ABSTRACT
Community management of plant genetic resources (PGR) operates through the use of seed and planting material by the farming communities. Apart from being carriers of genetic diversity, which makes seed (in its generic term, also covering other forms of reproductive material) the subject of biodiversity policies, seed has functions that relate it to other policy arenas. Seed is a primary input in any crop production system and a primary determinant of inherent values, such as product quality, yield potential and yield stability, and as such is the target of agricultural policies relating to food security and agricultural development. Seed is also a commodity that is consequently addressed by trade policies. The values and information embedded in seed are subject to innovations that are determined by prevalent innovation policies.
