally good. Added to this, the weakening rand made

a positive contribution, since 92% of the total production is exported. Unfortunately the opposite is

true for the trading area where more than 60% of the total trading value is made up of imported

product sold into the local market. In addition to currency problems, the drought that affected most

of the country took its toll on seed sales. Many farmers curtailed their plantings and focused their

attention and water resources on these reduced areas. While this obviously had a negative effect

on seed sales, there were some positive outcomes for the farmers.

Since the vast majority of vegetables and other horticultural crops are produced under irrigation it

means that water supply rather than actual rainfall is the limiting factor. Of course the supply is

ultimately dependent on rainfall, but the immediacy of the problem differs markedly from farmer to

farmer. Those with good water supply and efficient irrigation systems have done exceptionally well

since quality generally improves when cloud cover and rainfall are scarce. Photosynthesis is

maximized, pesticides can be applied timeously and high humidity and water-logged soils do not

interfere with efficient production. Market agents and farmers alike testify to the improved quality

and shelf life of vegetables produced in year with low rainfall, assuming of course that water reserves

are adequate. All South Africans are aware of the dramatic increase in vegetable prices in the last

few months and realise that this is related to the reduction in supply. However Johannesburg Fresh

Market statistics show that the increase in prices is in no way proportional to the scarcity of produce.

In fact while the overall supply measured in tons is down by an average of only 10% (from Nov 2015-

Feb 2016), prices are up by 54% and the overall value of vegetables (excluding potatoes) traded

in this period has increased from R181 million to R256 million, representing a massive 41% increase.

The disproportionately high price increases shows the power of market sentiment when there is a

general scarcity of product as was the case during this period when twelve of the top fourteen

products were undersupplied at the same time. To what extent prices will fall once supply normalises

is a matter of speculation but some see this as a fundamental correction of market prices which have

not kept up with inflation for decades.

As usual two Horticultural Committee meetings were held during the reporting period, one of which

coincided with the annual Saadforum Sub-Committee meeting in Oudtshoorn. All major seed

production companies have signed the MoU which supports basic production principles such as

adequate isolation distances between crops and procedures for dispute resolution. The principles

contained in the MoU have been observed over the years but with the ever increasing pressure on

the limited production areas available globally it was considered prudent to formalise them to a

greater extent

Last year it was decided that SANSOR would facilitate the donation of funds to DAFF for the purpose

of providing the Official Seed Testing Station with a Lab Information Management System (LIMS). The

Ms Susan AllenChairman: Horticulture Division

Committee


aim was to improve the efficiency of the OSTL and speed up the issuing of Orange International

Certificates. DAFF has committed to providing SANSOR with a written undertaking to supply both the

hardware and the necessary maintenance budget to support the system.

In the previous reporting year we became aware that tariff code for Melon seed imports had been

changed to the code for “oil seed extraction”, which attracts a 9% tariff rather than the “seed for

planting” code with no tariff. Despite approaching various authorities including ITAC, SARS and DAFF

it has been difficult to determine the authority responsible for this reclassification, and so progress

towards resolving this problem has been frustratingly slow. Recently, contact was made with a very

knowledgeable consultant so we are more optimistic. The intention is to continue to pursue this

vigorously in the coming year and any suggestions and support in this matter are welcomed.

The horticulture division has always placed a lot of emphasis on phytosanitary issues because almost

every transaction involves moving seed across at least one international border. During this reporting

period ISF’s initiative to compile global pest lists for all species has gained traction and it was decided

that we would align our pest lists with ISF’s. The pest list includes all pests and indicates which of these

are seed born and or seed transmissible. Each country will indicate the occurrence of the pests on

their individual lists. The idea is that this will serve as a reference point when phytosanitary regulations

are developed and as a basis for adjudicating the technical justification of any requirement.

The new service provider appointed to take over the development of the software for the collection

of statistics has made great strides during the year. His quick grasp the concepts involved was very

encouraging and the product is in the final stages of development.

During one of our committee meetings Mr. Thilivhali Nepfumbada (Management Advisor Agricultural

Remedies/ CODEX Coordinator Pesticides Residues: Agriculture Input Control Directorate from DAFF)

gave a presentation on The Registration of Agricultural Remedies for Major and Minor use. It was

agreed that the most widely applicable seed treatment would be identified for a test case in order

to determine the procedure and financial implications of the registration process.

As is evident from the sales statistics, cabbage is consistently one of the most significant horticultural

crops in our industry, and is listed in the top five of all vegetables supplied to the South African fresh

produce markets. A widespread disease causing tremendous damage to this and other brassicas

such as broccoli and cauliflower is clearly of great significance to our industry and to food production

in our country. Last year it was reported that this disease, now known as Brassica Stunting Disorder

(BSD), existed but that the casual organism had not yet been determined. It was considered to be

so important that various stakeholders including some SANSOR members contributed to the financing

of research into this devastating disease. The progress made in the last two and a half years is

commendable and we look forward to hearing more about this from our guest speaker, Dr Lindy

Esterhuize of the University of Johannesburg.

The mixed fortunes I described in my opening comments could very easily be reversed in the years

to come. The favourable seed production statistics reported this year refer to the 2014-15 crop, but

we know that the 2015-16 crop was adversely affected by the tremendous heat spikes that occurred

during the seed set stage and that the 2016-17 crop had a difficult start with soil temperatures

exceeding 40C at critical periods. On the other hand trading may be stimulated by the excellent

fresh produce market prices experienced during the drought, assuming of course that water reserves

are adequate.

18


19

TABL

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20

NATIONAL SEED CERTIFICATION

National Seed Certification continued as usual during the period underreview. During this time, two meetings were held by the Seed CertificationStanding Committee, with all aspects regarding seed certification beingdiscussed. Both meetings were well attended, including representation ofthe Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF), and amongstothers the Registrarof Plant Improvement. Mr Whitey van Pletsen of Agricolhas been reaffirmed for the 8th consecutive year as chairman of thecommittee. His commitment and dedication to this committee, as well asto SANSOR in general, is highly appreciated by all concerned.

The period under review saw the establishment of a Plant Improvement Certification Forum with thefirst meeting being held in October 2015. The Forum provides a platform where matters of commoninterest, challenges and experiences of thedifferent certification schemes establishedin terms of the Plant Improvement Act, canbe shared. The Forum, under chairmanshipof the Registrar of Plant Improvement, willmeet twice a year.

The National Seed Certification retained theservices of Mr Pine Pienaar on a contractualbasis, to assist with administration,monitoring and training regarding seedcertification, until November 2015. TheCommittee appreciate the years that hewas available, willing and able to share hisexpertise with the seed trade, particularlyduring training courses and workshops.

The conversion of the SANSOR SeedCertification Database from network-basedto web-based by a Program DevelopmentCompany, continued during the periodunder review. This database will givemembers direct access to their owncertification data regarding seed lotsproduced on units registered in terms of theSouth African Seed Certification Schemes,globally. It will further allow them to capturetheir own certification data, such asapplying for the registration of units forcertification, certificate numbers, blendingof seed lots, final certification andauthorization of inspectors, as well as inspection reports. All data inserted by companies, will have tobe verified by SANSOR before being accepted.

The database was implemented on 1 September 2015, from which date all new registrations werecaptured.. Some companies have started making use of the system, inserting backgroundinformation such as company varieties and seed growers, as well as registering units on-line. Allcompanies are encouraged to make use of the system, as it contributes towards the elimination of

Mr Whitey van PletsenChairman: Seed Certification

Standing Committee


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errors being made during capturing of data, as the system has inbuilt validation and verificationfunctions.

A Refresher Workshop for Inspectors and Samplers was held at Glenwood Lodge at Muldersdrift,Gauteng, in August 2015, with one day being held for training on the use of the on-line database.More than 200 potential users, including administrative persons from companies, attended thistraining session. The sampling refresher workshop was attended by 220 samplers and the inspectors’refresher workshop by 180 inspectors.

A workshop was held during June 2015 to review the South African Seed Certifications Scheme. It wasattended by experts drawn from the Seed Certification Standing Committee, representing the variouscrops groups, as well as the Registrar of Plant Improvement and an official from Inspection Servicesof DAFF. This review was necessary to update the Scheme to allow for the certification of additionalcrops, as well as for recognising certification done according to international certifications schemesand systems, namely the Organisation of Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD),Association of Official Seed Certifying Agencies (AOSCA) and the Southern African DevelopmentCommunity (SADC). A further workshop is scheduled to take place in 2016 to draft operatingprocedures for the schemes.

The SANSOR Training Programme for Certification still attracts considerable interest from the seedindustry, with 61 candidates having enrolled for the Theoretical Course in 2015, which was againheld at the CSIR Convention Centre in Pretoria. Of the 61, two attended for background informationor refreshing only, 57 for sampling and 32 completed all three Modules. The pass rate of theexaminations for the three Modules was 74%, 80% and 96% respectively. Those who failed weregiven the opportunity to re-write the exams, which 50% did successfully. Those who failed for a secondtime will need to attend the course again.

The successful candidates still have to obtain practical experience in sampling, and in the case ofinspectors, practical experience in field inspections on the crops for which they required authorization.The practical training will be done under the guidance of a mentor, followed by a practicalevaluation of the candidate by a senior Authorized Inspector/Sampler.

During the period under review 1,787 units of 31 species were registered for certification accordingto the provisions of all National and International Seed Certification Schemes, of which 385 units of1,249 hectares are for the production of pre-basic and Breeder seed, 532 units of 5,927 hectaresfor basic seed and 870units of 31,893 hectares for certified seed. A total area of 39,069 hectareshas been planted for the production of certified seed of all generations. During the same period3,062 Certificates were issued for seed lots totalling 50,034,408 kg. This is a decrease of almost 16%compared to the previous report, for both the hectares registered and the mass certified, but on parfor the year prior to that.

Locally, the demand for the certification of seed remains stable around seasonal fluctuationsdictated by commodity prices and environmental conditions. The demand for internationalcertification shows a steady increase over the years.


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PHYTOSANITARY ISSUES

Two well attended committee meetings were held during the past

year with the following Phytosanitary matters being discussed.

Since the publication of results of a survey and seed testing of lucern

seed for Clavibactermichiganensis subsp. insidiosus, a request to

DAFF was made to change the status of the pathogen from

“restricted distribution” to “absent: pest no longer present”. SANSOR

will continue to monitor the progress and update members on

status. DAFF and SANSOR have compiled an Initial Pest Information

Package for maize in order to request market access for maize seed

to the USA. The supporting information was communicated to the

USDA-APHIS on 29 July 2015. This information will be used to finalise

the PRA, and will be sent back to South Africa for input, comments

and proposals. SANSOR will continue to monitor the progress.

Mrs Isabel Bezuidenhout, Phytosanitary Officer of SANSOR has been selected as a member of the ISF

Phytosanitary Committee. This is excellent news, as we will now have access to all International

Phytosanitary matters. Due to discrepancies with regard to International Phytosanitary measures

applied in the international movement of seed, the ISF has proposed that a new Pest List be

compiled as a database for seed transmitted pathogens. Although this work is still in progress, the

following pest lists have been completed: pepper, onion, spinach, melon and cucumber. Others in

progress include lettuce, squash, Brassica, carrot, tomato and watermelon. All of these lists are peer

reviewed.

There has been an overwhelming response from SANSOR members on the draft ISPM and all

comments and inputs have been accepted by DAFF and communicated to the ISF. The IPPC

Standards Committee will be addressing all these comments, and a new draft will be released in May

2016, for a second round of country consultation.

Maize Lethal Necrosis Disease (MLND) is of great concern in Sub-Saharan Africa, requiring a change

in our import regulations for Maize (Zea spp.). The amended regulations require a seed test for Maize

chlorotic mottle virus (MCMV) on all imported maize seed from countries where the disease has been

found.

A pest alert was issued by DAFF for Tutaabsoluta (tomato leaf miner). The pest is making its way down

the African continent and is expected to reach South Africa in less than a year. DAFF is in the process

of developing an early warning system for this pest. With this in mind, South Africa has a need for an

Emergency Pest Response Plan. This would require a database with information on all scientific

experts in the relevant industries. SANSOR members are urged to provide a list of experts, within their

respective companies, to SANSOR.

The Phytosanitary Standing Committee acts as a voice on behalf of the industry members to address

concerns regarding local and international phytosanitary matters. Our voice is just as strong as the

involvement of the industry and our highly qualified committee members. Please continue to support

us through timely input and expertise.

Ms Wilmarie KrielChairman: Phytosanitary Standing

Committee


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As you can well imagine, I have a difficult act to follow as new chair of this committee and would

like to thank Susan Allen for her many years of selfless work as she chaired the committee in her

typical enthusiastic manner. We sincerely hope that she will continue in the same vain as a member

of the committee and to share her knowledge and expertise with our younger committee members.


SEED ANALYSTS STANDING COMMITTEE

MANDATE AND STRATEGY:

The aim of the committee is to recognize and support the important role ofthe Seed Analysts of South Africa in order to support their objectives of alwaysstriving to achieve objective, reliable and accurate results.Committee work over the past calendar year has been focused on thefollowing:

• Formalization an accreditation program granting professionalrecognition to individuals that qualify for and pass the certification examsthat demonstrate their skill and expertise in the field of seed analysis.Collaboration between OSTL, SANSOR and other stakeholders.

• Co-ordination of a Formalized Training Plan through collaboration with OSTL, SANSOR,University of Pretoria & ISTA:- Annual Workshops hosted by OSTL with assistance from Member laboratories. Tetrazolium

workshop planned February 2017.- Annual Seed Science Course – University of Pretoria. Successfully facilitated in 2015, with further

course panned in July/August 2016.- Annual Seed Analyst Practical Training – OSTL ( 04/07/2016-08/07/2016) - Annual Seed Analyst Examinations – OSTL

o Purity & Germination of Agronomic Crops - 01-11-2016o Purity & Germination of grasses - 02-11-2016o Purity & Germination of horticulture crops - 03-11-2016o Tetrazolium on crops as specified in the Plant Improvement Act - 04-11-2016

- Co-ordination of a 3 year cycle of ISTA workshops. - Annual ISTA Rule change interaction and collaboration with OSTL- Meeting pre ISTA to discuss

proposed ISTA rule changes. Pre- planned seed testing against proposed changes to verifyindustry needs and rule change implications. Method discussion. Break away session at theSANSOR AGM for seed analyst attendees – verification of rule change method implication.

- November: AGM

• Proficiency test Co-ordination: The aim: To identify and troubleshoot testing challenges andrectify through workshops. 2015-2016 - Duacum carrota 2016-2017 – agronomic Crop (TBD)Future of Proficiency Testing:The committee will assist the OSTL with the preparation of more regularring tests, with SANSOR co-ordinating the distribution of the seed samples and the reporting ofresults. The preparation of samples would be accompanied by training and capacitatingcompany employees. All member labs will participate in the arranging of these test, all memberlabs are expected to participate and will be informed of their responsibilities annually in advancein a 3 year cycle.

• Opportunistic interactions in seminars and symposiums where speakers on various topics couldpromote the role of a Seed Analyst in the seed trade.

By increasing the member laboratory participation in co-ordination of various activities, the SeedAnalyst committee hopes to improve collaboration with OSTL and supports OSTL objectives of seedtesting, training and laboratory auditing.

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Ms Marianne Brown Chairperson: Seed Analysts

Standing Committee


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FEEDBACK FROM SEED ANALYST COMMITTEE MEETINGS

Two meetings were held during the past year and were well represented by members of thecommittee, officials from the Official Seed Testing Station (OSTS) and Seed Analysts.

Forage Sorghum size of submitted sample The official procedure was circulated by Ms Strauss toall member laboratories and is available to all interested parties.

Allium fistulosum L (Bunching onion) and Allium fistulosum L. x A. cepa L. (New bunching onion)

The Registrar of Plant Improvement Ms Sadie provided the committee with a copy of the newlyamended Table 4.

ISTA Workshop on Seed Sampling and Quality Assurance in Seed Sampling: South Africa The ISTABulking and Sampling Committee (BSC), together with SANSOR and PANNAR hosted and facilitatedtwo very successful workshops on Seed Sampling and Quality Assurance on Seed Sampling in SouthAfrica. Both Workshops took place at Kopanong (Benoni) during November 2015, with the practicalexercises hosted by the Pannar Seed Kaalfontein facility. Both workshops were fully booked, withparticipation from as far afield as Brazil. The workshop was facilitated by five international facilitatorsand Mr Eddie Goldshagg.

Progress and use of SANSOR Database. Active use of SANSOR certification database is underway,led by DuPont Pioneer. Once all information and data has been populated, the program is veryeffective in assisting with the day to day operations and reporting of seed analysis , especiallyconcerning certification of seed and & for export purposes.

Seed Analyst recruitment Database. Due to the limited availability of qualified seed analysts, thereis a need for a portal to upload curriculum vitae’s of all accredited seed analysts who are seekingemployment. The secretariat will take this up with the IPCD Committee and/or a meet with the SANSORwebsite developers in order to create an online registry.

SANSOR Seed Sampling Workshop Some concerns were raised that a lot of seed samplers were notevaluated at the SANSOR Seed Certification workshop that took place at Glenburn during August. Thesecretariat assured the committee that samplers would still be evaluated on a company bycompany base as previously. He also mentioned that the issue was raised at with the CertificationStanding Committee and that they were looking at possible solutions.

The ISTA Rule change interaction and collaboration with OSTL to discuss rule changes has proved tobe a successful interaction, whereby the committee has committed to assessing and driving rulechanges for the industry.


INDUSTRY PROMOTION AND CAPABILITY DEVELOPMENT

Despite some set-backs accessing AgriSETA funds to conduct industryresearch and implement promotional activity, the committee has continuedwith activities that will contribute to building future capacity within the seedindustry. The support of the Board in agreeing to the broadening of SANSOR’smandate to include the co-ordination of a range of industry-specific training,in conjunction with accredited third party providers.

Key areas of activities during 2016

AgriSETA update and the Seed SSC

• Employer representation on AgriSETA’s Seed sub-sector committee was re-elected at the 2015AGM to ensure that the interests of employers in the agronomy, horticulture and forage divisionsare fairly represented.

• Unfortunately, there was no opportunity for this committee to meet with the AgriSETAmanagement during the year and this has been addressed at both SANSOR as well as AgriSETAlevel. We hope that this situation will be resolved soon as there are major re-structures of theSETA’s being planned. Industry must engage with stake-holders to ensure that dueconsideration of our needs are taken into account before the Department of Higher Educationmakes final submissions to the amendment of skills development legislation.

• There is a concern that the development of workplace skills may be neglected in favour ofNational Skills priorities such as the funding of the “#fees must fall” campaign or skillsprogrammes that do not make an impact in the economy. The government’s proposal, sharedby the AgriSETA, is that from 2018, SETAs will lose some ability to control and allocate funds forindustry programmes with centralised administration done by the Dept of Higher Education. TheSETAs will also be clustered into larger organisations known as SETABs and which may result ina loss of industry focus and a drastic reduction in the availability of funds for industryprogrammes.

Capacity-building

• A lack of commercially oriented seedsmen and leadership talent, is often raised by SANSORmembership. The University of Stellenbosch will be launching a “Seed Business Leadership”programme during 2016 that has been developed to build capacity at management level.Incorporating an overview of the seed business, it includes modules related to finance,marketing, negotiations and leadership, specifically addressing the challenges with the seedbusiness. SANSOR has contributed to the development of the programme and also providedaccess to funding to subsidise the realisation of the programme.

• We have met with various academics to review curricula to meet industry needs, specificallyto focus on disciplines such as plant breeding - a scarce skill. There is a lot of interest in pursuingdiscussions and involving allied sectors to fast-track changes to current academicprogrammes.

Industry training

• There has been positive involvement from both the Seed Certification- and Seed AnalystStanding Committees to review the content and way in which these training programmes arepresented, coordinated and administered. We have already engaged with a credibleacademic institution to partner with SANSOR to provide a “vehicle” through which industry-approved training can be presented to interested parties throughout SADC and other African

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Ms Lorraine CoetzeeChairperson: Industry Promotion

and Capability DevelopmentStanding Committee


regions. Discussions are also in progress to involve the relevant departments of DAFF, so thattogether, we can pool resources to strengthen the skills and knowledge amongst our owncountry as well as our trading partners in Africa. From the increasing interest outside of SA, thisinitiative can also generate an additional revenue stream for SANSOR that can be re-investedinto local research, bursaries and skills programmes.

• An opportunity exists to implement a “CPD” system in which learners will earn points forcompleting various courses, potentially leading to the issuing of a National Certificate or-Diploma qualification. There is interest in including subject matter related to seed processingand technology, physto-sanitary issues as well as sales and marketing. SANSOR will be able tofocus on its core expertise whist outsourcing logistics to accredited partners.

Career exhibitions

• During the year, the concept of the “SANSOR Seed Mile” was well supported by passionaterepresentatives from the industry. This proved a successful way to promote the contribution ofvarious careers within the Agricultural sector whilst having fun engaging with students at theUniversities of Stellenbosch, - KZN and Pretoria. In future, smaller versions of this will beimplemented at Universities situated in more rural areas to reach a greater pool of youngpeople. This has also proven an effective way of accessing scholars and teachers who visitthe career fairs, walking away with eyes opened to different fields of study and a greaterappreciation of the role that each discipline plays in putting food on our tables. There aremany examples of how these events also provide guidance to students in choosing subjectsthat are more relevant to specific occupations.

Bursaries

• The bursaries of the post-graduate students have been extended for a further year. In future,we would like seed-related research to feature more prominently before a SANSOR bursary isawarded.

• In future, SANSOR’s involvement in science research foundations will also assist in focusing seed-specific and relevant research. We invite stake-holders to propose topics that could be ofvalue to the industry.

Conclusion

There is still a long and challenging road ahead: We are, however, laying foundations for the futureand believe that we are on the right track towards adding value for all stake-holders. My sincere thanks to the SANSOR Board and employees – in particular Lukeshni Chetty who isextremely passionate about the future of Agriculture – as well as industry colleagues who share thesame vision, see the bigger picture and are able to act in the interests of the sector. Your contributionshelp further our objectives of attracting young people into the seed business whilst continuouslypromoting the role of the seed industry throughout your networks.

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BIOTECH & INNOVATION

The GM seed standing committee of SANSOR meets in order to discusscurrent GM seed matters relevant to the South African milieu. Thecommittee convened two official meetings and various working groupactivities during the 2015/16 reporting period. During the July, 2015meeting, it was agreed that it was indeed time for a change thus abrainstorming session was held. A name change has been approved bythe committee members and this committee will now be known as theBiotech & Innovation Committee. This strategic session further lead torefinement of the roles and responsibilities of the committee. It has alsoidentified aspects of mutual interest with AfricaBio, in order to clarify thedistinction in leading actions versus collaboration. Working groups have been created within thecommittee to focus on the key topics relating to seed matters, namely GM monitoring, insectresistance management, new breeding techniques and synchronization of GM approvals.

A national stakeholder consultation workshop on post market monitoring of GMOs organized by theSouth African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) took place in April 2015. SANSOR, AfricaBio, as wellas other Industry role players, engaged with SANBI and Department of Environmental Affairs on SANBI’smandate to monitor the impact of GM crops post commercial release on the biodiversity. Theindustry’s product stewardship plan was shared during the workshop. Members of this Biotech &Innovation committee have had open dialogues with SANBI to facilitate a better relationship andtransparency. An output of these discussions was the development of a Memorandum ofUnderstanding in order to aid better communication and collaboration.

Members of the Biotech & Innovation committee participated in various sessions with the RSAregulatory authorities, advising on the implementation and management of the insect resistancemanagement (IRM) plan, and the insect resistance development program in RSA. The IRM workinggroup is currently involved in the establishment of an industry-wide Busseolafusca rearing projectwhich will enable industry members to establish prolonged, country-wide insect resistancedevelopment studies, when required.

The New Breeding Techniques (NBT) working group drafted an industry-wide position paper on NBTsin order to submit the document to SANSOR for use in discussions with the International SeedFederation as well as the Academy of Science of South Africa and RSA regulatory authorities. Thisdocument aims to provide a consolidated position of Industry members regarding NBTs in SouthAfrica.

Regular and robust engagements with the grain trade associations took place on the synchronizationof GM approvals, which is currently leading to trade restrictions in the country. The committeecontinues to liaise with the Animal Feed Manufacturers Association (AFMA), and The South AfricanCereals and Oil Seeds Trade Association (SACOTA), to disseminate accurate information oncommodity import submissions and approvals in South Africa versus the commercialization of GMevents. Various discussions have also been held with the RSA authorities to enable a workable processand to enable the import of grain from export countries such as USA. Although the GM stack policyis still an open issue, the RSA regulatory authorities have indicated that they will look at ways toexpedite the commodity clearance review process, which will subsequently assist grain import. Inthe coming year the committee will focus on continuous interaction with industry, technology usersand the biotechnology community.

In conclusion, I would like to thank the members of the SANSOR Biotech & Innovation Committee fortheir significant contributions to the Committee during the past year.

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Ms Kobie de RondeChairperson: Biotech and

Innovation StandingCommittee


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AFSTA REPORT

“AFSTA Congress 2016 attracts 400 delegates to Nairobi from around the World”

The 16th African Seed Trade Association (AFSTA) Annual Congress held at the Laico Regency Hotel inNairobi, Kenya, was once again a resounding success with over 400 delegates attending from 50countries.

This key event for the seed industry addressed current issues affecting seed production in Africa;these included climate change, the impact of dwindling fortunes of pollination on seed productionand seed harmonization regulations in Africa.

As in the past, the Congress proved to be a great platform to explore new seed businesses andstrengthen the network among the seed stakeholders.

During his opening remarks, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, Mr. WillyBett, emphasized that the greatest potential in seed production still lay in Africa and is important thatthis is realized and taken advantage of in order to uplift the standard of living of Africa’s population.He urged seed companies to engage more with the government to ensure that all factors affectingthe sector are addressed in the shortest time possible.

He said, and I quote: “I urge all national seed trade associations to be bold enough to continuouslydialogue with their respective Ministers for the development of the seed sector in Africa.”

He concluded by promising to fast track the enactment of the Seed Policy currently on his desk.

In his official statement to the delegates, AFSTA President, Mr. Nicholas Goble, said that the Congresscame at a time when the continent was still looking for solutions to food security, declining agriculturalproductivity challenges and political instability in some regions. He said, and I quote: “I believe thatthe seed industry should contribute to a better Africa by continuing to make sure their products areexploited to their full potential”..

He further added “This forum provides an excellent opportunity to exchange ideas and experiencesto spur strong economic growth of the continent as well as that of the seed industry”.He emphasizedthe importance of the seed sector attaining food security in Africa and called on delegates tocontinue deploying efforts to deliver quality seeds to farmers and to explore vast trading opportunitiesamongst themselves.

The AFSTA Secretary General, Mr. Justin Rakotoarisaona, noted that AFSTA has a big and importantrole to play in developing the African seed industry. He encouraged the delegates to recognize thattogether with AFSTA, they are a critical link in a seed value chain where every link must be strong ifthe greater good is to be achieved. The congress was preceded by a half-day workshop on seed treatment where they discussed howto manage the maize lethal necrosis disease (MLND) and the use of cruiser, a new technology usedin tackling storage pests among others.

Various important matters regarding the African seed industry were discussed during the event, witha view to analyzing the current situation, and charting out a way forward for the seed sectordevelopment. Topics addressed are listed below:


• Captain (Rtd) James Karanja, Chairman of the Seed Trade Association of Kenya (STAK) gave anoverview of the seed sector in Kenya.

• Climate Change and Impact on Field Crops Production in Africa by Dr. Michael Obora, Ministryof Agriculture, Kenya

• Dr. Moses Siambi, ICRIST Regional Director for Africa, Kenya gave a talk on Seed TradeOpportunities in Dryland Field crops by

• Research on vegetable seed systems for smallholders: impact, market pathways and futureperspectives was done by Mr. Victor Afari-Sefa, Agricultural Economist and Global Theme Leader,AVRDC

• Implementation of Intellectual Property Rights in Africa was presented by Mr. François Burgaud,AFSTA Board member, France

• Case studies on and relevance of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Foodand Agriculture (ITPGRFA) and the Nagoya Protocol and its impacts on the African seed industrywas delivered by Mrs. Anke van der Hurk, Chairperson of the International Seed Federation (ISF)Committee on Sustainable Agriculture, The Netherlands.

• Another key presentation was on Progress on the implementation of the harmonized seedregulations at the Regional Community level by speakers from Common Market for Eastern andSouthern Africa (COMESA), East African Community (EAC), Economic Community of West AfricanStates (ECOWAS) and Southern Africa Development Community (SADC)

• Dr Gospel Omanya, Senior Manager WEMA deployment, AATF presented on Climate-SmartMaize Hybrids for Better Agriculture in Africa

• ISF’s Secretary General, Mr Michael Keller gave a presentation on strengthening the seed industrythrough Plant Breeding Innovation.

The following representatives of regional and international organizations attended the 2016 congress;The International Seed Federation (ISF), The International Seed Testing Association (ISTA), Union for theProtection of New Plant Varieties (UPOV), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Common Marketfor East and Southern Africa (COMESA), West and Central African Council for Agricultural Research andDevelopment (CORAF/WECARD) and United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

Over 30 Seed companies exhibited their work during the Congress.

The 2017 AFSTA Congress will be held in Dakar, Senegal from 28th February to 2nd March, 2017.

About AFSTA: AFSTA is a non-profit membership association and champions the interests of privateseed companies in Africa. It is registered in Kenya as an International Organization.

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OECD REPORT

The 2015 Annual Meeting of Representatives of the National Designated Authorities for theImplementation of the OECD Schemes for the Varietal Certification of Seed Moving in InternationalTrade was held at the OECD Headquarters in Paris, France in June, 2015. The meeting was attendedby 95 delegates from 40 countries and 9 observer organizations. South Africa was represented byMr Thabo Ramashala, Director of the Directorate Plant Production of the Department of Agriculture,Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) and Eddie Goldschagg, Technical Manager of SANSOR, the DesignatedAuthority for Seed Certification in South Africa. The Annual Meeting was preceded by a TechnicalWorking Group (TWG) Meeting as well as several other Ad Hoc Working Groups (ADWG). A Policy Forumformed part of the Annual Meeting.

South Africa hosted the mid-term TWG and ADWG meetings and were held in January 2016 in CapeTown, in preparation for the next Annual Meeting. It was jointly organised by SANSOR and DAFF. Themeeting was attended by 42 delegates from 25 countries and 6 observer organizations. From thefeedback received, it can be regarded as a very successful meeting. The meeting was openedjointly by Mr. Mokeetsa Ramasodi, the Deputy Director General from the Department of Agriculture.Mr. Gert Heyns, Chairman of SANSOR and Dr Lukeshni Chetty, General Manager were also present.The South African delegation consisted of Joan Sadie, the Registrar of Plant Improvement, SamoraMartins from Inspection Services of DAFF, Whitey van Pletsen, the Chairman of the Seed CertificationStanding Committee, and Eddie Goldschagg and Kobus van Huyssteen of SANSOR.

Some of the more pertinent topics discussed during these Meetings were as follows:

• A revised proposal for the certification of mixtures of varieties –the meeting could again notreach consensus on the 6th revision of the proposal, further discussion will continue.

• The relaxing of certification requirements for hybridity of barley from 90% to 85% was approvedduring the Annual Meeting, as an interim time-limited solution until June 2020, whereafter it willrevert back to the previous standards. In the interim, discussions will be held regarding hybridityvs. purity, in general.

• Senegal’s request to jointhe OECD Seed Schemeshas been approved after asecond evaluation missionvisited Senegal in February2015 to verify outstandingissues and a revised reportsubmitted.

• Tanzania submitted theirrequest to participate in theMaize, Sorghum andCereal Schemes of theOECD Seed Schemes. Thefirst evaluation mission tookplace in February 2016.The evaluation report wasto be submitted to the June2016 Annual Meeting, fordiscussion and approval.

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• The Ad Hoc Working Groups on electronic certification and guidelines on multiplication abroadof complex cases, concluded their work and have been disbanded.

• Discussions on labelling, addressing of critical issues in the OECD Seed Schemes and the roleof biochemical techniques in describing and/or identifying varieties, will continue at the nextmeeting of the respective Ad Hoc Working Groups.


PLANT BREEDERS’ RIGHTS LICENSES

As reported previously, SANSOR and the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) were revisitingthe Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) regarding the marketing and dissemination ofARC varieties, as well as the collection of royalties thereof. However, in the interim ARC hascreated a unit especially for the management of all intellectual property rights held by ARC.At the time of writing of this report, it is not clear how this is going to effect the collection ofroyalties by SANSOR of the Plant Breeders’ Rights held by ARC, as discussions in this regard arestill ongoing.

SANSOR, however, has continued with the collection of royalties as the existing MOU is still inforce. Royalties collected on behalf of the ARC, showed an increase during the period underreview in comparison to the previous three years. It has increased to 2.15million Rand; 30%up from the 1.65 million Rand collected the previous year (see graph below). This is mainly dueto the increase in the sales of dry bean and forage crops seeds in general, including ARCvarieties.

It is expected that the downward trend will resume in the coming years, as the Plant Breeders’Rights of ARC varieties is due to lapse soon, as not many new varieties, for which the royaltiesare being collected by SANSOR, have been released by the respective institutes recently. Nomore sales are recorded for the tomato lines that previously earned royalties overseas for theRoodeplaat Vegetable and Ornamental Plants Institute. However, the royalties collected forthe Animal Production Institute’s Division of Rangeland and Nutrition at Cedara, have incontrast, still showed a steady increase over the last few years. The increase in royaltiescollected for the Grain Crops Institute is due to a seasonal increase in dry bean seed sales,which is not expected to be repeated during the next period, due to the prevailing droughtconditions.

Royalties collected from 2005/06 to 2014/15

Figure 2: The collection of plant breeders’ rights royalties per institute by SANSOR onbehalf of the ARC over the last ten years

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Membership List


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Notes


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Notes


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