Seed trade is assuming greater significance in the Asia-Pacific region. However, there are several phytosanitary concerns affecting the safe trade of seed in developing and least developed countries. The most prominent issues include:

• Seed-transmitted pest lists not being updated, affecting the pest risk analysis process (ISPM 2).
• No ePhyto solution in place.
• Lack of compliance with the international standard on the movement of seeds (ISPM 38).
•  Lack of coordination between national plant protection organizations and the private sector.

This PPG developed a project proposal to strengthen phytosanitary compliance and public-private partnerships for enhancing seed trade in the Asia Pacific region.

The successful implementation of this PPG led to the approval of STDF/PG/755, which is ongoing.

STDF/PG/755 aims to increase seed trade and market access for the Asia-Pacific region by increasing the capacity of national plant protection organizations to meet relevant phytosanitary standards.