Regulatory policy and variety release (3 workgroup reports to plenary)

Group 1: Tongo, Shimelis, Stanley, Paul, Wallace Recommendations The survey was a good beginning but it needs to go further to develop a comprehensive surveys tool and share with the wider groups (across various Africa regions) and include all alumni (expecting 70% responses) Outputs Produce robust data of possible interventions including the document which the DLB group can use to lobby the various decision/policy makers and inform DLB curriculum development and users

Group 1: continued Tongo, Shimelis, Stanley, Paul, Wallace Breeder has convincing ability and responsibility to advance and facilitate the release varieties Help the breeder how to engage with informal seed systems To help breeder to prepare investments case

Group 2: Kerri, Stephen, Berhanu, Sidiqque, Margaret, Yao Built on existing Policy enabling environment (ie. Ethiopia) Make a case for other “DLB traits” outside of the DUS Influence policy maker (Minister, DG of department, etc….) Regular dialogue Need of evidence and provision of compelling case of best fast practices release (i.e. Ethiopia, South Africa, Canadian pulse, University of Saskatoon, Canada) Awareness creation of the DLB initiative to policy makers Policy brief at the country level for further regional discussion Standardization of the release process

Group 2: continued Kerri, Stephen, Berhanu, Sidiqque, Margaret, Yao Standardization of the release process Breeder need to be proactive and be given the opportunity to defend his product performance to the release committee Key stakeholders (ie traders, consumer association, gender issue etc…) should be represented in the release committee Evidence to make a case by the breeder should be disaggregated considering the gender category

Group 3 ISSUE OBSERVATIONS PRIORITY enabling environment encourage private sector capacity building (regulatory bodies) 4 support interaction between NVRC and breders   institionalization of DLB policy harmonization of policy implimentation of existing policies 2 engage NVRC regionally enforce plant breeders right variety release streamline release procedures scaling up best variety release practices advocacy to accelerate variety adoption 3 compare the effect of various release systems om adoption Food market/flow and industry promote DLB get market research information on key value chains 1