In February 2010, the SADC Ministers of Agriculture signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the implementation of the ‘SADC Harmonized Seed Regulatory System’. The Harmonized Seed Regulatory System is a set of rules, standards, procedures, and supporting measures necessary to facilitate the movement of seed (as a commodity) between countries in the region. It establishes commonly agreed regulatory standards, rules, and procedures related to: Seed Variety Release Seed Certification and Quality Assurance Quarantine and Phytosanitary Measures for Seed The SADC HSRS intends to facilitate seed trade in the region and to increase the availability of high-quality seed to farmers by aligning national seed legislation with regional policy, allowing for significantly improved movement of seed across borders and removing technical barriers to trade.