Accra, Ghana — Stakeholders from across West Africa and the Sahel have gathered in Accra this week for the 10th Ordinary Meeting of the Regional Seed and Seedling Committee (CRSPAO), a pivotal forum aimed at accelerating progress on harmonized seed regulations across the region.

Held from September 15–17, the meeting brings together representatives from 23 countries under the leadership of the West and Central African Council for Agricultural Research and Development (CORAF), alongside institutional partners such as ECOWAS, UEMOA, and CILSS. The goal: to unlock the full potential of the regional seed market by removing trade barriers and ensuring the free movement of certified seeds.

Since the adoption of the harmonized seed regulation in 2018, progress has been uneven. While some countries have made strides, others continue to face challenges in seed multiplication, certification systems, and cross-border trade. CORAF’s Executive Director, Dr. Moumini Savadogo, acknowledged the mixed results, emphasizing the need for “innovative solutions and renewed political will” to overcome persistent obstacles.

Ghana’s Deputy Minister for Food and Agriculture, John Dumelo, echoed this sentiment, urging stakeholders to intensify efforts to make harmonized seed regulations a dynamic tool for quality assurance and farmer access to improved varieties.

The meeting also serves as a platform to review recommendations from the previous session held in Abidjan and to set new priorities for expanding farmers’ access to high-quality seeds. Discussions will continue through September 17, with participation from seed institutions, technical experts, and farmers’ organizations across the region.

CORAF, which has served as the technical secretariat of CRSPAO since its inception, reaffirmed its commitment to supporting member states in implementing the regulation.Established in 1987 and headquartered in Dakar, CORAF coordinates agricultural research systems across 23 countries to sustainably increase productivity and improve livelihoods.

As the region grapples with food security challenges, this meeting marks a critical step toward building a more integrated and resilient agricultural future—one seed at a time.