Source: OECD Biotechnology Update No. 17

The following three criteria namely; distinctness, uniformity and stability are used for defining crop varieties
and form the basis for agricultural seed development and trade. Identification and minimum purity criteria are
important components of sustainability, especially in the case of hybridisation and genetic modifications. For
forest reproductive material reliability depends on several factors including local identification, regions or
provinces, selection and breeding.

The OECD Seed Schemes were developed in the late 1950s to regulate international exchanges, as well as
“counter season” multiplication of seed, particularly between the northern and southern hemispheres. They
are implemented by member and non-member countries across all continents. For example, Kyrgyzstan and
Albania became the 54th and 55th participants in the Schemes in December 2005. In essence, the Schemes
attempt to harmonise certification with a view to facilitating international trade in agricultural seeds. Over
191 species, including all the basic staples and 36 800 varieties appear on the latest OECD List of Varieties Eligible for Certification. Among the emerging issues are the role of government in the control and testing of
seeds, the accreditation of authorised private field inspectors and laboratories, the impact of biotechnology
and advanced breeding methods on seed certification, the certification of seed mixtures (herbage species,
hybrid maize, swede rape), seed lot size and homogeneity, and the issue of barcodes on OECD seed labels.

A Workshop on Seed Certification and Modern Biotechnology took place in September 2005 in Paris.
The four sub-themes were; Varietal Identity, Varietal Purity, Seed Quality and Government Roles. More than
100 participants took part in the workshop including officials from 43 countries and organisations. It was
agreed to establish a new “Working Group on Varietal Purity and Varietal Identity” in 2006, with the broad
mandate to assess the current and future needs of international certification, including developments on
genetically modified seeds.

Contacts have been developed with the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) on
issues related to compliance with the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety. Similarly, contacts have been made
with the International Federation for Organic Agricultural Movement (IFOAM) on organic seed standards.

A new OECD Scheme for the Certification of Forest Reproductive Material is currently being introduced. In 2004, a database of basic reproductive material (forest stands, etc.) available in participating countries was set up on the website.

Future events:
• Meeting of the extended Advisory Group/Agricultural Seed (22-23 January 2007, Paris, France)
• 2nd Meeting of the Working Group on Varietal Identity and Varietal Purity (24 Jan.07, Paris, France)
• Annual Meeting of National Designated Authorities/Agric. Seed (11-12 July 2007, Paris, France)
• Meeting of National Designated Authorities/Forest Reproductive Material (27-28 September 07, Paris)

Publications:
List of Varieties Eligible for Seed Certification 2005/2006 (next List 2006/2007 to be issued in Dec.06)
OECD Seed Schemes “2006”

Web sites:
http://www.oecd.org/agr/seed
http://www.oecd.org/agr/forest

Contact:
Michael Ryan
Bertrand Dagallier