1. Public policies and strategic
investments for improving seed
systems and markets in Asia
David J Spielman  Rob Tripp
Siem Reap, Cambodia
September 25, 2013
International Food Policy Research Institute

2. Seed systemarchitectures:Key attributes
National policy regime
(research priorities, varietal registration, seed production, certification,
importation, breeder/farmer rights, biosafety, etc.)
Strategic oversight and policy implementation
(ministries of agriculture and other bodies)
National research system
(public and private R&D)
Production
(State enterprises & farms)
National regulatory system
(quality, efficacy, safety, etc.)
Production
(private firms, coops, etc.)
Production
(CBOs/NGO projects)
Marketing
(Private dealers, traders)
Marketing
(Public extension services)
Marketing
(CBOs/NGO projects)

3. Seed systems and markets: Key issues
• Strategic oversight and policy implementation
• Limited data and information for strategic decision-making
• Research
• Financial and human resources allocated to breeding
• Equitable access to public research materials
• Regulation
• Untimely, cumbersome testing standards and procedures
• Poor monitoring seed quality in the marketplace
• Seed production and marketing
• The role of the state – level playing fields
• Tax, tariff, and non-tariff barriers to trade and investment

4. Seed systems and markets: Some solutions
• Build decision-making tools for policy implementation
• Enhance investment and reform in research systems
• Rationalize regulatory systems
• Reallocate of public/private roles in production