Preparing the ground for a National Seed Policy for Papua New Guinea

With support from Australia, agriculture and forestry experts from across Papua New Guinea (PNG) gathered in Port Moresby this week to discuss ways to strengthen the country’s seed systems – an important milestone toward developing PNG’s first comprehensive National Seed Policy.

Convened by the Department of Agriculture and Livestock, the National Seed Policy roundtable, held 17-18 February, brought together representatives from government agencies, research institutions, commodity boards, farmer organisations, development partners and the private sector.

Seeds and other planting materials – such as tissue culture, roots, tubers, and stem cuttings – are fundamental to agricultural productivity, farmer livelihoods, food security and climate resilience.

With PNG’s agriculture dependent on reliable access to quality planting materials, bringing together the knowledge and hands-on experience of producers, researchers and users from across the country was timely and essential.

Drawing on the extensive experience of participants, as well as international best practice, discussions focused on reviewing the current state of PNG’s formal and informal seed systems, identifying major constraints and priorities, and exploring practical options to improve seed availability, quality, and resilience.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Heai Hoko, Deputy Secretary (Provincial Agriculture Technical Services), Department of Agriculture and Livestock, said a seed policy is essential in securing the future.

“A comprehensive seed policy is essential for the protection of the environment, the adaptability of food production systems and the output yields from the production system for food and nutrition security, as well as for medicine, trade, economics, employment, fundamental living needs, and human development,” Mr Hoko said.

Mr. Gure'ahafo Tumae, Senior Scientist with the Coffee Industries Corporation welcomed the roundtable as a way of addressing a significant “quality gap” in his sector.

“For coffee this was vital for 90 per cent of small-holder farmers. They are hit the hardest as they are working just as hard but earning less because their seeds lack the potential for high-market value,” Mr Tumae said.

Outcomes from the roundtable will contribute to improved access to affordable, high-quality and climate resilient planting material, particularly for smallholder farmers, many of whom are women.

Strengthening coordination between government, research and industry is central to effective policy development, paving the way for clearer regulatory pathways and more resilient seed systems.

Through the PNG–Australia Partnership, this initiative forms part of Australia’s broader support to PNG’s agriculture sector, including strengthening agricultural growth, improving livelihoods, enhancing biosecurity and creating a more enabling environment for agribusiness.

ENDS

 

Participants gather for a group photo at the National Seed Policy roundtable held in Port Moresby from 17 – 18 February. The roundtable brought together agriculture and forestry experts from across Papua New Guinea.

For further information, including access to related materials, please contact the Australian High Commission media team: +675 7090 0100