Shopping for groceries is often accompanied by busy shops, children wanting everything and a mother trying to keep the situation at bay whilst sticking to her budget. With this said, chances are slim to none that you would think about where your fresh produce or oats come from, let alone the science and meticulous processes behind it.

World Food Day on October 16 is a crucial reminder of the ongoing challenges of hunger and malnutrition worldwide. This year’s focus on good nutrition, affordability, accessibility, safety, and sustainable food systems highlights how interconnected these issues are with agriculture. By promoting sustainable practices and ensuring that everyone has access to nutritious food, we can work towards a healthier future for all.

Hunger and malnutrition, however, are often worsened by adverse weather conditions, climate changes, economic downturns, conflicts, and farmers’ inability to produce under these circumstances.

By supporting a diverse seed industry operating in South Africa and in fact, across the globe, The South African National Seed Organization (SANSOR) aims to address many of these challenges.

 “World Food Day 2024 provides a unique opportunity to the seed industry to not only emphasize the pivotal role seed plays in providing diverse, safe, and nutritious food but also highlights an industry looking at solutions to ensure that all people have access to adequate and regular food,” stresses Dr Lukeshni Chetty, General Manager at SANSOR.

“We all have a role to play. While issues like climate change are crucial, we cannot neglect the focus on seed, the foundation of most of the food in the value chain,” she adds.

Food security, however, requires massive investment, innovation, science, technology, and wide collaboration between a range of factors including governments, the private sector, academic and research institutions, and off course civil society.

“Seed plants are the backbone of our diets, providing essential nutrients for human health. Key grains like rice, wheat, maize, and millet, dominate agriculture and serve as staples in many communities. Meanwhile, beans and nuts offer vital proteins and healthy fats, derived from sources like peanuts, canola, and sunflower seeds. Animal agriculture also relies heavily on grasses and grains so it’s therefore our responsibility to find effective and sustainable ways to increase access to these vital resources,” Dr Chetty points out.

Climate change in itself presents major threats, necessitating the development of seed varieties that can endure extreme weather conditions, not only to ensure a crop at the end of the season, but also the safety of farmers and field workers alike.

“Seed breeding is necessary for responding to these environmental influences. Seed is one of the most important inputs when it comes to planting crops. Good quality seed primarily determines yield potential and although the environment has some influence, the inherent yield potential is captured in the seed’s genetics. Using new breeding techniques and other innovative breeding methods and technologies can helps scientists to improve crops in a more precise manner,” she explains.

SANSOR plays a crucial part in ensuring seed meets the highest quality standards, even before it reaches the farmer. “Ensuring farmers have consistent access to high-quality seeds is a top priority for SANSOR. Quality seeds empower farmers to cultivate successful crops. Strong germination, emergence, and yield not only have financial benefits but also help farmers better withstand the challenges posed by nature in crop production,” Dr Chetty explains.

As such, the seed industry has many responsibilities including seed availability, access, and use.

Seed availability refers to whether enough of a target crop seed is present in a specific area. In contrast, seed access involves whether farmers can afford to purchase or obtain seeds. Access can be disrupted if seed exchange networks break down, local markets fail, or farmers lose assets and can’t afford seeds. Seed utilization concerns the quality and characteristics of seed varieties. A sustainable seed system ensures that high-quality seeds of diverse varieties are produced and made available on time.

“The truth is that South Africa’s strong seed industry is one of the main reasons we have a world-class agricultural sector and are able to export so many of our produce to the rest of the world,” she concludes.

For any enquiries or to arrange an interview please contact Luzette Botha, SANSOR Communication and Marketing Manager, at comms@sansor.co.za or +27 12 472 9511.