Shortages in the supply of quality early generation seed (EGS) of new and improved varieties, particularly of dryland cereals and legumes is a major challenge because of the business models.This triggers the following questions: what EGS business models would sustainably avail quality parent seed? To investigate this, we documented 16 EGS interventions. We found that pre-securing seed market ahead of production played important role in the successful seed business. Taking different forms (e.g., pre-orders, demand forecasting, pre-aggregation of demand, joint planning,contractual agreement), it brings confidence to EGS producers to continuously invest in the business and make it profitable. For sustainable EGS production and supply in sub-Saharan Africa, we advocate for marketassurance in advance. Two guiding principles are also suggested and four recommendationsformulated.

Seeds are the vehicle for delivering the improvements in a crop to the farmer’s field. They are therefore a critical input in agricultural production. Seeds are also unique in that they must remain alive and healthy when they are used and that they are also the input that farmers can produce by themselves. Module 5 Seed Marketing, this module presents the underlying principles for valuing and exchanging seeds. This module describes all the activities which are undertaken in getting seeds from the producers to the end-users or farmers. The reader is provided guidance on how to conduct relevant research of the market for seeds, develop effective marketing strategies, articulate a marketing plan and manage the associated risks.

Community seed banks first appeared towards the end of the 1980s, established with the support of international and national non-governmental organizations. This book is the first to provide a global review of their development and includes a wide range of case studies. Countries that pioneered various types of community seed banks include Bangladesh, Brazil, Ethiopia, India, Nepal, Nicaragua, the Philippines and Zimbabwe. In the North, a particular type of community seed bank emerged known as a seed-savers network. Such networks were first established in Australia, Canada, the UK and the USA before spreading to other countries. Over time, the number and diversity of seed banks has grown. In Nepal, for example, there are now more than 100 self-described community seed banks whose functions range from pure conservation to commercial seed production. In Brazil, community seed banks operate in various regions of the country. Surprisingly, despite 25 years of history and the rapid growth in number, organizational diversity and geographical coverage of community seed banks, recognition of their roles and contributions has remained scanty. The book reviews their history, evolution, experiences, successes and failures (and reasons why), challenges and prospects. It fills a significant gap in the literature on agricultural biodiversity and conservation, and their contribution to food sovereignty and security.

Seed production and marketing; Improving varieties by modern methods of breeding; The work of crop-improvement associations and cooperative seed distributing agencies; Special cultural preactices and equipment necessary in growing good seed; Growing and marketing seed corn; Producing small grains for seed; Producing seed of the clovers; Producing alfalfa seed; Kentucky bluegrass-seed production and marketing; The production of seed of timothy, redtop and other grasses; Cotton seed production; Growing and marketing seed potatoes; Producing seed of field beans, soybeans, cowpeas and vetch; Growing seed of cucumbers, melons, pumpkins and squashes; Growing seed of the crucifers (Cabbage, Cauliflower, Kohlrabi, Brussels sprouts, kale, Collards, Turnip, Rutabaga, Radish, chinese cabbage, cress, horse radish and sea kale; Growing seed of solanaceous vegetables tomato, pepper, egg pant, husk tomato or ground cherry, wonderberry, tobacco; Growing seed of garden and canning beans and peas; Producing seeds of garden beet and sugar beets, swiss chard and spinach; Growing seed of carrots, parsnip, celery; parsley and other umbelliferous plants; Growing seed and sets of onion, leek, garlic, shallot, ciboul or welch onion, chives; Growing seed of lettuce, endive, chicory, salsify, artichoke; Growing seed of asparagus, okra, rhubarb; Where the nation's seed is produced.