Key Definitions
- Seed: plant material for crop production including meristem and clonal propagules
- Seed lot: identified quantity of seeds with uniform characteristics
- Breeder seed: original seed source controlled by breeder or institution
- Foundation seed: progeny of breeder seed with maintained genetic purity
- Registered seed: progeny of foundation seed maintaining identity and purity
- Seed industry: all activities related to seed production, processing, testing, marketing
- Seed testing: analysis to determine seed quality based on prescribed methods
- Seed certification: system ensuring genetic identity and quality standards
- Quality control: systematic process to maintain seed quality standards
- Seed sample: properly identified sample from seed lots for testing
- Label: information presented on seed containers per regulations
- Seed dealer/trader/merchant: entities engaged in processing or marketing seeds
- Seed grower/producer: engaged in production and marketing of seeds
- Seed control: regulation including registration and quality standards enforcement
National Seed Industry Council Composition
- Replaces Philippine Seed Board
- Chaired by Secretary of Agriculture
- Includes Directors of key agricultural institutes and two farmer reps, one industry rep
- Private sector representatives appointed for 3-year term
- Members must be Filipino citizens
Council Powers and Functions
- Formulate policies promoting genetic resource development
- Encourage adoption of best practices to improve seed quality
- Promote infrastructure and support services for seed industry growth
- Develop medium and long-term programs for seed self-sufficiency
- Provide awards and subsidies to outstanding breeders
- Issue implementing rules and regulations
Council Meetings and Administration
- Regular quarterly meetings with quorum of five members
- Special meetings on Chairman’s call or member request
- Members receive per diems and travel allowances but no salary
- Chairman presides, supervises operations
- Executive Director implements policies, manages budget, supervises Secretariat
- Secretariat provides administrative support staffed under Civil Service rules
Technical Secretariat Responsibilities
- Establish seed standards
- Formulate varietal identification, evaluation, registration procedures
- Manage cultivar release and discontinuation under national agricultural programs
National Seed Quality Control Services
- Located in Bureau of Plant Industry
- Oversees field inspections, seed testing labs nationwide
- Assumes functions and resources of former Seed Certification components
Quality Control Services Functions
- Develop quality control plans covering seed testing, certification
- Sample and analyze local and imported seeds and issue reports
- Conduct field inspections of seed crops and facilities
- Perform seed research and training
- Collect fees related to testing, inspections, permits, licenses
- Accredit private seed testing laboratories
- Support Council-directed seed quality initiatives
Seed Industry Development Program
- To be adopted within 90 days of Council constitution
- Establish National Seed Network for production of breeder, foundation, and registered seeds
- DA to coordinate component agencies
- BPI responsible for production, distribution, regulation, and management
- UP Los Baños to lead in biotechnology and plant improvement
- PHILRICE tasked with rice varietal development and extension
- BOI to issue incentives for seed industry investments
- Private and farmers’ sectors encouraged to cooperate and conserve resources
Incentives for Private Sector
- Government technical assistance and training
- Five-year duty and tax exemption on qualified seed processing equipment
- Conditions: equipment not locally made, used exclusively, Council approval required
- Restrictions on early disposal or transfer with penalties
- 200% tax deduction on R&D and extension expenses for first five years
Prohibited Acts
- Importing commercially available local seed species except exceptional cases
- Exporting rare plant genetic materials except for scientific/international exchange
- Other prohibitions as declared by the Council
Seed Fund and Financial Provisions
- Special Seed Fund created from government appropriation, existing funds, fees, and donations
- Managed by Bureau of Plant Industry in trust for the Council
- Council authorized to allocate and utilize funds
Appropriations
- Necessary funds to be included in annual General Appropriations Act
Enforcement Powers
- Executive Director authorized to search and seize unlawful seed lots with court warrant
- Condemnation orders subject to hearing and claimant’s right to comply
- Sale, processing, or disposal of condemned seed regulated
Penal Provisions
- Violators subject to fines up to P10,000 or imprisonment up to 5 years, or both
- Officers of offending firms liable if participating or consenting
Implementation and Regulatory Procedures
- Council to promulgate implementing rules within 90 days
- Repeal or modification of inconsistent laws except Local Government Code
- Separability clause preserving valid provisions if part declared invalid
- Act effective 15 days after publication in official/gazette and newspapers