Bangkok, Thailand — Dr. Rose Souza Richards, ISF Phytosanitary Affairs Manager, delivered a presentation at the APSA Field Inspection Accreditation Workshop on 26 November 2024, emphasizing the critical role of field inspections in ensuring seed health and facilitating international trade.
Field inspections are essential for detecting pests, maintaining genetic purity, and ensuring compliance with international regulations. Dr. Souza Richards highlighted how these measures not only uphold seed quality but also protect agricultural biodiversity and support market access.
The presentation explored international frameworks like the WTO agreement and ISPM 45, which guide National Plant Protection Organizations (NPPOs) in authorizing field inspections by third parties. Dr. Souza Richards also addressed challenges such as inconsistent global standards and resource limitations in developing countries.
In conclusion, Dr. Souza Richards called for stronger partnerships between NPPOs and industry stakeholders, emphasizing the need for training, advanced technologies, and harmonized standards to streamline inspections and safeguard ecosystems.
“Collaboration is key to ensuring seed health and fostering trust in the global seed trade,” she said.
For more information, contact Dr. Rose Souza Richards at r.souzarichards@worldseed.org.
