ECO 2nd Regional Workshop on Harmonisation of Seed Regulation in Baku

The Second Regional Workshop on Harmonization of Seed Regulations is scheduled for 29 May - 2 June 2007 in Baku, Azerbaijan. The workshop will be organized jointly by FAO, ICARDA, ECO and the Ministry of Agriculture of Azerbaijan within the framework of FAO-ECO Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP) Project for Strengthening Seed Supply in the ECO Region.

One of the main outputs of the project is the harmonization of regulations with particular emphasis on seed certification schemes, seed variety release mechanisms, quarantine procedures and international seed trade. Under the project a series of consultation meetings are taking place with stakeholders from ECO member countries to solicit their support for the initiatives.

Senior officials from the seed certification institutes/agencies engaged in implementation of seed certification laws/regulations in Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan will participate in the workshop along with Resource Persons from the international organizations.

The workshop will address matters relating to seed quality assurance and certification as well as harmonization of regulations such as:

Overview of the Seed Quality Assurance in ECO Region;

International Seed Certification Schemes (OECD, AOSCA);

Country Presentations on Seed Quality Control and Certification;

Critical Analysis of Seed Certification;

Identify Areas of Harmonization (Legislative and Technical); and

Preparation/adoption of outline of Regional Draft Seed Certification Schemes

Link: Economic Cooperation Organisation