‘SNP Semences Normes et Paysans’, a multi-stakeholder platform for dialogue and consultation between government, agricultural civil society and research too promote recognition of farmers’ seed systems

In Mali, the SNP Semences Normes et Paysans (Stakeholder Platform for Standard and Peasant Seeds) was established in 2017. It is chaired by the Ministry of Agriculture and its members are representatives of the National Assembly, of the Ministry of Agriculture and its technical services, farmer organizations working on peasant seeds, universities and research institutions, as well as supporting NGOs. The platform provides a space for political dialogue between the Malian government and Civil Society Organizations, particularly farmer organizations; its mandate is to promote the recognition of farmers’ seed systems and Farmers' Rights in Mali. The group provided an analysis of the existing legal framework governing seeds, identifying strengths and weaknesses in terms of the implementation of Farmers' Rights. On the basis of this shared diagnosis, the members of the SNP platform were able to develop proposals on how to fill existing gaps, which resulted, inter alia, in a common proposal for a chapter on farmers’ seed systems to be included in the national seed policy, which is currently under review. This example shows that a political dialogue with the real and full participation of farmer organizations can lead to a shared understanding of the issues and to proposals for realizing Farmers' Rights.