Jakarta, Indonesia — 12 February 2026 — Asia-Pacific Association of Agricultural Research Institutions (APAARI) convened an expert consultation with its technical partners Asia & Pacific Seed Alliance (APSA), International Seed Federation (ISF), CropLife Asia (CLA) and American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) to develop and finalize the Terms of Reference (ToR) for the “APSA Phytosanitary Expert Consultation (PEC)”. The consultation also ensured that the mandates of the STDF-funded project are appropriately aligned and incorporated into the PEC to facilitate continued deliberation on project outputs.

The STDF-funded project, “Strengthening Phytosanitary Compliance and Public-Private Partnerships to Boost Seed Trade in the Asia-Pacific Region (STDF/PG/755)” led by Asia-Pacific Association of Agricultural Research Institutions (APAARI) and implemented across seven countries, places public–private partnership (PPP) at the center of efforts to enable safe, efficient, and inclusive seed trade. Across the region, differences in phytosanitary requirements, limited dialogue between regulators and industry, and fragmented communication among National Plant Protection Organizations (NPPOs) can slow the movement of seed and increase compliance costs. Recognizing that sustainable solutions require trust, transparency, and regular interaction, the project prioritizes institutionalizing a regional platform where public authorities, private seed companies, researchers, and technical experts can jointly address sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) challenges.

For more than a decade, Asia & Pacific Seed Alliance (APSA) has convened the Phytosanitary Expert Consultation (PEC) as a dedicated Platform for dialogue on global phytosanitary developments and their implications for seed industry particularly within the Asia-Pacific region. Building on APSA’s role as the initiator and lead convenor of the PEC, and in partnership with the APAARI, with the support of STDF, stakeholders have collectively developed and agreed upon the Terms of Reference (ToR).

The formal recognition of the APSA Phytosanitary Expert Consultation (PEC) through the endorsement of the Terms of Reference (ToR) represents a significant milestone under the project.

The agreed purposes of the “APSA Phytosanitary Expert Consultation (PEC) Platform” are to:

• Facilitate exchange of information on global and regional phytosanitary development
• Discuss phytosanitary policies affecting the seed industry in the Asia-Pacific region
• Promote dialogue between National Plant Protection Organizations (NPPOs), industry, and experts into action
• Support science-based, harmonized and practical phytosanitary approaches and encourage the development of national standards aligned to international standards
• Strengthen collaboration between public and private sectors
• Provide the platform to deliberate on specific components of global or regional projects on seeds (where APSA is a partner or APSA is leading)

The consultation brought together 20 experts, including 13 participants from NPPOs across Bangladesh, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Nepal, the Philippines, Viet Nam, India, and Turkey, as well as 4 representatives from the private sector from APSA ISF, and CLA. This participation ensured a mix of regulatory authorities, industry stakeholders, and technical experts, enabling constructive dialogue and consensus-building on the ToR for the platform.

The platform is designed to serve as a bridge between the public and private sectors, while also acting as a catalyst for stronger collaboration among NPPOs across countries (Public-Public collaboration). During the consultation, participants highlighted that such a mechanism is essential for reducing misunderstandings, promote alignment with international standards, and help prevent trade disruptions before they occur.

As a direct contribution of the project, the agreed ToR represents an important step towards establishing a structured and collaborative regional mechanism that strengthens public–private cooperation for phytosanitary compliance and supports the safe movement of seed and seed trade across the Asia-Pacific region.

About the Standards and Trade Development Facility (STDF)

The STDF is a global multi-stakeholder partnership that facilitates safe and inclusive trade. Established by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), the World Bank Group, the World Health Organization (WHO), and the World Trade Organization (WTO), which houses and manages the partnership.  In support of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the STDF responds to evolving SPS needs, drives inclusive trade and contributes to sustainable economic growth, poverty reduction, food security and resilience to climate change.

About the Asia-Pacific Association of Agricultural Research Institutions (APAARI)

Founded in 1990 by the FAO, the Asia-Pacific Association of Agricultural Research Institutions (APAARI) is a membership-based, apolitical, and multi-stakeholder organization that promotes agricultural research and innovation across 21 countries of the Asia-Pacific region. APAARI unites National Agricultural Research Systems (NARS), international research centers, regional and sub-regional for a, universities, NGOs, and private-sector actors from 33 countries. Its mission is to strengthen agri-food research and innovation systems for sustainable development and food security in the region.

About Asia & Pacific Seed Alliance (APSA)

The Asia and Pacific Seed Alliance (APSA) is the regional seed association comprising more than 500 seed companies and associations from around 50 countries within and outside the APAC region. Our mission is to support sustainable agriculture through the production and trade of quality seed around the world. Our work focuses on advocacy, capacity building and encouraging business collaboration and trade.

About International Seed Federation (ISF)

The International Seed Federation (ISF) represents the global seed industry and advocates for stakeholders involved in the research, breeding, production, and marketing of seeds for agricultural, horticultural, and ornamental plants. ISF includes over 80 national seed associations and 7,500 seed companies worldwide.

About Crop Life Asia (CLA)

CropLife Asia (CLA) is a non-profit regional organization representing the plant science industry across Asia. The association advocates for issues related to crop protection and plant biotechnology and seeds to promote sustainable farming, food security and environmental stewardship. It also engages in discussions on phytosanitary requirements and the impact on trade supporting the development of harmonized measures for the international movement of seed. CLA’s mission is to help farmers access innovative agricultural technologies that enhance productivity while ensuring safety and sustainability.  Working closely with governments, industry and stakeholders, it strengthens regulatory frameworks, promotes the responsible use of agricultural innovations and contributes to resilient regional food system.

About American Seed Trade Association (ASTA)

Founded in 1883, the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) is one of the oldest trade organizations in the United States. Its membership consists of over 700 companies involved in seed production and distribution, plant breeding, and related industries in North America. ASTA works on behalf of the seed industry to promote the research, development and movement of quality seed to meet the world’s demand for food, feed, fiber and fuel. ASTA’s mission is to be an effective voice of action in all matters concerning the development, marketing and movement of seed, associated products and services throughout the world. ASTA promotes the development of better seed to produce better crops for a better quality of life. As an authority on plant germplasm, ASTA advocates science and policy issues of industry-wide importance.