{"id":21967,"date":"2025-04-03T21:05:49","date_gmt":"2025-04-03T13:05:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pcaf.da.gov.ph\/?p=21967"},"modified":"2025-04-03T21:05:49","modified_gmt":"2025-04-03T13:05:49","slug":"bpi-taps-pcaf-nscs-on-guidelines-for-phytosanitary-requirements-for-seed-movement-pubcon","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pcaf.da.gov.ph\/index.php\/2025\/04\/03\/bpi-taps-pcaf-nscs-on-guidelines-for-phytosanitary-requirements-for-seed-movement-pubcon\/","title":{"rendered":"BPI taps PCAF-NSCs on guidelines for phytosanitary requirements for seed movement pubcon"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Through the 黑料网, the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) sought the expertise of the National Sectoral Committees (NSC) on a public consultation on March 28 2025, to finalize the \u201cGuidelines governing the phytosanitary requirements for international movement of seeds for planting and research purposes.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The consultation, aimed at harmonizing local regulations with international standards, was attended online by over 50 private and government stakeholders.<\/span><\/p>\n

The private sectors include representatives from the NSC on Rice and Other Staples, NSC on Fruits and Vegetables, NSC on Coffee and Cacao, and NSC on Corn and Other Feed Crops.<\/span><\/p>\n

The guidelines seek to streamline the process of determining phytosanitary requirements for internationally moved seeds based on their intended purpose and past risk assessments. <\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

This initiative addresses the complexities of international seed trade, particularly concerning seed-borne pests and seed origins, and aims to ensure effective management of phytosanitary risks.<\/span><\/p>\n

BPI National Plant Quarantine Services Division (NPQSD) Chief Joan May Tolentino emphasized the importance of aligning local regulations with the Commission on Phytosanitary Measures\u2019 adopted international standards, specifically <\/span>International Standards of Phytosanitary Measures <\/span>(ISPM) <\/span>No.<\/span> 38. <\/span><\/p>\n

“We are translating international standards into our local regulations to ensure harmonization with International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) member countries,” said NPQSD Chief Tolentino.<\/span><\/p>\n

The BPI also stressed that the movement of seeds is crucial for global agriculture but requires stringent regulations to prevent the spread of harmful pests and diseases. The public consultation is a critical step towards safeguarding the nation’s ecosystems, agricultural industries, and food security while facilitating safe and efficient seed movement.<\/span><\/p>\n

The policy’s journey began in 2017 with the adoption of ISPM 38, with several stages of review and stakeholder consultation. <\/span><\/p>\n

In July 2023, the Plant Quarantine Board, which included the Department of Agriculture\u2019s (DA) Legal team, National Economic and Development Team, Philippine Ports Authority, and Bureau of Quarantine, conducted a review of the policy. This was followed by a second face-to-face stakeholder consultation with the seed industry on March 1, 2024, and a review by the DA Regulatory Clearing House Committee on September 9, 2024.<\/span><\/p>\n

Key features of the updated draft guidelines include:<\/span><\/p>\n