CHAPTER I

THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

Introduction Under the Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act No. 7308 (Otherwise known as the Seed Industry Development Act of 1992) and in consonance with the globalization aspect of crop potential and in conformity to the Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act ( AFMA) of the Department of Agriculture, the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) shall have the direct responsibility for the production, distribution, regulation of breeder, foundation and registered seeds, and the implementation of the Program, including but not limited to the management of the existing research stations and seed farms, seed testing laboratories and certification services under a self-reliant management scheme. As such it shall implement, coordinate and monitor the plant nursery accreditation activity as one of its regulatory program. In line with the implementation of Republic Act 7308 and in support to the Medium Term of Agricultural Development Program of the government for commercial crops, Memorandum Circular No. 06, Series of 1994 was amended by Memorandum Circular No. 03, Series of 2006 which is the Accreditation of Plant Nursery Operators and its Nurseries. The objective of this regulatory program is to ensure the production and distribution of quality planting materials of different fruit and plantation crops which are superior varieties and pest and disease free. The accredited plant nursery operators are empowered to produce and distribute the commercial quantity of the said crops. including the source and quantity of scions obtained from government/private foundation/scion grove, mini office (optional). Relative to this program the following policies are being implemented: the Bureau of Plant Industry through the Crop Production Division shall be responsible for the accreditation of nursery operator and its