The Milli Majlis (National Assembly) of Azerbaijan has officially approved the draft law "On Seed Growing" in its third reading.
According to the Operative Information Center-OMM, the legislation was discussed during today's extraordinary session of parliament. The law aims to modernize the regulatory framework for the agricultural sector, incorporating new economic, control, and support mechanisms to deepen ongoing reforms in the country.
The updated legislation introduces several new definitions related to seed-growing activities and clarifies existing terms to better reflect modern industry standards. It establishes clear objectives and principles for the sector, while precisely defining the scope of objects and subjects involved. Furthermore, the law aligns seed quality control and certification processes with international practices, detailing the responsibilities of seed inspectors and establishing clear protocols for the processing, utilization, disposal, packaging, and labeling of seeds.
A significant component of the new law is the digitalization of the sector. The electronic registration of seed operators is expected to enhance operational efficiency. This system will allow stakeholders to easily access detailed information regarding seed varieties, sowing quality certificates, and biological and economic indicators.
The law also reforms the economic foundations of the seed-growing sector. Previously, high-generation seeds were produced based on quotas, which hindered competition. By opening the production of high-generation original and elite seeds to the private sector, the government aims to foster a competitive environment and encourage private breeding and primary seed production.
In terms of quality and international compliance, seed categories have been aligned with global standards, classified as original, elite, and certified seeds (C1, C2, and first-generation hybrid seeds). The requirement for detailed labeling on certified seeds is expected to stimulate the development of the seed market. Additionally, the law allows legal and physical entities to import non-registered plant varieties for trial purposes on their own farms, facilitating the testing and evaluation of new varieties under local conditions.
This legislation represents a fundamental reform in the seed-growing sector and is expected to significantly impact the sustainable development of Azerbaijan's agricultural industry. The key anticipated benefits include:
- Formation of a competitive environment for private breeding and primary seed production;
- Improvement in the quality indicators of produced seeds and the establishment of a unified seed system;
- Development of the seed marketing sector;
- Promotion of local seed production, reducing reliance on imports and retaining financial resources within the country;
- Increased agricultural productivity through the use of high-quality certified seeds;
- Attraction of private investment and the creation of favorable conditions for seed exports.
