Regional Rice SeedNet as Quality Seed Provider

Vision

A network responding to the seed requirements of seed growers and farmers to attain rice self–sufficiency by 2016.

Mission

Sufficient supply of quality rice seeds.

Goal

Timely production of appropriate and quality seed varieties to supply the needs of seed growers.

• provision of good quality rice seeds as needed
• increased and sufficient rice seed production using adaptable, high–yielding rice cultivars

The Regional SeedNet was organized in CY2000 through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) among member–agencies which formalized its existence and operation. It provides leadership and mechanism for a coordinated planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation for an Integrated Regional Rice Seed Production System, and facilitates the multiplication of newly–released recommended varieties and production of foundation and registered seeds for use by seed growers in coordination with the National Rice Seed Production Network as orchestrated by PhilRice.

It is composed of 9 seed production centers to ensure the availability of quality seeds and regulate the supply of the same in the region to support rice program implementation. The members are as follows:

1. Department of Agriculture

 RIARC –Babatngon
 RIARC–Abuyog
 RIARC–San Jorge
 TAADS–Catubig

2. Naval State University–Biliran Campus
3. Visayas State University
4. Eastern Samar State University
5. University of Eastern Philippines
6. Southern Leyte Seed Growers Association

Before it was organized, problems hounded farmers and seed growers alike, such as unsynchronized seed production by seed growers with the planting schedule of farmers; failure to address actual needs of farmers in terms of varietal preferences; proliferation of non–accredited seed growers; and absence of a lead entity that would orchestrate these seed production activities.

Realizing the abovementioned challenges, DA–RFO 8 through EVIARC took the initiative of forming a Regional Seednet in Eastern Visayas to complement the national seednet.

It has three major objectives, namely:

1. provides leadership and mechanism for a coordinated planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation for an Integrated Regional Rice Seed Production System;
2. facilitates the multiplication of newly–released recommended varieties and production of foundation and registered seeds for use by seed growers in coordination with the National Rice Seed Production Network as orchestrated by PhilRice; and 
3. facilitates the conduct of meetings, and orchestrates all other activities of the regional and provincial seednet in coordination with the regional seed coordinators and Ms. Angelita G. Macabenta, the Regional Seed Coordinator.

Accomplishments of the Regional Seednet include evaluation of all members of the network and packing of seed materials for members using a standard sack. Regular quarterly meetings are conducted to update every member re: availability of new varieties and new technologies on the production of high quality seeds.

Is there a need for SeedNet?

Yes. The network serves as a good partner of the government’s food sufficiency program. It facilitates in orchestrating and coordinating project meetings and planning activities; ensures the availability of quality seeds; regulates the supply of seeds; is actively involved in the planning of the seed production target; can strengthen the capability of network members; and is considered as prime mover of the rice industry. The need to provide and sustain adequate supply of high quality seeds of superior crop cultivars to farmers is addressed by the network.

Whom do we have to work with?

• Seednet members
• Seed growers
• Seed inspectors
• Farmers or their representatives
• Local Government Units
• Program planners/implementors
• Seed producing agencies/companies

Key implementation strategies

• Constant dialogue/consultation with key players in the seed industry
• Developing a mechanism and system of selection and identification of preferred varieties
• Strengthening the seed production & distribution system in the region
• Selection of preferred varieties – science–based and through proper consultation with stakeholders