Dr. Rose Souza Richards has been the Phytosanitary Affairs Manager (prev. Seed Health Manager) at ISF since March 2020. In this role, she liaises with the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) and coordinates industry-wide responses to World Trade Organization (WTO) notifications on national phytosanitary regulations. She oversees key ISF initiatives such as the Systems Approach, the Regulated Pest List Initiative, and the International Seed Health Initiative.

Dr. Souza Richards holds a BSc in Agronomic Engineering from the State University of Bahia, Brazil, an MSc in Plant Pathology from the Federal University of Viçosa, Brazil, a second MSc in Plant Diversity from the University of Reading, UK, and a PhD in Plant Molecular Virology from the University of Nottingham, UK.

In addition to her role at ISF, Dr. Souza Richards is the Chair of the ePhyto Industry Advisory Group (IAG). She collaborates with the Standards and Trade Development Facility (STDF) and the WTO to enhance global phytosanitary measures and facilitate international trade in seeds. Her extensive experience includes roles at the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) in New Zealand and Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) in England demonstrating her expertise in plant health and regulatory affairs.

The international seed trade is undergoing transformative changes due to recent shifts in global policies and regulations. These changes have significant implications for the movement of quality seeds across borders, particularly within the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. This keynote presentation will provide a comprehensive overview of the latest global policy developments affecting the seed movement, including updates to phytosanitary measures, and international trade agreements.

I will examine how these policy changes impact seed producers, traders, and regulatory bodies in the APAC region, highlighting both challenges and opportunities. The presentation will delve into issues such as compliance with new international standards, managing biosecurity risks, and adapting to evolving regulatory frameworks. To navigate this complex landscape, I will offer strategic recommendations tailored for APAC stakeholders. These include fostering regional collaboration to harmonize standards, investing in capacity building for compliance, and leveraging technological advancements for seed quality assurance. By understanding and responding proactively to these global policy shifts, APAC countries can enhance the efficiency and safety of seed movement, supporting agricultural innovation and food security across the region.