FiBL - Challenges and solutions in implementing the EU organic regulation for organic seeds

Date:08-12-2024

The implementation of the new EU Organic Regulation, which came into force in January 2022, presents challenges for Member States, particularly concerning databases, Category-I-crops and seed derogations. FiBL Germany is leading a work package in the LiveSeeding project that promotes transparency and harmonisation through cross-country exchange and best-practice-sharing to strengthen the production and use of organic seed in Europe.

The use of organically produced seed in organic farming is regulated in EU Organic Regulation 2018/848. From 31. December 2036, no more derogations for the use of non-organic seed will be permitted. There are major differences between countries in the development of the organic seed market and the implementation of the organic regulation. In particular, the practice of derogations varies, which affects the production and use of organic seed and can lead to an uneven playing field.

The LiveSeeding project, a Horizon Europe project, aims to promote transparency and harmonisation within the EU to jointly achieve the long-term goal of 100 per cent organic seed. Various events are organised to strengthen cooperation and exchange within a European network. LiveSeeding started in October 2022 and will run for four years.

Transparency and harmonisation

A meeting was held at the end of May, attended by stakeholders from numerous EU countries. The different derogation practices and the categorisation of crop as Category I, for which derogations are no longer possible, were discussed. For example, a country's decision to categorise a species as Category I can affect the supply of organic seeds in other countries. Another event followed in early July and focussed on difficulties and solutions in the implementation of availability databases for organic plant reproductive material as required by the regulation. These meetings marked the start of a regular exchange in a European network. The sharing of best practices and the discussion of national challenges are intended to create a more level playing field. The meetings also served to identify further national challenges and collect topics for future meetings.