Law Summary

Purpose and Authority

• Legal Basis: This order is issued pursuant to the Implementing Rules and Regulations of R.A. 7308, known as the Seed Industry Development Act of 1992.
• Approval: The criteria for accreditation have been approved by the National Seed Industry Council to ensure a consistent supply of high-quality hybrid rice seeds.

Accreditation Applicants

• Types of Applicants:
  • Individual hybrid rice seed growers
  • Seed growers' cooperatives/associations
  • Seed companies

Requirements for Individual Hybrid Rice Seed Growers

• Training: Must graduate from a government-conducted Hybrid Rice Seed Production training course.
• Experience: Must have engaged in hybrid rice seed production for at least two cropping seasons (wet and dry).
• Retooling: Must agree to undergo a retooling course at their own expense every three years prior to renewal of accreditation.

Requirements for Seed Growers Cooperatives/Associations

• Registration: Must be duly registered with the Cooperative Development Authority.
• Member Training: Members must have completed the Hybrid Rice Seed Production training course.
• Retooling: Cooperative/association must require members to undergo a retooling course every three years at their own expense.

Requirements for Seed Companies

• Registration: Must be duly registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
• Staff Expertise: Must have trained technical and extension staff in hybrid rice seed production.

Production Area Standards

• Irrigation: Production area must be fully irrigated with good drainage and fertile soil.
• Minimum Area: A compact area of at least five (5) hectares is required for hybrid rice production.
  • Temporary Accreditation: Individual seed growers with less than five hectares may receive temporary accreditation for three years, with renewal contingent on meeting the minimum area requirement.

Seed Yield Requirements

• Yield Average: The production area must achieve an average seed yield of 600 kg/ha over two cropping seasons.
  • Initial Accreditation: A seed producer can be accredited after the first cropping season if yield is 700 kg/ha or higher, certified by a deputized seed inspector.

Isolation Standards

• Isolation Requirements: Standard isolation protocols for hybrid rice production must comply with the Revised Seed Standards for Hybrid Rice Seed Production.

Field Inspection

• Inspections: Applicants must consent to field and facility inspections by deputized Seed Inspectors at any point during planting, growing, harvesting, processing, bagging, and storage of seeds.

Post-Harvest Facilities

• Required Facilities: Applicants must have access to essential post-harvest processing and storage equipment, including:
  • Thresher
  • Mechanical drier
  • Air-screen seed cleaner
  • Accurate weighing scale
  • Bagger (sewing machine)
  • Moisture tester
  • Blower-cleaner
  • Pallets
  • Storage warehouse

Accreditation Process

• Recommendation and Approval:
  • Accreditation is recommended by the concerned Regional Executive Director after validation by the Seed Inspector.
  • The Certificate of Accreditation is issued by the Director of BPI, with copies sent to the Regional Executive Director and Seed Quality Control Services.

Validity and Renewal of Accreditation

• Duration: The Certificate of Accreditation is valid for three years.
• Performance Evaluation: Seed growers' performance will be evaluated before renewal of accreditation.
• Non-compliance: Failure to meet outlined requirements can result in denial of accreditation or cancellation of existing certificates.

Effective Date

• Implementation: This order takes effect immediately and supersedes Administrative Order No. 28, Series of 2001.

Key Takeaways

• Comprehensive accreditation criteria for hybrid rice seed growers and producers are established to ensure quality and sustainability in seed production.
• Clear requirements for training, production areas, yield standards, and inspection protocols are mandated.
• Accreditation is valid for three years, with stringent renewal conditions based on compliance and performance evaluation. Non-compliance could lead to denial or cancellation of accreditation.