#Agriculture #EuropeanParliament #SeedMarketing #ConservationVarieties #Farmers’Rights #Biodiversity #Regulations #PlantReproductiveMaterial #Euroseeds #AGRI
In a landmark decision, the European Parliament’s Agriculture Committee (AGRI) voted to revise regulations governing the marketing of seeds and plant reproductive material (PRM) within the European Union. The proposed amendments, presented by Italian MEP Herbert Dorfmann and endorsed by AGRI, aim to streamline existing legislation while addressing concerns related to conservation varieties and farmers’ rights.
Under the proposed changes, rules for conservation varieties, which are traditional crops adapted to local conditions, would be relaxed, allowing for easier access, sale, and transfer in small quantities. This move is intended to safeguard biodiversity and support the preservation of traditional crops at risk of displacement by modern varieties.
Furthermore, the amendments seek to clarify the definition of marketing, particularly concerning informal seed exchanges among farmers. While the initial proposal faced criticism for potentially restricting farmers’ rights, the revised version aims to strike a balance by allowing informal exchanges with certain restrictions.
However, concerns remain regarding patents for plants produced through conventional breeding methods and the potential implications for seed security and diversity. Industry stakeholders, including Euroseeds, have expressed reservations about the amendments, calling for alternative proposals to safeguard the interests of plant breeders, seed producers, and farmers.
The European Parliament’s vote on seed marketing rules represents a pivotal moment for the agricultural sector, balancing the need for regulatory clarity with efforts to promote biodiversity and support farmers’ rights. As the debate continues, stakeholders must work collaboratively to address concerns and ensure a sustainable future for Europe’s seed sector.
