Using Regulatory Flexibility to Address Market Informality in Seed Systems: A Global Study

Kuhlmann, K.; Dey, B. Using Regulatory Flexibility to Address Market Informality in Seed Systems: A Global Study. Agronomy 2021, 11, 377. https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11020377

29 Pages Posted: 24 Sep 2020 Last revised: 24 Feb 2021

See all articles by Katrin Kuhlmann

Katrin Kuhlmann

Georgetown University Law Center

Bhramar Dey

Catholic Relief Services

Date Written: July 29, 2020

Abstract

Seed rules and regulations determine who can produce and sell seeds, which varieties will be available in the market, the quality of seed for sale, and where seed can be bought and sold. The legal and regulatory environment for seed impacts all stakeholders, including those in the infor-mal sector, through shaping who can participate in the market and the quality and diversity of seed available. This paper addresses a gap in the current literature regarding the role of law and regulation in linking the informal and formal seed sectors and creating more inclusive and better governed seed systems. Drawing upon insights from the literature, global case studies, key expert consultations, and a methodology on the design and implementation of law and regulation, we present a framework that evaluates how regulatory flexibility can be built into seed systems to address farmers’ needs and engage stakeholders of all sizes. Our study focuses on two key di-mensions: extending market frontiers and liberalizing seed quality control mechanisms. We find that flexible regulatory approaches and practices play a central role in building bridges between formal and informal seed systems, guaranteeing quality seed in the market, and encouraging market entry for high-quality traditional and farmer-preferred varieties.

Keywords: international law, agricultural law, agricultural regulation, food security, seed systems, seed law, seed regulation, seed policy, enabling environment

JEL Classification: K33, Q18

Suggested Citation

Kuhlmann, Katrin and Dey, Bhramar, Using Regulatory Flexibility to Address Market Informality in Seed Systems: A Global Study (July 29, 2020). Kuhlmann, K.; Dey, B. Using Regulatory Flexibility to Address Market Informality in Seed Systems: A Global Study. Agronomy 2021, 11, 377. https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11020377 , Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3668668 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3668668

Katrin Kuhlmann (Contact Author)

Georgetown University Law Center ( email )

600 New Jersey Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20001
United States

Bhramar Dey

Catholic Relief Services ( email )

228 W. Lexington St.
Baltimore, MD 2120
United States
2159907468 (Phone)

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