Policy Statements
01
Policy on Climate change
FICA recognizes the impact of climate change to agriculture and food security, resulting in lower crop productivity, higher pest and disease pressure, stunted growth, delay in harvest and ultimately low farmer income.
To support farmers in addressing climate challenges, FICA collaborates with Research Institutions in undertaking research and development of stress tolerant varieties. We conduct training for smallholder farmers on climate smart crop production such as use of drought tolerant crop varieties, early maturing crop varieties and crop diversification especially by introducing vegetables and legumes that may require less water to grow.
02
Policy on conservation of genetic resources
FICA has established the Genetic Resource Management (GRM) as a function to spearhead the conservation of local and exotic germplasm under its crop portfolio. Through a centralized system, the company preserves its valuable seeds in controlled long term condition. FICA also acquires seeds from genebanks and other sources through formal correspondence to search for potential sources of high impact traits that can be used in developing improved varieties. In a recently executed Memorandum of Understanding with Nature Uganda, FICA commits to contribute to the conservation of crop germplasm by helping Nature Uganda revive old germplasm collection, characterize some accessions that have not yet been documented, conduct conservation-related research and training. FICA also participates in activities organized by the international seed treaty. FICA is committed to working with its research partners, seed dealers, farmers and growers to provide crop varieties with health benefits, robust to withstand the impact of climatic change and to secure a sustainable supply.
03
Policy on Agricultural Biodiversity
Plant Genetic Resources (PGR) are the foundation of plant breeding. FICA believes in and supports the conservation and sustainable use of PGR to ensure biodiversity and enable breeders and researchers to make use of them in developing new crop varieties that respond to farmers’ needs, environmental challenges and market preferences. FICA works with Breeders in Eastern Africa to spearhead the conservation of local varieties that may for now, appear not to be of commercial value. Crops like ground nuts, millet and some OPV maize are maintained by FICA for conservation purposes, not commercial benefits. Ground nut variety red beauty, maize variety Long 4 and some millet varieties are examples of crops maintained by FICA to prevent their disappearance and yet these are heritage crops and local smallholders need to continue growing them culturally.
04
FICA Policy on the use of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOS)
All FICA Seeds products have been developed through the use of conventional plant breeding techniques. All our products are free of any genetically modified organisms. We continue o search for new techniques in conventional plant breeding. We will always strive to further improve the crop farming industry, boost productivity o our farmers and deliver wholesome food to consumers. In relation to this, we feel that we owe it to our stakeholders o be also curious about the possible benefits of GMOs in enhancing agricultural productivity and safeguarding the well-being of the consuming public, farm workers and our natural environment. We commit, however, not to use genetic modification no incorporate genetically modified material in any of our products without clearly communicating this before an eventual introduction to the market.
05
Policy on sustainable intensification of agriculture
To help meet the world’s growing demand for food and nutrition and to improve the productivity of smallholder farmers, FICA focuses on Variety Development of crops that will allow farmers to produce more food from land and labor. We do this by developing new and improved varieties with better yields, ability to thrive in changing conditions and traits that are attractive to consumers. Some of the crops promoted by FICA allow farmers to do more with less by being able to produce year-round, requiring less water than most field crops and harvesting within a shorter time, an example being maize variety MM3 that is extraordinary earl. We also support sustainable intensification by providing knowledge transfer and training on cultivation techniques that will bring more productive and to maximize available resources.