Seed Policy (2012 – 2017).

The South Sudan Seed Policy is a national subsectoral framework designed to enhance agricultural productivity, increase household incomes, and strengthen food security through the reliable, timely, and affordable supply of high-quality seeds to farmers. It seeks to develop a dynamic and efficient seed system in which both public and private actors contribute to the production, distribution, and marketing of certified seed. In contrast, the public sector focuses on enabling regulation and quality assurance. The Policy defines the respective roles and responsibilities of stakeholders throughout the seed value chain and establishes a comprehensive system for seed production standards, quality control, and varietal protection, ensuring consistency and reliability. It also promotes the conservation of plant genetic resources and supports research-driven crop improvement, while setting out the national position on biotechnology and genetically modified organisms. In addition, the Policy ensures the availability and accessibility of quality seeds, including in emergencies, and supports efficient and competitive distribution systems adapted to diverse agro-ecological conditions. It encourages private sector participation through improved access to finance, facilitates seed import and export for both commercial and research purposes, and aligns national practices with regional and international standards. Finally, it strengthens institutional capacity to ensure effective governance, coordination, and regulation of the seed sector.
The Policy sets out ten statements, each accompanied by implementation strategies, as follows (1) develop and apply approved seed production guidelines to ensure coherence and coordination among stakeholders; (2) ensure the availability of high-quality seeds to farmers and establish a comprehensive seed quality control system covering the entire seed value chain, including variety development, production, conditioning, storage, marketing, and distribution; (3) establish a legal framework for variety ownership to protect breeders’ intellectual property rights; (4) set up a system for the conservation of local plant genetic resources to support research-based seed improvement and meet consumer preferences; (5) define and publish the Government’s position on genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and establish procedures for biotechnology applications in the seed sector; (6) ensure the continuous availability, accessibility, and affordability of quality seeds for diverse farmer needs, including emergency replanting, while promoting competitive distribution of suitable varieties across agro-ecological zones; (7) facilitate the development of financial and microfinance institutions to support private sector investment in the seed industry; (8) regulate and support seed import and export arrangements to ensure safe sourcing and availability for both immediate use and breeding purposes; (9) harmonize seed policy, legislation, and regulations with those of neighboring countries and international standards to enhance regional cooperation; and (10) strengthen institutional capacity in the seed sector to ensure effective governance, coordination, and administration.
The complexities of the seed industry require a high degree of coordination to enable the large number of stakeholders to play their complementary roles effectively. The Ministry will establish the South Sudan Seed Council (SSSC) to be a seed sector oversight body, responsible for guiding the development of a coherent and well-functioning seed sector. It advises the Ministry on seed policy, legislation, and implementation, and strengthens collaboration among research institutions, government agencies, and private actors across the seed value chain. It also promotes harmonization of seed standards with regional and international frameworks, supports quality assurance systems, and oversees certification and testing services. In addition, the Council fosters investment in the seed sector, encourages private sector participation, and provides a platform for stakeholder dialogue, coordination, and dispute resolution. It further supports evidence-based planning through studies and information sharing, mobilizes development partner support, and contributes to the overall development of the national seed program.