Ethiopian Seed Association held its annual general assembly on 7-8th of April 2022 at Desalegn Hotel Addis Ababa. A competitive seed system for farmers’ long-term supply of high-quality seed was the theme of this year’s assembly. In his welcome speech, Mr. Melaku Admasu, the board chairman, discussed the status of the association, its accomplishments, and the issues facing the private sector in the Ethiopian seed sector. In his opening remarks, Mr. Germame Garuma, the Ministry of Agriculture’s acting state minister of agriculture, acknowledged the association’s efforts in facilitating such forums. He highlighted that the ministry is dedicated to strengthening the institution, but that it will take a coordinated effort to do so.
Meeting participants discussed in groups on members demand from the association and how to strengthen the association to deliver its promise. The major issues discussed during the meeting were access to finance for seed businesses, the lack of a clear seed policy, the unfair allocation of EGS to private seed enterprises, and the requirement of land ownership to obtain a seed business license are among the main issues raised by participants. To alleviate these challenges participants recommended members should be committed to do what is expected of them. Partner projects like Ethiopian Netherlands Seed Partnership and AGRA expressed their will to support strengthening of the association. It has been suggested strengthening the association needs a coordinated effort and those initiatives need to be aligned. To achieve this he association should take the lead, focus on these issues and facilitate their resolution.
Then the association members discussed on internal issues, audit report of the association presented, discussed and approved. Participants also elected new board members, with that the meeting was ended.
ENSP - Ethiopia-Netherlands Seed Partnership 
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