The new Voluntary guide for national seed policy formulation is now available at the FAO Website in English, Spanish and French.
The availability of, and access to, quality seeds of a diverse range of adapted crop varieties (from the informal, as well as from the formal sector) is essential for achieving food and livelihood security and for eradicating hunger, especially in developing countries. This guide explains what seed policies are and how they differ from seed laws; describes the participatory process of seed policy formulation; the nature and layout of seed policy documents; key elements contained in seed policies; and addresses issues involved in their implementation. It is specifically intended for use by policymakers, national seed agencies, civil society, and public and private sector organizations, including national seed associations and farmers’ organizations involved in the seed sector.
(from the abstract)