During today's extraordinary session, the Milli Majlis (National Assembly) approved the third reading of a package of legislative amendments designed to align various laws with the "Law on Seed Production."
The Operative Information Center-OMM reports that the amendments impact several key legislative acts, including the laws "On Selection Achievements," "On State Duty," "On Licenses and Permits," and "On Technical Regulation."
The legislative package introduces several critical changes aimed at modernizing the agricultural sector:
- Information System Establishment: The "Law on Selection Achievements" will now formally incorporate an information system (Registry) to track selection achievements, including varieties, hybrids, breeds, registered seed operators, and relevant contracts.
- State Duty Adjustments: A new article in the "Law on State Duty" establishes fees for the registration of seed operators and the issuance of certificates verifying varietal and sowing qualities, aiming to improve service quality in agricultural management.
- Regulatory Oversight: The "Law on Licenses and Permits" has been amended to include the issuance of extracts from the seed operator registry in the list of permits. This measure is designed to create an effective tracking mechanism for seed circulation, prevent violations, and block substandard products from entering the market, given the strategic importance of seeds for food security.
- Technical Standardization: An amendment to the "Law on Technical Regulation" clarifies that mandatory requirements for plant variety seeds are governed by the "Law on Seed Production," ensuring regulatory consistency.
These legislative updates are part of Azerbaijan's broader strategy to strengthen its food security and agricultural infrastructure. By digitizing the registry of seed operators and standardizing certification processes, the government aims to foster a more transparent and efficient agricultural market, ensuring that farmers have access to high-quality, certified seeds essential for sustainable crop production.
