Seeds are an essential biological element for the sustainable development of agricultural production systems . They have positioned Peru as one of the main suppliers of food to various international markets, generating revenues of approximately $ 12.7 billion by 2024 .

This element, which can measure less than a millimeter , faces major challenges : increased food production in the face of a growing population , stress water , resistance to pests and diseases, innovation , as well as regulations on the production , packaging and movement of seeds, among others.

In response, there is collaborative work between the public and private sectors, and academia, which allows for the development of a joint agenda to address the needs of the seed sector. One of the results of this collaboration is the organization and development of the First Peruvian Seed Congress, to be held in the city of Arequipa.

This event, under the theme “Sowing the Future of Our Country ,” aims to create a space for sharing experiences and building capacity among key players in the seed industry : producers, researchers, marketers, regulators, and others. It also seeks to promote the development of research , innovation , production , and marketing of quality seeds, both nationally and internationally.
Among the main topics to be discussed are:

ASSURANCE AND USE OF QUALITY SEEDS
Currently, only 15% of farmers use certified seed. To reduce this gap, a joint strategy is being developed between the public and private sectors through regulatory updates, research into new varieties, capacity building, and technology transfer .

TRADE AND ACCESS TO SEED MARKETS
Peru is positioning itself as one of the leading producers and exporters of off-season seeds, thanks to advantages such as trust, confidentiality, regulatory stability, and a wide production window throughout the year . This is reflected in an 8.4% growth between 2020 and 2023 and a revenue of $ 91.5 million FOB in 2024, with exports to the Netherlands , the United States, Spain , Italy, among others. This activity has also allowed the incorporation of small producers into the production chain.

USE OF NEW TECHNOLOGIES IN PLANT BREEDING
agricultural sector faces major challenges, such as climate change and food security. Plant improvement through technologies such as gene editing Genetics is an immediate alternative. In Peru , institutions such as MINAM, MIDAGRI, INIA, APES, and other organizations are promoting a regulatory framework for its implementation .

PHYTOSANITARY MEASURES
The international movement of seeds is regulated by phytosanitary measures that protect against quarantine pests. However, many of these regulations impact seed production and movement. Equivalent approaches that maintain health without affecting trade are being proposed, such as the SAA Pilot Plan for experimental maize in COSAVE countries , and the joint work between SENASA, APES, and ISF to establish measures that guarantee the protection of phytosanitary assets and that, in turn, are flexible enough to adapt to seed
production and movement systems.
BIODIVERSITY AND INNOVATION IN SEEDS
The richness and diversity of Peruvian native seeds reflect our cultural heritage. Promoting their conservation and incorporating their attributes into plant breeding programs is key to addressing climate change and contributing to food security.

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
Peru has made progress in implementing the UPOV 91 agreement, led by INDECOPI. Active surveillance and protection of new plant varieties guarantee an enabling environment for research and technology transfer to farmers.

These and other topics will be addressed by national and international specialists from the government, the private sector, research centers , and academia. We invite all stakeholders in the sector to participate in this event, which seeks to strengthen capacities and consolidate the seed sector as a key player in sustainable agricultural development in our country .