Fixed Amount Award Implementation Letter (IL) no 1 (DOAG) Amendment 6 SERVICE 7: SUPPORT THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE HARMONIZED SEED REGULATIONS IN THE SAHEL AND WEST AFRICA

This initiative is part of Service 7, which aims to support the implementation of the harmonized seed regulations in the region. The update of the CREVAO is a provision of the harmonized seed regulations. The Regional Committee of Seeds and Plants of West Africa (CRSPAO) recommended that the update be annual, with the public version edition occurring every two years. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the update of the catalogue was delayed until 2021. The update was conducted during the Technical Workshop for Updating the Regional Catalogue of Plant and Vegetable Species in West Africa and the Sahel (CREVAOS) 2021, held at Radisson Blu, Bamako, Mali, from June 7 to 11, 2021. A total of 176 new varieties were registered in the regional catalogue. These varieties are categorized as follows: [Note: The original text appears to be cut off, but based on the provided information, the following paragraph will summarize the available data.] The new varieties registered in the catalogue include maize, cowpea, and sorghum, among others. The catalogue was validated during the 6th meeting of the Regional Committee of Seeds and Plants in West Africa, held in Conakry from June 28 to 30, 2021. The validation of the catalogue is a significant step towards implementing the harmonized seed regulations in the region. The update of the CREVAO and the registration of new varieties in the regional catalogue are crucial steps towards improving seed quality and availability in the Sahel and West Africa. The harmonized seed regulations aim to promote the use of high-quality seeds, which can lead to improved crop yields and increased food security in the region. The implementation of the harmonized seed regulations is a collaborative effort between various stakeholders, including the CORAF and the CRSPAO. The update of the catalogue and the registration of new varieties are essential components of this initiative, which aims to support the development of the seed sector in the region.