Declaration of Policy
- State policy to promote and accelerate seed industry development.
- Government roles include:
- Conserving and preserving national plant genetic resources.
- Encouraging organization and integration of all industry sectors.
- Providing assistance to seed industry sectors.
- Considering seed industry a preferred investment area.
- Protecting local seed industry against unfair import competition.
Definition of Terms
- Defines key terms such as:
- Seed, seed lot, breeder seed, foundation seed, registered seed.
- Seed industry components.
- Seed testing, certification, quality control.
- Labeling, seed dealer, seed grower/producer.
- Seed control refers to regulation of seed marketing.
National Seed Industry Council
- Creation of a Council replacing the Philippine Seed Board.
- Composition includes government officials and sector representatives.
- Term of three years for private sector representatives.
- Vacancies filled for unexpired terms.
Duties, Powers and Functions of the Council
- Formulate policies promoting plant breeding and seed quality.
- Encourage adoption of quality systems by seed industry participants.
- Promote infrastructure and support services establishment.
- Create medium and long term seed development program.
- Grant awards and subsidies to breeders.
- Promulgate implementing rules and regulations.
Council Meetings
- Regular quarterly meetings; special meetings as necessary.
- Five members constitute a quorum.
- Members receive per diems and travel allowances but no compensation.
Chairman Duties
- Presides over Council meetings.
- Supervises Council operations and administration.
- Performs other Council-assigned duties.
Executive Director Duties
- Implements Council policies and resolutions.
- Assists in Council management.
- Coordinates government seed programs.
- Oversees budget and financial management.
- Supervises Council Secretariat.
Council Secretariat
- Provides administrative and secretarial support.
- Personnel appointed under Civil Service rules.
Technical Secretariat
- Functions for varietal identification, evaluation, registration, and certification.
- Staff appointed by Chairman upon Executive Director recommendation.
National Seed Quality Control Services
- Established within Bureau of Plant Industry.
- Oversees field inspections, control services, seed testing labs nationwide.
- Absorbs existing seed certification and quality control sections.
Functions of National Seed Quality Control Services
- Plans seed quality control programs.
- Samples and tests local and imported seeds.
- Conducts field inspections.
- Performs seed research and training.
- Collects fees for services.
- Accredits private seed testing labs.
- Performs additional Council-directed duties.
Seed Industry Development Program
- Council to adopt a comprehensive program within 90 days.
- Establishes a National Seed Network of production centers.
- Department of Agriculture coordinates the program.
- Bureau of Plant Industry manages production and regulation of breeder, foundation, and registered seeds.
- Other agencies (UP Los Baños, PHILRICE, BOI) have defined roles.
- Private sector encouraged to cooperate.
- Farmers’ organizations participate in genetic resource conservation.
Incentives for Private Sector
- Technical assistance including training and access to research.
- Duty and tax exemption on technical equipment (first 5 years) under conditions.
- 200% income tax deduction for R&D expenses (first 5 years).
- Restrictions on transfer of exempted equipment.
- Exemptions exclude those with similar incentives from Omnibus Investments Code.
Prohibited Acts
- Importation of commercially available local seed species (exceptions apply).
- Exportation of rare seed species unless for scientific/international exchange.
- Other prohibitions as determined by the Council.
Funds of the Council
- Special Seed Fund created from:
- Initial P5,000,000 appropriation.
- Existing Seed Fund.
- Revenues from seed sales, fees, fines, and donations.
- Fund held in trust by Bureau of Plant Industry under Council’s authority.
Appropriations
- Necessary funds granted through General Appropriations Act starting year after enactment.
Authority to Search and Condemn Unlawful Seed Lots
- Executive Director authorized to search and seize unlawful seed lots with court warrant.
- May order condemnation after due hearing unless claimant files for release/payment.
Penal Provisions
- Violations punishable by fine up to P10,000 or imprisonment up to 5 years, or both.
- For firms, managers/officers involved liable for imprisonment.
Rules and Regulations
- Council to promulgate implementing rules within 90 days after effectivity.
Repealing Clause
- Repeals inconsistent laws but preserves Local Government Code provisions.
Separability Clause
- Invalidity of any part of the Act does not affect the rest.
Effectivity
- Act takes effect 15 days after publication in Official Gazette or newspapers of general circulation.