Latest Resources
3 July 2017
Resistance is fertile! Farmers rise up against South Africa’s corporate seed laws
Calls to decolonise our seed system at Gauteng public hearings on the Plant Improvement and Plant Breeders’ Rights Bills. Are there alternative systems that put farmers at the centre, do not reduce genetic and agricultural diversity, and support agroecology, seed and food sovereignty and resilience? South African smallholder farmers, consumers, academics and civil society at […]
3 July 2017
Lobbying papers on South Africa’s Plant Improvement Bill and Plant Breeders’ Rights Bill
Commentary on South Africa’s Plant Improvement Bill and Plant Breeders’ Rights Bill. Read here.
21 June 2017
Food Systems of the Future Public Talk
The ACB in partnership with Wits Inala Forum had the honour of hosting Pat Mooney, Donna Andrews, John Nzira and Stephen Greenberg at a public talk at Wits University on the 12th of May 2017, in the light of the three mega mergers taking place. The title of the talk was “Food Systems of the […]
5 May 2017
Impacts of Seed Laws on farmer managed seed systems
Seed laws often overlook the vital role of farmer-managed seed systems (FMSS), sidelining smallholder farmers and their locally adapted varieties, which don’t meet formal criteria. Learn more about these and other topics in the factsheets produced by the ACB for smallholder farmers in Africa. The materials are available in several languages and cover a range […]
5 May 2017
What are the DUS criteria?
DUS stands for Distinct, Uniform and Stable. The DUS criteria aims to supply industrial-scale commercial farming systems while smallholder farmers plant seed that is not distinct, uniform or stable. This third factsheet gives more information on this system and the potential impact on smallholder farmers. Learn more about these and other topics in the factsheets produced by the […]
5 May 2017
What is quality declared seed?
The quality declared seed (QDS) system is part of the formal seed system and also controls seed quality and purity. The QDS has several benefits, including the system being a good employment opportunity for farmers who produce improved seed. It does, however have drawbacks such as the limited access to basic seed for seed multiplication. […]
5 May 2017
What is a seed law?
Seed laws were developed by governments and industry and are used as instruments to replace and undermine the farmer-managed seed system. Learn more about these and other topics in the factsheets produced by the ACB for smallholder farmers in Africa. The materials are available in several languages and cover a range of topics dealing with […]
27 March 2017
Briefings on the revision of South Africa’s seed laws: Entrenching an unjust and unsustaina...
As we continue to engage and mobilise around the seed policy and legislation revisions, ACB has developed 2 easy-to-read documents outlining the central concerns and possible alternative directions for seed policy to move in South Africa. Despite the public interest to support an equitable seed system, the Plant Improvement and Plant Breeders’ Rights Bills, create […]
2 June 2016
Integration of small-scale farmers into formal seed production in South Africa
The scoping report looks at key policies, legislation and programmes in SA with an emphasis on seed laws and considers the implications for small- scale farmer involvement in this sector and outlines a few projects on community seed production, indigenous crops and black- owned private sector seed production efforts.
13 March 2015
Agroecology in South Africa: policy and practice
The African Centre for Biosafety has prepared a discussion document on agroecology-related policy in South Africa, and included a few examples of agroecology practices in South Africa. We trust that this document will contribute to the recently launched Food Sovereignty Campaign and the progress of agroecology practice being made on the ground in South Africa.