Native seed trade of herbaceous species for restoration: a European policy perspective with global implications

Self Cite

We argue that the need for a quality seed supply chain is a major bottleneck for the restoration of Chile's native ecosystems, thus supplementing the list of bottlenecks proposed by Bannister et al. in 2018. Specifically, there is a need for defining seed transfer zones, developing standards and capacities for properly collecting and storing seeds, reducing information gaps on seed physiology and longevity, and implementing an efficient seed supply chain with certification of seed origin and quality. Without such capacities, countries are unlikely to meet their restoration commitments. Although we focus on bottlenecks in Chile, the issues we raise are relevant to other countries and thus the global agenda for ecological restoration.

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Lack of adequate seed supply is a major bottleneck for effective ecosystem restoration in Chile: friendly amendment to Bannister et al. (2018)

León‐Lobos

Bustamante‐Sánchez

Nelson

et al. 2020

Self Cite

“…A similar pattern has limited seed programs in other developing countries where informal suppliers are responsible for most of the seed production (Dedefo et al ). Excessive bureaucratization is one of the key barriers to upscaling native seed supply which has also challenged seed trade in developed countries (Abbandonato et al ). The issue is not about deregulating seed quality control, but adapting or removing unnecessary bureaucratic barriers.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The standard protocol for seed quality testing in accredited laboratories for each species is a high‐cost operation and a restrictive requirement for this emergent industry (Abbandonato et al ). The laboratory accreditation process has required mandatory infrastructure, teams of technicians, a standard management system, and competence for testing and calibration (ISO ).…”

Section: Perspectives and Strategies For Policy Enhancementsmentioning

confidence: 99%

How policies constrain native seed supply for restoration in Brazil

Urzedo

Fisher

Piña-Rodrigues

et al. 2019

Large-scale ecological restoration programs across the world involve a voluminous demand for native seeds of diverse native plant species. In this article, we explore how institutional systems have operated and impacted native seed supply in Brazil. Native seed supply for restoration is essentially a community-based activity which faces broad barriers to operating within regulations because of requirements for excessive and costly technical documentation, scarcity of seed laboratories, and lack of instructions for native seed quality testing. Although decentralized seed networks have stimulated arrangements for local organizations to promote seed supply, policies constrain the development of local capacities and the ongoing sustainability of these organizations. These conditions have resulted in a vast network of informal collectors and producers who are largely "invisible" and unknown to the regulatory authorities. Policies have decentralized responsibilities from the state without devolving decision-making power to the multiple stakeholders engaged in policy elaboration. The policies maintain the centralized regulation of native seed supply. After examining Brazilian seed networks' experiences and conducting discussions with stakeholders and experts, we suggest adapting the current regulations to more local level contexts, encompassing the following strategies: (1) ensuring native seed origin and identity; (2) relaxation of the laboratory accreditation process for native seed quality assurance; (3) fostering seed markets for restoration; (4) research to provide technological innovation; (5) supporting local, diverse, and small seed-based businesses.

“…Thus, understanding the methods and units represented by the various seed quality tests is important for accurately reporting and interpreting results. Because the legal or regulatory requirements for seed quality reporting vary by species, seed use, and jurisdiction, native seed collectors and producers should familiarize themselves with local and national requirements (Agricultural Marketing Service 2011; Abbandonato et al 2018; Mainz & Wieden 2019). These laws aim to ensure that consumers have accurate information about the seeds they are purchasing and that the seed lot is free of noxious weed seeds.…”

Section: Legal Framework and The Role Of Third‐party Agenciesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Ensuring seed quality in ecological restoration: native seed cleaning and testing

Frischie

Miller

Pedrini

et al. 2020

Self Cite

Seeds are a critical and limited resource for restoring biodiversity and ecological function to degraded and fragmented ecosystems. Cleaning and quality testing are two key steps in the native seed supply chain. Optimizing the practices used in these steps can ensure seed quality. Post‐collection handling of seeds can have a profound impact on their viability, longevity in storage, and establishment potential. The first section of this article describes seed cleaning, outlines key considerations, and details traditional and novel approaches. Despite the growth of the native seed industry and the need for seed quality standards, existing equipment and standards largely target agricultural, horticultural, and commercial forestry species. Native plant species typically have complex seed traits, making it difficult to directly transfer existing cleaning and quality standards to these species. Furthermore, in ecological restoration projects, where diversity is valued over uniformity crop standards can be unsuitable. We provide an overview and recommendations for seed quality testing (sampling, purity, viability, germinability, vigor), identity reporting, and seed transfer as well as highlight the need to implement internationally recognized standards for certification for native seeds. Novel and improved cleaning and testing methods are needed for native species from a range of ecosystems to meet the challenges and goals of the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration. The guidelines outlined in this article along with others in the Special Issue of Restoration Ecology “Standards for Native Seeds in Ecological Restoration” can serve as a foundation for this critical work.