Biotech Updates

Agriculture Minister Proposes a Law to Regulate Seeds and Seed Varieties in Namibia

June 20, 2018

Namibia's Minister of Agriculture, Water, and Forestry, Alpheus !Naruseb, tabled the Seed and Seed Varieties Bill in the National Assembly. The bill is aimed at regulating the production, processing, certification, marketing, and trade of seed varieties in the country and safeguarding the quality of crops to ensure good yields.

"Due to the speedy pace of globalization, countries with strong seed legislation will find it extremely difficult to regulate the import of seeds and other related planting materials from other countries. Setting up regulatory framework will ensure a minimum standard of genetic purity and seed quality and protection thereof.

The proposed law also recommends the appointment of a seed and seed variety registrar to certify such products.

Know more from the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation.