Ever wondered who’s behind South Africa’s seed quality standards? Meet Sansor, the designated authority of seed certification in the country. Dr Lukeshni Chetty unpacks everything about Mzansi’s seed industry.
Before farmers select the seeds for their crops, Sansor ensures that the seeds meet the highest quality standards.
Dedicated to safeguarding, growing, and advancing South Africa’s seed industry, the organisation navigates the complex regulations of seed movement within and across the country’s borders and stays ahead of the latest developments and challenges in the industry.
This is important because ensuring that farmers always have access to top-quality seeds is a key priority for the seed organisation, says Dr Lukeshni Chetty, general manager of Sansor.
The country’s seed industry structure Sansor was founded in 1989, and in a recent interview with Food For Mzansi, Chetty provided an in-depth look at the organisation’s mission and its pivotal role in the seed industry.
“South Africa’s seed industry is segmented into three main components: field crops, vegetables and ornamentals, and forage and turf,” Chetty started off, adding that the industry is very diverse. “[It spans from] grain crops like maize and wheat, all vegetables, and even ornamental flowers and turf used on golf courses.”
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Each segment has unique challenges, and the industry’s dynamism involves multiple skill sets and disciplines before seeds reach farmers, she cautioned. As a key player in the agricultural sector, Sansor represents its members on national and global policy issues, international treaties, and trade barriers.
“We engage with our members on numerous issues that impact seed trade, such as national and global policy issues, international treaties, and dealing with seed trade barriers,” Chetty noted.
Seed industry over the last decade
Reflecting on the past decade, Chetty highlighted the unexpected growth in local seed companies.
“In late 2012, we faced a lot of mergers and acquisitions, and everyone thought the seed industry was shrinking. However, local companies began to sprout up, increasing the diversity and number of players in the market,” she said.
Notable achievements include the establishment of the South African Cultivar and Technology Agency, which implemented an endpoint royalty collection system to support R&D for new varieties. Another industry highlight would be hosting the ISF World Seed Congress in 2023, showcasing South Africa’s leadership in the global seed industry.
Present obstacles and future prospects
Despite its many achievements, South Africa’s seed industry confronts significant challenges such as underappreciation, climate change, and non-scientific regulations. These issues are not just local but are also faced by the seed industry worldwide.
“One of the biggest challenges is the underappreciation of seeds. It’s not something attractive or relatable to the average person,” Chetty pointed out.
Climate change presents major threats, necessitating the development of seed varieties that can endure extreme weather and ensure the safety of field workers. Furthermore, unjustified trade barriers and evolving consumer trends, such as the growing popularity of plant-based diets, add further complexity to the industry, Chetty explained.
However, looking ahead, there are reasons for optimism. Chetty highlighted upcoming opportunities such as new markets, diverse crop varieties, inclusivity of crops, and the promotion of traditional crops known for their nutritional benefits.
“South Africa is not a standalone player; we are part of a global whole. For example, we are one of the largest onion seed producers in the world. We need to be agile, continuously adapt, and pre-empt problems and needs.”
Sansor has been championing South Africa’s seed industry for three decades, supporting and protecting the interests of 118-member seed companies. Visit their website for more details and be part of their community driving innovation and growth in the seed industry.
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