APSA and CNSTA organize historic Asian Seed Congress to mark 30-year milestone for APAC seed industry
_261232.jpg)
IN BRIEF:
SANYA, HAINAN – December 2, 2024 – The Asia and Pacific Seed Alliance (APSA) and the China National Seed Trade Association (CNSTA) proudly host the 29th Asian Seed Congress this year in Sanya, Hainan Province. Returning to China after ten years, when held in Macau China in 2014, this Congress marks a symbolic milestone—APSA’s 30th anniversary—set against Sanya’s budding “Silicon Valley of Seeds”. The vibrant setting provides a fitting backdrop to celebrate three decades of APSA’s leadership, innovation, and collaboration within the Asia-Pacific seed sector.
With over 1,500 delegates registered from more than 52 countries and regions, this Congress is on track to be one of APSA’s largest gatherings to date. Seed industry leaders, breeders, researchers, and policymakers are convening under one roof to advance APSA’s commitments to strengthening international trade, safeguarding intellectual property, and fostering agricultural innovation. In this effort, APSA and CNSTA are also grateful for the support of local and national bodies, including Sanya Municipality, which have each played critical roles as representatives on the National Organizing Committee.
This year’s Congress theme, “Riding the Wave of Change in the Asia Pacific” draws from APSA’s legacy while setting a forward-looking agenda for innovation and sustainability in the seed industry. APSA’s impact and influence are further highlighted through awards presented to distinguished industry figures, including Honorary Lifetime Members Manas Chiavaranond, Anthony Tse, and Uday Singh, along with China’s Seedsmen of the Year, Prof. Jianmin Wan and Mr. Haiyin Zhang. These honorees embody the resilience, vision, and quality that have driven APSA’s growth and regional leadership over the past three decades.
(Bios of these visionaries are included in the magazine and delegate book)
APAC: A Global Leader in Seed Trade and Innovation
The Asia-Pacific (APAC) region is a critical player in the global seed market, accounting for 43.5% of the world’s cultivated crop seed area. According to data from Kynetec’s Sigma Seed Database, 429.9 million hectares of crop seed was harvested in the region last year, yielding 26.9 million metric tons of sowing seed. This represents 40% of the total global volume utilized in 2023, and with a farmgate value of $29.7 billion, and represents 32%, of the worldwide seed market pinged at $92 billion. Major field crops dominate APAC’s seed market and underscore its leadership in global seed production:
Due to higher margins and the increased demand for nutrient-rich produce to feed the world, APAC’s mostly small to medium sized seed companies continue to concentrate and serve the vegetable seed market, which presents high-value trade opportunities. Indeed, in terms of trade, vegetable seeds represent roughly over half of the seed trade in APSA countries, with the region’s consignments for this segment (traded via WTO’s HS 1209 category) valued between $800 and $900 million per annum.
In terms of utilization, onions, tomatoes, and peppers represent the leading vegetable seed categories, followed by popular cucurbit crops, including cucumber, pumpkin and other regionally-popular gourds. Following are some key insights on the top segments:
For more detailed insights about specific crop groups and country, please contact APSA Secretariat via the contact information at the end of this release.
Looking Ahead: A Vision for the Future
As APSA celebrates its 30-year anniversary, it is not just looking back, but forward with its Strategic Roadmap for 2025-2027 – an ambitious plan to position the alliance as a proactive force amid an evolving global landscape. The roadmap centers on three key pillars: policy advocacy, member engagement, and operational excellence, all designed to meet the needs of a transforming seed industry.
APSA President Manish Patel highlighted the need to keep pace with ongoing changes, stating, “The seed industry is undergoing transformations due to technological advancements, shifting customer needs, and regulatory updates. APSA must evolve to stay relevant and responsive to our members.” Reflecting this commitment, APSA’s new strategy emphasizes harmonizing regulatory frameworks, promoting science-based phytosanitary standards, and advocating for intellectual property protection, all aimed at encouraging innovation and enabling seamless seed movement across borders.
Looking toward APSA’s future, Vice President Teck Wah Koh, who will assume the presidency at the AGM 2024 on 5 December, underscored the importance of member engagement. “Members are the lifeblood of the association. This roadmap is rooted in understanding members’ needs and defining how we can all support each other’s growth.” APSA’s strategy includes expanding its membership in emerging markets across the Asia-Pacific, increasing its influence on policy and reinforcing its role as a knowledge hub for the seed industry.
Executive Director Francine Sayoc noted the collaborative process behind the roadmap’s creation, saying, “The Strategic Roadmap is a product of an inclusive approach, reflecting the diverse input of members and industry partners.” The plan sets out to enhance APSA’s financial sustainability, operational efficiency, and Secretariat capacity, ensuring the association has the resources and talent necessary to deliver on its ambitious goals.
With this new roadmap, APSA stands ready to empower the seed industry to meet the demands of a changing world—solidifying its role as an advocate, resource, and unifying force for the Asia-Pacific seed community in the years to come.
For more information, please contact Steven@apsaseed.org