In the last few issues of Seed Info we covered several topical issues related to biotechnology, GMOs, plant variety protection and biodiversity. In this issue we shift our focus and introduce a new topic on setting up a new enterprise in the seed sector. Peter Witthaut, GTZ Financial Advisor formerly of GTZ Seed Project in Egypt and currently based in Nigeria writes about the legal considerations in establishing small seed enterprises. In Seed Info No 22 Michael Turner introduced some of the recent developments in Africa aimed at harmonizing seed regulations and promoting regional trade in seeds. In this issue Edward D. Zulu from South Africa Development Community (SADC) Seed Security Network will present a detailed account of one of the regional initiative in Southern Africa. There is also news from international organizations such as International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV), International Seed Federation (ISF), International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) and the African Seed Trade Association (AFSTA).

The section on SEED PROGRAMS includes news from Afghanistan, Morocco, Pakistan and Syria. We report on the efforts of the Future Harvest Consortium to Rebuild Agriculture in Afghanistan (FHCRAA) which is spearheaded by ICARDA as a lead center covering short-term and long-term initiatives undertaken to rehabilitate the agricultural sector in general and the seed sector in particular. The report includes all activities undertaken since the first stakeholders meeting in Tashkent in January 2002 including relief seed supply for spring planting in April, Code of Conduct workshop in May, rehabilitation of infrastructure and human resource development in the seed sector. There is a brief note on the performance of the seed sector in Pakistan.

In the HOW TO section, your regular contributor, Abdoul Aziz Niane once again explains the ISTA Quality Assurance program describing the essence of ISTA Seed Testing Laboratory Accreditation Program. This time we will focus on developing a Quality Manual for seed testing laboratories.

From the outset maximum lot size remains the basic requirements for seed lots to issue ISTA International Seed Lot Certificate. Maximum lot size for each crop species is defined taking into account the specific properties of seed and conditions for seed trade. Since the conditions for seed trade change over time, ISTA maximum lot size is also revised periodically, but remains as part of ISTA sampling system. Once again changing the seed lot size is under intense discussion in international forum. The RESEARCH section highlights the position of ISTA on maximum seed lot size.

For an electronic version of Seed Info visit the website at http://www.icarda.cgiar.org

We wish you an enjoyable read.

Zewdie Bishaw, Editor