Varietal release guide: Policies and procedures in Colombia

Colombian seed laws and policies have undergone significant evolution to regulate and facilitate the innovation process. Beginning with the establishment of the Ministry of Agriculture, the founding of ICA, and culminating in the present regulations, the contemporary landscape demonstrate a clear regulatory structure for the innovation of seed genetic material. This regulatory framework consistently seeks innovation and improvements to align with the nutritional needs of not just the Colombian population but also on a global scale.

Despite the clear regulatory framework, the process of innovating seed genetic material remains costly, slow, and often confined to the academic realm. Many trials do not reach their intended audience, and innovations face challenges in practical implementation. Addressing these barriers could enhance the effectiveness of the regulatory framework, ensuring that innovations in seed genetic material contribute more directly to meeting the nutritional demands of diverse populations, and the Sustainable Development Goals linked to agriculture.

Rivas, L.; Ocampo, J.; Rodriguez Machado, D.; Andrade, R.