MEETING THE NEED FOR HERBAGE SEEDS IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
The need for forage seeds in developing counties is very variable and is usually linked to forage research and development. For many species, demand remains limited to few well-known cultivars developed during the 1960s. Uncertain demand, which causes a high degree of risk to seed producers and sellers, has reduced investment in a more formal distribution seed system for herbage seeds in most developing countries. This has led to lack of seeds of new varieties and species and promotion of an informal integrated community-based seed supply system to fill the gap. However, new species are now available and farmers are adopting forages and demanding planting material. This paper reviews the current situation and future prospects for seed supply in developing countries.