On 12 August 2026, the ECO Seed Association (ECOSA) held an online meeting on its future vision and work plan, bringing together more than 60 participants from ECOSA Member States. The meeting provided an opportunity to present ECOSA’s planned activities and discuss a roadmap for strengthening regional cooperation in the seed sector in 2026 and beyond.
Following the opening remarks by ECOSA President Mr. Yıldıray Gençer, Mr. Can Aygül, Director for Agriculture and Industry at the ECO Secretariat, emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation between ECOSA and its Member States through an effective network of focal points and technical experts, regular exchange of information, and continued technical consultations. He also underlined the need to accelerate work on pending regional initiatives, including efforts to finalize the draft ECO Regional Seed Agreement as an important legal foundation for closer and more effective regional cooperation in the seed sector.
During the meeting, ECOSA presented its priorities and planned activities for the coming period. These included human resources development and training, continuation of the ECOSA Seed Trade Congresses, establishment of a Digital Information Exchange Platform, greater regulatory harmonization, adjustment and reduction of customs duties on seeds, establishment of a Common Variety Catalogue, development of a Common Certification System and ECOSA Certificate, and inclusion of seeds in preferential trade arrangements among Member States. ECOSA also highlighted the importance of identifying practical areas of cooperation and promoting bilateral cooperation protocols among Member States.
