Executives Workshop on Seeds, Seedlings, and Value Chains

Introduction

The Executives Workshop on Seeds, Seedlings, and Value Chains is designed to empower decision-makers with critical knowledge in sustainable agricultural input systems, seed policy frameworks, quality seed production, and inclusive seed value chain development. With a growing demand for food security, climate-smart agriculture, and resilient farming systems, understanding the complete ecosystem of seeds and seedlings is vital for leaders in agribusiness, public institutions, and development sectors.

This workshop offers deep insights into seed systems development, including seed breeding, certification, multiplication, and distribution. Participants will explore how the seed value chain operates, from research and development to commercial markets and farmer access. Special emphasis is placed on seed quality assurance, regulatory frameworks, and integration of digital technologies for traceability and efficiency in seed delivery systems.

Executives will analyze the strategic importance of seedling propagation, agroforestry nurseries, and supply chain models that improve productivity, profitability, and resilience. Through global case studies and interactive sessions, participants will explore opportunities for public-private partnerships, inclusive seed systems, and innovative financing mechanisms to strengthen the seed and seedling value chains.

With an executive lens, this training builds capacity in strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and investment management across the seed sector. By addressing the interlinkages between policy, research, production, and market access, participants will return equipped to design and lead impactful programs that enhance agricultural productivity, farmer livelihoods, and national food security goals.

Course Objectives

1. Understand the full seed and seedling value chain from production to consumption.
2. Analyze the roles of various actors in formal and informal seed systems.
3. Evaluate seed quality assurance, certification, and regulatory frameworks.
4. Examine seed breeding technologies and improved varieties adoption.
5. Develop strategies for efficient seedling propagation and nursery management.
6. Explore investment and financing models in seed value chains.
7. Assess supply chain logistics, storage, and distribution of seeds and seedlings.
8. Integrate ICT and digital tools for seed traceability and value chain efficiency.
9. Design policies that support inclusive, climate-resilient seed systems.
10. Promote public-private partnerships and stakeholder coordination in seed sectors.

Organizational Benefits

1. Enhance leadership capacity in agricultural input systems and value chains.
2. Strengthen institutional frameworks for seed policy and governance.
3. Improve access to high-quality seeds and planting materials.
4. Support development of resilient, climate-smart agriculture programs.
5. Facilitate informed decision-making on seed investment and subsidies.
6. Expand partnerships with private sector actors in seed production and distribution.
7. Encourage innovation in seed systems through technology integration.
8. Increase productivity and profitability across agriculture-based programs.
9. Promote gender-inclusive and smallholder-centered seed initiatives.
10. Build organizational reputation in sustainable agricultural development.

Target Participants

• Agricultural sector executives and policymakers
• Agribusiness CEOs and senior managers
• Program directors and donor representatives
• Heads of cooperatives and seed companies
• Senior officials in ministries of agriculture
• NGOs and development partners in agriculture
• Research institute leaders
• Climate resilience and food security program managers
• Private sector seed and seedling investors
• International development consultan

Course Outline

Module 1: Foundations of Seed and Seedling Value Chains

1. Overview of formal and informal seed systems
2. Classification and types of seeds and seedlings
3. Value chain actors: Breeders, producers, distributors, and farmers
4. Lifecycle of seed: R&D, certification, and commercialization
5. Trends in seed and seedling value chain development
6. Case Study: Seed value chain analysis in East Africa

Module 2: Seed Quality Assurance and Certification Systems

1. Seed laws, policies, and regulatory frameworks
2. National and regional seed certification systems
3. Roles of inspection agencies and seed labs
4. Labeling, standards, and testing procedures
5. Seed fraud, counterfeit detection, and penalties
6. Case Study: Strengthening seed regulation in West Africa

Module 3: Seedling Production and Nursery Management

1. Seedling propagation techniques
2. Nursery design, infrastructure, and operations
3. Plant health, pest control, and quality monitoring
4. Agroforestry and fruit tree nursery development
5. Community-based and decentralized nursery models
6. Case Study: Climate-smart seedling nurseries in Kenya

Module 4: Market Systems and Seed Distribution Networks

1. Market access and demand assessment for seeds
2. Seed pricing, subsidies, and affordability
3. Distribution models: agro-dealers, cooperatives, e-commerce
4. Role of logistics, packaging, and storage infrastructure
5. Last-mile delivery and smallholder access
6. Case Study: E-seed platforms and mobile distribution in Nigeria

Module 5: Financing and Investment in Seed Value Chains

1. Cost-benefit analysis of seed value chains
2. Seed fund mechanisms and private equity models
3. Public-private partnerships and donor support
4. Farmer-based seed enterprise financing
5. Leveraging digital finance for seed enterprises
6. Case Study: Seed capital investment fund for SMEs in Rwanda

Module 6: Innovations, Policy, and Strategic Leadership

1. Role of ICT and digital tools in seed systems
2. Leadership in seed policy and advocacy
3. Strategic planning for seed system strengthening
4. Climate resilience in seed policy and R&D
5. Gender, youth, and inclusive seed programs
6. Case Study: Policy innovation and coordination in Ethiopia

General Information

1. Customized Training: All our courses can be tailored to meet the specific needs of participants.
2. Language Proficiency: Participants should have a good command of the English language.
3. Comprehensive Learning: Our training includes well-structured presentations, practical exercises, web-based tutorials, and collaborative group work. Our facilitators are seasoned experts with over a decade of experience.
4. Certification: Upon successful completion of training, participants will receive a certificate from Foscore Development Center (FDC-K).
5. Training Locations: Training sessions are conducted at Foscore Development Center (FDC-K) centers. We also offer options for in-house and online training, customized to the client's schedule.
6. Flexible Duration: Course durations are adaptable, and content can be adjusted to fit the required number of days.
7. Onsite Training Inclusions: The course fee for onsite training covers facilitation, training materials, two coffee breaks, a buffet lunch, and a Certificate of Successful Completion. Participants are responsible for their travel expenses, airport transfers, visa applications, dinners, health/accident insurance, and personal expenses.
8. Additional Services: Accommodation, pickup services, freight booking, and visa processing arrangements are available upon request at discounted rates.
9. Equipment: Tablets and laptops can be provided to participants at an additional cost.
10. Post-Training Support: We offer one year of free consultation and coaching after the course.
11. Group Discounts: Register as a group of more than two and enjoy a discount ranging from 10% to 50%.
12. Payment Terms: Payment should be made before the commencement of the training or as mutually agreed upon, to the Foscore Development Center account. This ensures better preparation for your training.
13. Contact Us: For any inquiries, please reach out to us at training@fdc-k.org or call us at +254712260031.
14. Website: Visit our website at www.fdc-k.org for more information.