International Seed Movement under the COVID-19 Crisis
In many parts of the world, where people have been advised or obliged to stay at home to prevent the rapid spread of the novel coronavirus, those in the seed sector continue their work as part of essential services to sustain the delivery of seed to farmers. Especially in the hardest hit countries, their work is critical to ensure that farmers can grow crops during the coming planting season, preventing any food shortages in the long run.
On this page, which is updated regularly, we have collected the different statements, resources and content related to the movement of seed under the COVID-19 crisis from seed associations and seed companies in different parts of the world.
The Asia and the Pacific Seed Association (APSA) shared a tweet clarifying that seed is not a pathway for COVID-19 and created a video that featured farmers asking for governments and people to please ensure that seeds are delivered to them even during the crisis.
The Australian Seed Federation also shared an update on Twitter maintaining that the uninterrupted movement of seed is important to maintain Australia’s food security.
The Canadian Seed Trade Association (CSTA) and the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) also shared their statements on their websites and on social media.
The French Seed Association (UFS) released a statement on their website (in French), underlining their support to members during the crisis.
Seed companies like Semillas Fitó, Corteva Agriscience and Syngenta shared social media posts to say thank you to farmers, seed sector workers and everyone in the agri-food value chain, who are working to ensure food in shops is readily available even during the crisis.
Netherlands-based seed company Rijk Zwaan also shared how they are helping out Dutch flower growers during the crisis.
The Federation of Seed Industry of India (FSII) also released a press statement asking for the free movement of seeds during the crisis.
