Ethiopia has achieved a significant milestone in its agricultural sector with the implementation of the new Seed Proclamation No. 1288/2023, particularly in the variety release and registration process for wheat and vegetable crops. This marks a major step forward in transforming the system, which was historically fragmented and inefficient due to the involvement of various institutions. However, the new system introduces a streamlined approach by grouping candidate varieties of the same crop—based on their maturity groups—for Distinctness, Uniformity, and Stability (DUS) testing, as well as National Performance Trial (NPT) testing. This ensures that all varieties are evaluated side by side, fostering greater transparency and comparability. The Ethiopian National Variety Release Committee (NVRC) has made groundbreaking decisions regarding the release and registration of bread wheat and tomato varieties, in alignment with the seed proclamation and the Plant Variety Release and Registration Directive No. 1065/2025. This was made effective with collaboration among key stakeholders in the agricultural ecosystem. Here’s a closer look at what was achieved:
Bread wheat varieties: A Rigorous evaluation process
ESP supported piloting of the new variety registration and release system. Over the past two years (2023 and 2024), Distinctness, uniformity, and stability (DUS) test and national performance trial (NPT) were piloted for the first time in Ethiopia. Given the existing capacity and capability of EAA, the pilot was outsourced to EIAR under the supervision of the Ethiopian Agricultural Authority (EAA). The trials were conducted for three distinct maturity sets-early, medium, and late-ensuring that the varieties were thoroughly assessed for their performance in their specific agro-ecology.
The pilot was implemented following the protocol developed for the testing, a process that underscores the importance of cascading the new law into practice. It also underscores the need for EAA assume its roles and responsibilities as an independent organization to ensure that there will be transparent system of variety release and registration. In this new system, out of 14 bread wheat candidate varieties four outstanding varieties were approved by the NVRC for release and registration, marking the success of the pilot.
Vegetable crops adaptation
In addition to bread wheat, the NVRC also made decisions on the release and registration of three tomato -– varieties for two private seed companies. What sets these crops apart is the involvement of private companies in managing variety adaptation trials by themselves as per the directive 1065/2025 provisions. The technical committee evaluated the performance of these varieties, reflecting a growing trend of public-private partnership in Ethiopia’s seed sector.
This approach underscores the importance of empowering private companies to actively participate in variety testing for registration, as it serves to stimulate greater private sector investment within Ethiopia’s seed industry. Furthermore, there is a greater expectation that this approach will expedite the introduction of improved crop varieties, effectively addressing the needs of both farmers and consumers.
Collaboration: The key to success
Ethiopian Seed Partnership played a key role in this whole process, both technically and financially. However, it was not alone. Many partners played a role for the achievements we have witnessed today, which shows how multi-stakeholder collaboration significantly contribute for achievement of common goals. The public research institutes such as the Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR), Regional Agricultural Research Institutes, and development partners have all played pivotal roles in this journey.
This multi-stakeholder approach has not only strengthened Ethiopia’s variety release and registration system but also laid a strong foundation for future advancements in regulatory services.
Looking ahead
Today’s milestone is more than just a step forward for Ethiopia’s seed sector. It is a leap toward a more resilient, productive, and sustainable seed system. By developing and following a regulatory framework, fostering partnerships, and empowering both public and private actors, Ethiopia is well-positioned to achieve its agricultural transformation goals.
As we celebrate this encouraging achievement, we look forward to seeing the inclusion of other crops in this new system and also look forward to positive impacts these new crop varieties will have on farmers’ livelihoods, food security, and the broader agricultural landscape.
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