Regulations for seed and fertilizer markets - a good practice guide for policymakers

Abstract

This paper is intended for donor, and government staff, in countries where improvements in, and execution of the regulatory framework of competitive seed, and fertilizer market development, is considered. It advises on how to better design regulations, promoting a strategic, sustainable agricultural growth, but emphasizing public sector reform towards the improvement of competitive markets. The general strategy to improve technology, and information to farmers is to focus regulations on externalities, so as to reduce costs for private technology transfer, and market entry, to prod farmers' access to wider technology know-how, and broader competitive markets. Additionally, Government research, and extension services would allow increased information to farmers on the available technology. Designing seed, and fertilizer regulations, should include provision of public services for seed, and quality certification, including phito-sanitary certificates for exported seeds, and intellectual property rights for plant variety protection, and biotechnology. Commitments to regulatory reforms would allow the development of efficient markets, in a dual process of liberalization, and harmonization, which includes regional trading arrangements.