Organic seed in the Nordic countries
| Archived at http://orgprints.org/00001031 |
Edited by Anders Borgen
(DK), Ann-Marie Dock Gustavsson (S), Juha Kieksi (F), Torgun Johnsen (N), Ragni
Andersson (S) and Rasmus Ørnberg Eriksen (DK)
CONTENT 2
INTRODUCTION 4
SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS 5
BACKGROUND 7
OBJECTIVES 8
STATE OF AFFAIRS FOR ORGANIC SEED PRODUCTION
IN THE NORDIC COUNTRIES 8
DENMARK.....................................................................................................................8
SWEDEN......................................................................................................................12
NORWAY.....................................................................................................................15
FINLAND (EXCEPT ALAND
ISLANDS)..................................................................16
DISCUSSION 17
DATABASE…………………………………………………………………………………………………18
SEED
HEALTH.............................................................................................................................................19
PRODUCTION OF SEED
POTATOES........................................................................................................20
VEGETABLES..............................................................................................................................................21
PRODUCTION OF ORGANIC SEED ON CONVERSION
AREAS?.........................................................21
ORGANIC OR NON-ORGANIC SEED AND VEGETATIVE MATERIALS FOR
PROPAGATION......22
VARIETY TESTING AND TRANS-NATIONAL TRADE OF
SEED........................................................23
LEGAL STATUS OF PARTLY ORGANIC SEED
MIXTURES.................................................................24
OTHER QUALITY
ASPECTS......................................................................................................................25
POSSIBLE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT IN BALTIC
COUNTRIES...........................................................25
REFERENCES 26
APPENDIX 1: PRODUCTION AND SUPPLY OF ORGANIC SEED IN
THE NORDIC COUNTRIES 27
DENMARK:
PRODUCTION AND SUPPLY OF DEREALS AND LEGUMES IN DENMARK...........…27
SWEDEN: PRODUCTION OF ORGANIC CEREAL SEED IN SWEDEN 1999-2002
(AREA BASIS).…31
FINLAND: ORGANIC SEED PRODUCTION 1996-2001 (AREA
BASIS).............................................…34
NORWAY PRODUCTION OF ORGANIC SEEDS IN NORWAY 1999-2002 (AREA
BASIS)............….36
APPENDIX 2: THRESHOLDS FOR SEED BORNE DISEASES 38
APPENDIX 3: CONCEPT DEFINITIONS AND NAMES OF SEED BORNE
DISEASES 40
APPENDIX 4: ADDRESSES 47
DENMARK...................................................................................................................................................47
SWEDEN.......................................................................................................................................................47
NORWAY.....................................................................................................................................................48
FINLAND.....................................................................................................................................................48
APPENDIX 5: MINUTES FROM THE WORKSHOP ON ORGANIC SEED
HELD IN COPENHAGEN 17/1 – 2002 51
APPENDIX 6: ARTICLE 6 IN: COUNCIL REGULATION (EEC) NO 2092/91
OF 24 JUNE 1991 ON ORGANIC PRODUCTION OF AGRICULTURAL
PRODUCTS AND INDICATIONS REFERRING THERETO ON
AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS AND FOODSTUFFS, 55
This report
concerns the development of the production of organic seed in organic farming
in Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden. The project started in spring 2001 and
was completed in autumn 2002. The project was executed by Ann-Marie Dock
Gustavsson (project leader, The Swedish Board of Agriculture), Anders Borgen
(project secretary, Scanagri, Denmark), Torgun Johnsen (Norwegian Agricultural
Inspection Service), Juha Kieksi (Plant Protection Inspection Centre, Finland),
Ragni Andersson (The Swedish Board of Agriculture) and Rasmus Ørnberg Eriksen
(The Danish Plant Directorate). Several other persons have been involved in the
work.
In January
2002 a workshop was arranged in Copenhagen. Minutes from the workshop and a
list of participants are given in Appendix 5.
Iceland,
Greenland, Faeroe Islands (Færøerne) and Aland Islands (Åland) have not taken
part in this project, but we hope the report shall be of interest to all Nordic
countries and regions. The editors of this report have continuously had contact
with reference groups or/and persons in their countries.
This report
deals with production and use of organic seed in Denmark, Finland, Norway and
Sweden. The seed dealt with are “cereals and pulses”, “clover and grasses”,
“other fodder crops”, potatoes and to some extent oil seed, sugar beets,
vegetables and vegetative propagating material. Vegetative plant material, e.g.
fruit trees, is not included in this report.
The Nordic
countries have each formulated goals for the development of organic production.
When organic seed is required, it must be possible to produce healthy organic
seed within organic farming. Production of healthy organic seed claims both
indirect and direct methods to control pests and the Nordic countries have
already been partly successful in developing methods for producing healthy
organic seed. Biological and technological knowledge in producing healthy
organic seed can be a competitive advantage for organic food production in the
Nordic countries.
The Nordic
countries can be divided in different climatic regions. A locally adapted
variety in Denmark can also be adapted for the southern part of Sweden. Norway
and Finland can develop varieties suitable for the northern part of Sweden, and
vice versa. As natural/geographical boundaries are not the same as national
borders, the work with development of organic seed is Inter-Nordic and
international by nature. Sustainable use of national resources, such as arable
land, calls for international cooperation. Inter-Nordic cooperation in
production of organic seed ought to increase the availability of adapted
varieties for different regions in the Nordic countries.
Production
of organic seed is developing and increasing in the Nordic countries (Appendix
1). Harmonized regulations are essential for the development of this market.
There is a need for special actions to promote an increased production of
organic seed of some crops, especially potatoes and sugar beets. There is also
a need for special actions in order to reduce the number of rejected organic
seed lots to a minimum and thereby reducing the area needed for production of
organic seed. The project group from the Nordic countries recommends:
1. Availability and suitability
the possibility to grant derogations according to
the Council Regulation 2092/91 to use non-organic seed in case or shortage of
organic seed should be prolonged if:
1)
–
there is no variety within the desired species on the market.
2)
– the
varieties available in the area do not fit the purpose of production.
3)
–
there is seed of an appropriate variety registered, BUT the company does not
deliver to the area of the user.
4)
– the
seed available is infected/contaminated with seed borne diseases above the
recommended threshold levels in the area of production.
WE SUGGESTS:
2. Database
all competent authorities for organic agriculture
make or have some one else make an updated national list of available seed lots
in the country in a database.
3. Propagation
organic seed should be used whenever available in
relevant variety and generation of multiplication, i.e. organic seed shall be
preferred also for seed propagation.
4. Seed health thresholds
national quality criteria
including criteria for seed health for untreated seed relevant for different
regions and crops should be defined. Organic seed shall be preferred only, if
organic seed meeting these standards are available.
public funds should be allocated for trials to define thresholds for
such health standards.
each country should use harmonised seed health testing methods such as
ISTA-rules.
5.
Variety
testing
field trials relevant for recommendation of
varieties for organic farming must be planned in cooperation with neighbouring
regions (or/and countries) in order to improve the possibility to select
varieties marketable in more than one country or region.
The seed producers select varieties able to be marketed in neighbouring
regions in cases where there is a risk of overproduction in one region. This
will improve the possibility to supply neighbouring regions.
6. Potatoes
focus is put on potato production by intensified
advisory services, research and derogation practice not allowing the use
of non-organic seed potatoes if organic seed potatoes of the same or an equal
variety are available. We recommend that exemptions to use non-organic seed
potatoes are administered on a species level unless for special purposes (e.g.
starch production, early production for consumption).
7. Vegetables
there is an intensified communication between seed
companies, organic advisors, researchers and organic vegetable producers in
order to ensure that the seed, produced by the seed producers, actually reflects
the variety and quality requirements demanded by the users.
8. non-organic seed treated with
pesticides
the possibility to use seed treated with pesticides
not listed in Annex IIb shall not be prolonged in the Council Regulation (EEC)
No 2092/91.
The ”Council Regulation (EEC) No
2092/91 of 24 June 1991 on organic production of agricultural products and
indications referring thereto on agricultural products and foodstuffs”
(Appendix 6) apply in all Nordic countries. This regulation states that seed
used for organic production must be produced according to the organic standards
(Article 6.1c). If such seed is not available, the competent authority in a
member state may allow untreated seed to be used until 31 December 2003 (Article 6.3a). If untreated
seed is not available, seed treated with pesticides can be used until December
2003 (Article 6.3a). It is up to the competent authority to interpret the
concept of ‘availability’, and this has been done differently in the different
Nordic countries.
Organically produced seed will
normally be more expensive than non-organic seed. The organic farmer therefore
has an economical advantage in buying non-organic seed, and organic seed will
often be rejected if the organic farmer is free to use non-organic seed. For
reasons described later in this report, the production of organic seed is not
too profitable. Organic seed may therefore not be produced if the seed
companies are not sure to be able to sell the seed with a surplus price needed
to cover the expenses of the organic production.
The rules for the production and
marketing of seed and other propagating plant materials in the EU are governed
by the Council Directives on the marketing of seed and propagating material*.
These directives are implemented into national legislation. This legislation
sets the minimum requirements on the quality of the seed, and states that the
seed must fulfil these minimum requirements in order to be certified and
subsequently marketed. Only officially certified seed can be marketed. The
minimum requirements include germination capacity, purity and the absence of a
few seed-borne diseases. The national requirements for certification of seed
material vary from country to country, but the requirement stated in the
Council Directive sets the minimum demands for import of seed from other
countries.
Regarding seed borne diseases, the
legislation sets minimum threshold values for a few diseases such as ergot (Claviceps purpurea). For most diseases
the Council Directive states that “Harmful organisms, which reduce the
usefulness of the seed shall be at the lowest possible level”. The Member
States may in their national seed legislation impose stricter disease
thresholds on seed produced in their own territory, as well as other stricter
quality requirements, when implementing the Directives. In addition to the
standards set in the legislation there are some national recommendations, which
differ from country to country (Appendix 2).
* The basic legislation on the marketing of seeds and propagating
materials are the following
Council Directives; 66/401/EEC on the
marketing of fodder plant seed, 66/402/EEC on the marketing of cereal seed,
68/193/EEC on the marketing of material for the vegetative propagation of the
vine, 92/33/EEC on the marketing of vegetable propagating and planting material
other than seed, 92/34/EEC on the marketing of propagating and planting
material of fruit plants, 98/56/EC on the marketing of propagating material of
ornamental plants, 2002/54/EC on the marketing of beet seed, 2002/55/EC on the
marketing of vegetable seed, 2002/56/EC on the marketing of seed potatoes and
2002/57/EC on the marketing of seed of oil and fibre. In addition there also is
the Council Directive 1999/105/EC on the marketing of forest reproductive
material.
In addition to these quality
requirements each variety must be officially approved by being listed on a
National Catalogue of Plant Varieties or in the Common Catalogue of Plant
Varieties before marketing of the seed.
From 1 January 2004, the competent
authorities in the Member States can no longer allow the organic farmers to use
non-organic seed in cases of shortage of organic seed with a general
national derogation. However, derogation may be possible also after 31 December
2003.
According to Article 6.4 in Council
Regulation (EEC) No 2092/91 the Commission will review the requirements for
seed and other propagating material in the Regulation, at the latest by 31
December 2002. In the light of this review the Commission may submit proposals
for amending the regulation within this area.
The aim of
this project is to give an overview of the rules for production of organic seed
in the Nordic countries including the general certification rules for seed, and
to describe the production of organic seed in the Nordic countries. The aim is
also to formulate recommendations to facilitate production and availability of
appropriate seed, i.e. healthy seed of adapted varieties, in the Nordic
countries.
The aim of
this report is to contribute to an Inter-Nordic discussion among the relevant
stakeholders in order to optimise the production and use of high quality
organic seed in the Nordic countries, and to deliver inputs for the revision of
the regulation of organic production. In this way we hope to contribute to
secure availability of healthy organic seed of adapted varieties for organic
farming in the Nordic countries.
The Plant Directorate under the
Ministry of Agriculture has been the only official inspection and certification
authority of organic production in Denmark since 1987. Økologisk Landsforening
(former Landsforeningen Økologisk Jordbrug (LØJ)) and Demeterforbundet has
carried out supplementary private inspection and unauthorised certification
with additional standards. However, concerning the regulation of the
requirement of organic seed there has been no differences between the private
and the state inspections and certification. Therefore only the state
certification and inspection of organic production will be covered in this
chapter.
Since the first law on organic
agriculture in Denmark in 1987, organic farmers have been requested to use
organic seed if these were available. The inspectors have administrated
according to this request and controlled the seed bags and bills in comparison
to knowledge about marketed organic seed.
In the Danish inspection of organic
production it has been a tradition to focus on what is controllable. The
request of organic seed and definition of availability has therefore been
controlled by the date of (ordering and) delivery, since the date of sowing in
practice cannot be controlled by the inspectors. Consequently, in the
beginning, the Plant Directorate made lists on organic seed, which were
available in Denmark, and these lists were sent to the organic farmers. If a
seed lot was sold out or new seed lots were made available, an updated list was
made. When controlling the date of delivery, the inspectors could see if
non-organic seed were delivered at a time, where organic seed of this species
were available. Non-organic seed can only be bought in periods where organic
seed is not available. It is not permitted to store non-organic seed to be used
in a following season.
During the 1990s the production of organic seed increased,
and the updating of the list of organic seed became more frequent. It was
therefore no longer possible to update the list and send it to all farmers, as
this would be very time-consuming and expensive. In 1998 the list was therefore
no longer sent to the farmers by every update, but instead the list was put on
the Internet
(http://www.lr.dk/planteavl/informationsserier/oekologiskudsaed/master.htm).
The farmers´ advisory service was updating the list, since they had already the
relevant network with the seed companies, farmers and inspection body.
Now, if a seed company does not
inform the advisory service about an organic seed lot, it will not be put on
the list, and the farmers do therefore not have to buy this organic seed, but
can buy non-organic seed, as long as he does not have knowledge about an
organic seed lot outside the list. The seed companies therefore have an
interest in informing what they want to market, since they are not likely to be
able to sell their organic seed if it is not on the list. The list is updated
within the relevant sowing periods for each species. Ordering non-organic seed
outside these periods or use of non-organic seed in the periods if appropriate
organic seed is available, always needs an individual exemption based on
written application.
In the
Council Regulation (EEC) No 2092/91, the administration of the use of seed is
regulated on a variety level. This means that the farmer is in principle only
obliged to use organic seed if the same variety is available in organic
quality. If the farmer uses another variety, he is in principle free to use
non-organic seed. However, for cereals, legumes and ley Denmark has
administrated the regulation in a way that non-organic seed could be used only
if the same kind of variety was not available in organic quality, i.e.
varieties with equivalent characteristics. A farmer can therefore only use
non-organic seed if he can demonstrate that the organic seed available are not
appropriate for the purpose. Now, this has been formalized by a list of
appropriate varieties. The content of this list is basically the same as the
Danish National Catalogue of Plant Varieties, but other varieties can be
incorporated as well if they are tested in Denmark or in a similar climatic
region by an independent authority showing yield or other important characters
not below the standard of the list (http://www.pdir.dk/medd_eks/okv3_00.htm).
Production of organic cereal seed
started in 1990 by Carl Rasmussen a/s and Per Grupe (now Mørdrupgård Korn).
Since then the production has increased almost every year and more companies
have included organic seed in their programs. In the beginning the major problem
for the production was to find farmers willing to produce seed. Since there are
many dairy cows in Denmark, the demand for fodder is huge, and the organic
cereal prices relatively high. Many farmers therefore considered it to be more
profitable to produce cereals for fodder or consumption than for seed purpose.
For the last couple of years the surplus price for the production of cereal
seed has been about 50 Dkr/hkg on top of the organic price for the crop, which
is about 160-200 Dkr/hkg. With this surplus price it has been profitable for
farmers to produce seed for propagation, if the crop is approved.
In 1990 several biodynamic farmers
using home saved seed had an outbreak of stinking smut (Tilletia caries), which put focus on the risk of seed borne diseases
in organic cereals. Since then, the advisory service has intensively
recommended to assess all organic seed lots for seed borne diseases, and most
companies have done so. However, no laws or standards require assessment, and
some times organic or untreated non-organic seed have been marketed for the
organic farmers without assessment, or being marketed even though the
assessment showed unacceptable infection by pathogens. In 2000 the organic
farmers and the organic seed companies made an agreement that only seed lots,
which by a seed analysis have shown acceptable levels of seed pathogens, will
be put on the official seed list for organic seed. The farmers therefore do not
have to buy organic seed, if these are infected by seed pathogens above the agreed
threshold levels.
The seed borne diseases relevant for
cereals and pulses and the agreed threshold values are listed in Appendix 2.
The scientific base for these values is limited. A research project running
until 2005 funded by FØJO will examine the threshold levels.
The control of seed borne diseases
in Denmark is based exclusively on discarding infected seed lots. The
environmental authority in Denmark has not yet approved any biological seed
treatments (e.g. Cedomon). This means that a huge proportion of the propagated
seed is discarded.
The production of organic cereal
seed and estimated cover of the demand is shown in Appendix 1, which indicates
that production is increasing, and that the production for the cropping season
2001-2002 can meet the demand in several crops. There is no tradition in
Denmark to save cereal seed from season to season, and the figures therefore
cover the actual supply.
Biodiversity is a key issue in
organic farming, and the use of variety mixtures is an obvious tool in organic
farming. However, the use of variety mixtures has been impeded by the rules for
seed certification, which require that only certain varieties can be mixed. A
minimum of three varieties shall be included, and the varieties must be equal
in straw length, maturation, etc. In the case of organic farming, the seed
companies often only have few varieties, and if they include several varieties
in their programme, they will normally be different in order to cover different
demands from the market. In 2001 the supply of organic cereals reached a level,
where one company (DLG) could market a variety mixture.
Denmark has a huge non-organic grass
seed production, and for the last five years these companies have also been
involved in organic production. The companies will start exporting organic seed
once the domestic market is covered. This will probably be relevant for
perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne)
and red clover (Trifolium pratense).
Most grass and clover seed in modern
agriculture is sold as mixtures. Not all ingredients are available as organic
quality and it is a huge problem for the farmers if they shall make the
mixtures themselves, based on which species and varieties are available in organic
quality. It has therefore been allowed to produce mixtures including seed which
is both organic and non-organic. Hence, it is allowed to produce and market
mixtures for the organic farmers with non-organic ingredients in Denmark if
organic seed of the relevant species is not available. There is a deadline 15th
January for the information of organic seed. The mixtures may be sold with
non-organic ingredients at a later time and they are produced in small
quantities. When these mixtures are sold out or new organic seed becomes
available, a new mixture is produced. The proposals for the first mixtures are
made in the beginning of January on basis of the organic seed available at that
time. The specific mixtures are marketed all over Denmark as A-mixtures, and
organic farmers are not allowed to use the same kind of mixture with a higher
content of non-organic ingredients as long as the A-mixture is still available.
If this is all sold, B-mixtures will be produced. This will normally contain
less organic ingredients.
The main technical problem in
organic ley production has been the clover beetles (Apion spp.).
Especially the production of white clover seed (Trifolium repens) suffers because of this pest. Several research
projects are focusing on this aspect. Ley seed production is more risky than
the production of cereals and fodder and the conversion to seed production
needs expertise and in some cases investment in new machinery. Even though seed
prices are relatively good, the willingness of the farmers to produce seed is a
bottleneck for increasing the production of many crops.
Organic maize seed is imported.
Organic beet seed for fodder and sugar production are not produced or imported
into Denmark. Hence non-organic seed is used instead. The non-organic seed is
produced in the south of Europe.
Potatoes
In Denmark the production of organic
seed potatoes started about 10 years ago, and for the past eight years the
market for the common varieties has been covered, and non-organic seed potatoes
has generally not been used.
The major problem in organic potato
production is late blight (Phytophthora infestans), which can be
transmitted by seed potatoes. The main treatment in order to reduce crop damage
from attacks of late blight has been removal of the canopy when the first
symptoms are observed. This practice prevents spreading of the disease to other
plants and to the tubers. Also selection of early varieties with ability to
produce a reasonable tuber size before late blight develops, and
pre-germination of tubers are frequently used as control measures in order to
prevent epidemics. Potassium-olat (in the product Zence used also as insect
soap) is used in some Nordic countries to minimize late blight, but this
product is not approved by the environmental authorities in Denmark and can
therefore not be used here.
The non-organic practice of spraying
with fungicides reduces the epidemic of late blight, but will not totally
prevent infection of the tubers. Organic seed potatoes may therefore be less
infected by late blight, but this has never been investigated. In recent years
the late blight epidemics have started earlier than before, likely because
epidemics start from oospores resting in the soil.
The seed health regulation sets a
limit of 1% tubers visually infected by late blight. This limit does not
prevent the start of an epidemic of late blight.
In non-organic seed potatoes
production, viruses are controlled by the control of aphids with insecticides.
In organic production these diseases are controlled by early harvest.
Danish organic seed potato producers
believe that they can increase production and thereby supply the neighbouring
countries with organic seed potatoes.
Companies operating internationally
dominate the market for vegetable seed. There is therefore no direct national
link between production and consumption. Seed being produced in Denmark may be
sold abroad, and most organic vegetable seed sold in Denmark is produced
elsewhere. Major crops in Denmark are onions and carrots.
Most crops (species) are available
in organic quality, but often farmers prefer special varieties, which are not
available organically. The Plant Directorate accepts that farmers use
non-organic seed if there are no appropriate variety available within the
species and if the specific variety is not available as organic seed.
Onions are normally grown directly
from seed or from transplanted seed onions. The production of organic seed
onion started in 1990 and since 1995 the organic production has covered the
demand and there has been no use of non-organic seed onion except for
individual exemptions.
Vegetative propagating materials of
some species are available in organic quality.
A few companies produce trees for
organic forestry and orchards. The production is based on non-organic seed sown
and grown in organic certified soils in fields or pots.
The Swedish Board of Agriculture
(Jordbruksverket) regulates the organic sector in Sweden, with KRAV and
Demeterförbundet as the inspecting and certifying bodies. Farmers who receive
the environmental subsidy for organic farming have to be controlled by KRAV or
Demeterförbundet if they want to market their products as organic. The seed
control and certification is carried out by the Swedish Seed Testing and
Certification Institute (Statens Utsädeskontroll, SUK).
For all organic farmers, organic
seed must be used if available on the market. The Swedish Board of Agriculture
makes lists of species where organic seed is available and the requirement
therefore is relevant. This list is updated at least once in every sowing
season. To be put on the list of cereals, the seed producers have to inform the
Swedish Board of Agriculture. The Swedish Board of Agriculture has established
reference-groups on organic seed production for four branches; cereals and
pulses, vegetables, potatoes and “other crops” i.e. oilseed, grass/clover and
sugar beets. These reference groups include seed producers, seed consumers,
control bodies and authorities. In these groups agreements on the state of
affairs are discussed. The fourth group, “other crops”, has during 2002
concentrated their discussions on production and mixtures of ley seed (clover
and grass).
Whether the farmers have to use
organic seed or not is regulated by the date of sowing. Non-organic seed may
therefore be bought at any time, but only used in periods where organic seed is
not available. The organic farmers in Sweden are requested to register all
actions in the field including date of sowing.
It is not
possible to produce organic seed on fields in conversion to organic production,
but it is possible to sow a crop on a field in conversion, if the seed is
harvested after the conversion is completed. KRAV, the largest certifying and
inspecting body in Sweden, allows also harvest of organic seed on fields not
finally converted.
Organic seed of most cereals is
produced, but quantities have so far been insufficient to supply the market.
However, production is increasing every year and spring wheat, winter wheat,
triticale and winter rye are today produced in nearly sufficient quantities.
In addition to the thresholds for
infection by seed borne diseases set in the legislation, the Swedish Seed Testing and Certification
Institute (SUK) has made recommendations for the maximum level of infection by
some seed borne pathogens. The recommendations are mandatory, and are listed in
Appendix 2. If a seed lot is exceeding the threshold levels the seed of some
species may be treated with Cedomon (a biological seed-treatment product named
after the soil bacteria species Pseudomonas chlororaphis). About 50% of
the organic spring cereals are treated with Cedomon.
The organic seed production of
clover and grass from 1999-2001 is given in Appendix 1. Even though the organic
ley seed production has increased during this period the ley seed has not yet
reached the market as seed from a single variety as ley seed normally is used
and sold in mixtures. So far there has not been enough supply of organic ley
seed of any of the species or varieties used for such mixtures. According to
Council Regulation (EEC) No 2092/91 (Art. 5.10) an organic ingredient
must not be present together with the same ingredient from non-organic farming,
in a product bearing indications referring to organic farming. For the moment
the Swedish Board of Agriculture discusses the possibility of making ley seed
mixtures with organic and non-organic ingredients. It would then be allowed to
mix organic red clover seed with non-organic timothy seed in a ley seed mixture
for the market. An ingredient could be defined on variety level. It would then
even be possible to mix organic seed of one red clover variety with non-organic
seed of another red clover variety. A working group at the Swedish Board of
Agriculture is working with a voluntary system of regulating organic ley seed
mixtures to facilitate the marketing and use of organically produced ley seed.
Seed companies usually produce the
seed mixtures in large amounts. Since most farmers prefer to buy mixtures ready
for sowing, a clear regulation of how these mixtures may be composed must be
formulated. This is especially important in a situation with a lack of seed.
Another important discussion is how the mixtures should be composed both on
species and variety level.
There are two main problems in the
production of organic seed potato in Sweden. The first problem is late blight (Phytophthora
infestans). Especially in the southern part of Sweden the problems with
late blight have increased due to several reasons. Late blight is not only a
problem for the organic seed potato producer; it is also a main problem
for the producer of organic potatoes for consumption. There are today less than
1000 ha of organic potato production in Sweden and 30-40 ha of organic potatoes
for starch production. The production of organic seed potatoes has decreased
but will increase again during 2003.
The other main problem is that there
are big differences between different varieties of potatoes. The consumer also
has different demands on a variety. For this reason, the derogation has been on
variety level which gives marketing problems for the producers of organic
potato seed. In Appendix 1 the small and decreasing production of organic seed
of potatoes is shown.
As in other countries, companies
operating internationally dominate the market for vegetable seed. There is no
direct national link between production and consumption. There are big
differences between varieties, and the opinion of the Swedish organic growers
is that it should be possible to give derogations on variety level, if needed.
An investigation among consumers and
producers of vegetable seed during 2000 (Ängmo, 2000) showed that there is a
general insecurity towards the possibilities of providing the producers with
organic seed already in 2004. The general plan is to continue the search for
better varieties for the market of organic seed. The investigation shows that
it is the producer’s own experiences that decides the choice of variety. The
most important quality aspect of a variety is taste and output. F1 hybrids are
preferred to the older open pollinated varieties by most organic growers.
Vegetative propagating
materials
There is one gardener in Sweden who
produces organic vegetative propagating materials of some varieties of wild
strawberry (Fragaria vesca), raspberry and black current. The problem is
that there is hardly anyone buying these plants, so the producer is planning to
cease his production of organic vegetative propagating materials. Until 2001 he
produced enough plants of organic vegetative propagating materials of
strawberries (seven varieties) but this production is finished. The reason is
that there were too few buyers of the material.
2001 was the first year that organic
seed of oil seed rape was produced in Sweden. One single variety of winter oil
seed rape was produced 2001 (Nepal, 12 ha). However, the company decided not to
market the seed. Production of oil seed does not need much area, but there is
no production of organic oil seed in Sweden during 2002.
Organic seed is not produced for
other species of agricultural crops such as sugar beet, even though there is an
organic line in the production of sugar.
As in Denmark non-organic beet seed is used.
Even standing outside the European
Union, the Council Regulation (EEC) No 2092/91 on organic production applies in
Norway through the EEA-agreement (European Economic Area). Norwegian
Agriculture Inspection Service (Landbrukstilsynet) is the competent authority
and DEBIO is authorised as the only inspection and certification body in
Norway.
Based on the limited supply of organic seed in Norway, the
Ministry of Agriculture has until now given a general derogation for the use of
non-organic untreated seed. In 2001 the Norwegian Agriculture Inspection
Service established directions for use of non-organic propagating material when
organic seed is not available. Before use of non-organic seed, the farmer has
to ask the company if organic seed is available or if the company can get hold
of such seed. If the farmer has used non-organic seed, he has to get a
confirmation from the company that organic seed were not possible to get hold
on. The control body, Debio, will check this confirmation at the yearly
inspection.
In 2001 Norwegian Agriculture
Inspection Service appointed a committee that shall give advise of which
species and varieties should be produced in Norway to cover the demand of organic
produced seed. This committee has had special meetings during 2002
concentrating on cereals, potatoes and ley seed respectively and is also
planning a meeting on vegetative propagating material. This committee will aim
at formulating advices or manuals for organic seed production. The committee
shall also follow the supply and the demand of organic seed and propose
measures to improve the supply of organic seed if necessary.
Some organic spring cereal seed
(barley, wheat, oats) was produced in 2001. The seed companies also have
organic winter rye for sale (produced in 2000). Organic spring barley seed were
produced in 2000, but because of low germination caused by Fusarium spp it could not be used.
Production of organic grass seed
started in 1998. The marketing of organic seed has been difficult since organic
seed is expensive, and suffers in competition with non-organic seed. This
situation changed in 2001 when the farmers were forced to ask for and buy
organic seed if it was available. In 2001 there has been some seed production
of timothy, meadow fescue, red clover and alsike clover. In an “organic
mixture” of ley seed there may be 30% non-organic seed as a maximum.
Organic swede seed (Brassica napus var. rapifera) of the varieties Vige and Bangholm Olsgård are produced
and cover the demand.
Some organic seed potatoes have been
produced. Until now it has been more profitable for the farmers to market the
organic potatoes for consumption than as seed potatoes. From 2002 there will be
given a support of 3 NOK per kg organic seed potatoes. A small project on
organic seed potatoes started in 2001 and will be followed up during 2002 and
2003. The idea is to produce seed potatoes in an area where there are no
problems with late blight.
One farmer has produced organic seed
of onion, common cabbage and sugar pea. Seed of onion and cabbage have been
certified, but it is very difficult to succeed with sugar pea. In most years
the germination is too low because of Ascochyta spp. and Botrytis
cinerea. This problem is also a problem in non-organic production of
propagating material of sugar pea.
For most vegetables Norway is
depending on import. Also organic seed is imported.
Until now there has been no
production of organic vegetative propagating material in Norway. To get material
of berries for sale in 2004, the production should have started in 2002. There
is an attempt to start production of organic onion sets in 2003.
The approval of a farm for entry in
the register of organic production is decided by the regional Rural Departments
of Employment and Economic Development Centres (Employment and Economic
Development Centres form a joint regional service organisation of three
ministries.) The 15 Rural Departments are thus regional units of rural
administration, working under the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. The
Plant Production Inspection Centre (KTTK) keeps a register of all organic
farmers and co-ordinates the inspection work of the Rural Departments.
Finland has implemented the request for the use of organic seed. Seed
delivered in a period, where organic seed was not available, may be used in
other periods, even if organic seed is available at this later time.
KTTK makes updated lists
of seed available in organic quality (1 September, 1 January,
15 February, and after that every week until the end of May). At the yearly
farm inspection, the farmer has to document that non-organic seed were ordered
and delivered only in periods when organic seed of an appropriate variety were
not available. If one variety is available in organic quality, the farmer
cannot use non-organic seed of another variety of the same crop, if the
varieties have similar characteristics. To use non-organic seed of species, of
which varieties are available, the organic farmers need a license from a
certifying body.
In Finland, there is a
general derogation for seed produced on conversion areas.
Finland has implemented an
interpretation of the request on the use of organic seed, which is stricter
than in the other countries, since organic propagators have to use organic seed
also for propagation if seed of this generation is available in organic
quality. In the other countries, propagators are free to use non-organic seed
for propagation, even if organic seed of the same variety are available.
In Finland, the threshold values are
not only recommendations for seed producers, but have a legal status. This
means that seed cannot be certified if threshold values for seed pathogens are
exceeded for special species.
Finland has a considerable
production of organic grass and clover. Seed for pastures is mainly sold as
mixtures. Mixtures can contain non-organic seed if such ingredients are not
available in organic quality. There is enough
production of red clover and timothy seed to cover the need in Finland.
Only one producer has a
small production of organic seed potatoes. The main problem of organic seed
potato production is late blight (Phytophthora
infestans).
All organic vegetable
seed is imported, some organic and some non-organic.
Finland has a production
of organic ornamental crops. The regulation of these follows the regulation of
plants for fodder and human consumption. The production is based on non-organic
seed.
Vegetative propagating
materials of annual plants can only be used in organic quality. Of onion sets
there are quite enough production of garlic. Non-organic transplant of
perennial plants can be used if organic is not available. Transplants of
strawberry are very well available.
According to the Council Regulation
(EEC) No 2092/91 seed and vegetative plant material for organic farming shall
be organic. If organic seed and vegetative propagating material are not
available, non-organic untreated may be used. These requirements are supported
by IFOAM (International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements) basic
standards.
Organic seed and vegetative
propagating materials are generally more expensive to produce than non-organic.
Organic farmers will therefore in general prefer the cheaper non-organic seed
rather than the more expensive organic seed if the controlling body does not
enforce the request on the use of organic seed. Organic seed producers can
therefore not be sure to sell the produced organic seed, if the controlling body
does not require use of such material. On the other hand, if the certifying
body requires use of organic propagating material, and quantities are limited,
the seed producers may in theory set any price they want, since the organic
farmer has to buy the seed.
The organic seed sector has
developed very differently in the Nordic countries. In Denmark and Finland, the
majority of the organic area with field crops including cereals is sown with
organic seed while in Norway most seed is non-organic. The production of
organic seed in Sweden is greater than in Norway, but relatively smaller than
in Denmark and Finland, but it is increasing significantly (Appendix 1). There
are several explanations of these differences. Denmark and Finland have
relatively larger organic sectors than Norway and especially Denmark has a more
homogeneous climate and topography than both Norway and Sweden. The market for
a organically produced seed of a certain variety is therefore larger and easier
to handle in Denmark. However, it is also of crucial significance that the use
of organic seed has had a higher priority by the Danish and Finnish inspection
authorities, and has been enforced for almost 10 years, while in Norway a
general derogation has been given until year 2000. A thorough enforcement of
the request for use of organic seed by the inspection and certifying bodies
seems to be crucial for the development of the organic seed sector.
Huge differences are seen between
the countries with regard to the degree of optimism to solve technical
problems. It is the general opinion in several countries that seed potatoes can
hardly be made organically, even though this has been done satisfactorily in
Denmark for many years. These differences cannot be explained by differences in
climatic conditions. There seems in general to be a need for further exchange
of information and experience between the Nordic countries, not only between
researchers, but indeed also between farmers, advisors and authorities.
An early establishment of a database
on available organic seed has promoted the development of the seed sector in
Denmark and Finland. A rapid development of the organic seed sector in Sweden
was seen when the Swedish Board of Agriculture more thoroughly enforced the
request to use organic seed and distributed a list of varieties where
exemptions could be given. It is concluded, that an establishment of this kind
of database or updated lists is a necessary tool for the inspection bodies to
control the legal use of non-organic seed in cases of shortage of organic seed.
It can therefore be recommended that the establishment of, or access to, such
databases should be mandatory for all certification and inspection bodies.
It has been discussed whether EU
should have one central database covering all member states, or whether it
would be better with several databases governed by the competent authority in
each member state. A common private database already exists on the Internet in
form of the website http://www.organicxseeds.com. IFOAM recommends OrganicXseed
to be recognized as the European database on organic seed, and it must be
admitted that a central database could solve some problems related to cross
border trade of organic seed. However, it is questionable whether it will work
in practice. The experience from the Nordic databases is that it is quite time
consuming to update the database. This update can only be optimal in cases
where the editor of the database is in contact with the seed companies on a
regular base in the relevant periods. This is better done by regional offices.
A central database would therefore be best if it is based on
local/regional/national databases. We therefore conclude that the first step
should be the establishment of databases in each country and that the next step
could be to link the databases to a common database.
Diseases included in the
seed certification standards
Organic seed on the market has to be
certified by both the seed certification system and the organic inspecting
system, but there are no special requirements for the quality of the organic
seed. The Council directives on seed states that the infection level of seed
borne diseases in general must be as low as possible. With few exceptions no
thresholds are stated. However in Sweden, Norway and Denmark, a few diseases
such as loose smut in barley and oats are regulated by national certification
standards. Other relevant diseases such as stinking smut in wheat and leaf
stripe in barley are only regulated with recommendations (Appendix 2). In
Finland all diseases considered relevant are included in the seed certification
standards for seed produced inside Finland, whereas they for imported seed only
serve as recommendations.
There is a need for national
criteria for derogation considering “availability” and “suitability” of organic
seed lots. The national criteria considering suitability should be based on
biological knowledge giving seed health thresholds and variety testing in
relevant climatic regions. There is also a need of trans-national communication
and information about these national criteria.
Production of healthy
organic seed - possible strategies and treatments
Non-organic seed of a majority of
crops is often treated with pesticides to control fungal diseases and for some
crops even insects, in order to keep the seed borne diseases on the lowest
possible level as required by the seed certification standards. Organic seed
may not be treated with such substances. The question therefore arises, whether
organic seed can be certified if infected by seed borne diseases not mentioned
in the requirements for seed certification – and the answer on this question
is today yes. On the one hand it can be argued that almost all fungal
diseases can be controlled even in organic agriculture by hot water treatment
even though this may be expensive and difficult. Infected seed is therefore not
treated in the best possible way in relation to diseases. On the other hand,
hot water treatment is only practiced in some small seed crops, and equipment
is in practice not available for cereal and legume production. Cedomon can be
used in Sweden, Norway and Finland to control the majority of diseases in
spring barley, and it is approved for organic production.
All Nordic countries have established recommended inoculum thresholds
as a strategy to control seed borne diseases (Appendix 2). These thresholds
have been developed for non-organic farming, partly to ensure seed treatment
only according to need (Norway), partly as demanded treatment when infections
reach the threshold levels (Sweden and Finland) and partly as recommended
levels at which pesticides can safely be excluded (Denmark). A few of the seed
borne diseases are included in the national seed certification standards, and
then mainly with levels equivalent to these inoculum thresholds. However, it
differs in the national standards in the different Nordic countries which
diseases are included and at which levels. The question therefore arises, whether organic
seed from one country, following the standards and threshold levels for seed
borne diseases in this country, legally can be sold in another country if the
threshold level is exceeded in that country – and the answer on this
question is today yes. In Finland and Sweden it is formulated in the seed
certification standards that the threshold levels only apply to the domestic
production but the other countries have no formulation on this subject. Thus, a
seed lot infected with leaf stripe produced in another country may legally be
purchased for example in Finland since the Finnish thresholds only apply for
seed produced in Finland.
A reason for different threshold
levels in the Nordic countries can be the use of different non-accredited seed
health testing methods. To solve this problem it is important to use harmonised
testing methods such as ISTA-rules (International Seed Testing Association).
Some seed treatments are approved in
some countries but not in others, e.g. Cedomon (Pseudomonas chlororaphis
produced by BioAgri) is approved in Norway, Finland and Sweden, but not in
Denmark. The question arises whether seed treated with Cedomon can be used in
Denmark if the treatment is conducted in Sweden, but not if it is treated
inside Denmark – and the answer on this question is today yes. In
Germany and The Netherlands ‘Tillecur’ and other amendments based on mustard
and other plant products can be used against seed borne diseases like common
bunt, but these products are not listed in Annex IIb of the Council Regulation
(EEC) No 2092/91 and can therefore not be used according to the interpretation
in the Nordic countries. As the market develops, international trade of seed is
likely to increase for some crops, and this problem will be more relevant.
There is therefore a need for harmonised standards for the use of seed
treatment in organic seed.
Varieties resistant to seed borne
diseases, like stinking smut (Tilletia
caries) in wheat and leaf stripe (Pyrenophora
graminea) in barley exist, and could contribute to solve the problems with
these diseases, but organic farmers have no incitement to buy them if
susceptible varieties with higher yield potential or other important quality
aspects are available. For example the smut resistant wheat variety Stava could
not be sold when marketed in Denmark in 1998-99 in competition with the
susceptible varieties Hereward, which had a better baking quality, and the
fodder variety Hussar, which had a higher yield. Both varieties are also
earlier in maturation. The problems with seed borne diseases are mainly a
problem for the seed company and the seed producer, but the farmer buying the
seed has no interest in the resistance, unless he later will use it for home
saved seed. Also the knowledge about the resistance in the different varieties
is limited. The varieties on the Danish list of varieties are tested for
stinking smut and leaf stripe in a research project. There is a need for
coordinated testing of resistance against seed borne diseases in the Nordic
countries to the benefit of both farmers, seed producers and breeders.
The production of organic seed
potatoes is considered as a major problem because of problems with late blight.
Late blight is carried with the seed potatoes, but the threshold level for late
blight is so high that it will not prevent epidemics to occur. There is no
evidence that organic seed potatoes are more infected than non-organic seed
potatoes. It makes therefore no difference for the organic producer whether he
uses organic or non-organic seed potatoes in respect to late blight.
The development of potato production
in Denmark differs radically from the other Nordic countries. In Denmark
organic seed potatoes have covered the demand for a decade, while the other
Nordic countries only have insignificant productions. The main difference seems
to be the derogation practice, where the Danish authorities have had a very
strict view on the use of non-organic seed potatoes in combination with some
very enthusiastic producers of seed potatoes. Danish seed potatoes are in
general viewed on a species level grouped in appropriate varieties. Derogations
are only given in individual cases, and the organic farmer has to prove to the
inspector that the varieties available in organic quality are not adequate for
the purpose of his production. In Sweden, derogations have been given on a
variety level, i.e. the organic farmers were free to use conventional seed
potatoes if this variety was not available as organic.
In vegetables, the choice of variety
is governed by quality aspects of the harvested product like taste, quantity,
shelf life etc. Resistance to ensure seed health or general plant health during
seed production will normally have a trade off effect on other parameters, and
will therefore not be preferred by the vegetable producer. The varieties
demanded by the consumer (and therefore the vegetable producer) is therefore
normally very different from the varieties produced by the organic seed
companies. Especially in the Nordic situation, where almost all vegetable seed
for climatic reasons are produced abroad, and the communication between seed
producer and consumer is difficult. The production of seed of the varieties
actually used is the key obstacle for the use of organic seed in the vegetable
sector. There is an urgent demand for improved cooperation and communication
between vegetable producers and seed producers. The vegetable producers may for
economical reasons not give the use of organic seed high priority, as this has
only limited impact of the marketability of the product. The responsibility for
the promotion of organic seed production and use therefore lay in the hands of
the seed producers, certification bodies, advisory services and organisations
promoting the organic principles. None of these bodies can solve the problem
alone.
In 2002, a new NMR-project entitled
“Establishment of an interactive information database for organic seed and
varieties suitable for vegetable crop production” was started. The project will
be finished by the end of 2004.
The use of organic seed is required
for all fields grown organically, both converted fields and fields in
conversion. In cases of rapid conversion rates, the area for seed production on
converted fields may be too small for the need of seed production. In Sweden
this is further relevant, since organic seed must be used also on farms
receiving environmental subsidy, even though these farms cannot produce organic
certified crops. According to the Council
Regulation (EEC) No 2092/91, organic plant products should be produced
on basis of seed from fields, which follow the requirements in Annex I (and
Annex II) of the regulation. Annex I and Annex II deal with production methods.
However, also areas under conversion follow the requirements in Annex I and
Annex II as do the Swedish farms receiving environmental subsidy even though
the production on these areas is not yet certified organic. The regulation does
not specifically say that the area for production of organic seed should be
certified organic, but only that the requirements in Annex I and Annex II
should be followed. It is a question of interpretation whether production of
organic seed can be made on converted fields, and some disagreement exists about
this. In Finland the competent authority has allowed production of organic seed
on fields in conversion to organic production, even though the Commission has
interpreted the regulation in a stricter sense saying that organic seed can
only be produced on certified organic fields. KRAV in Sweden accepts production
of seed in fields in conversion, even though the competent authority in Sweden
has not made a final interpretation of this regulation. In Denmark organic seed
can only be produces on fully converted areas.
If seed for organic farming can be
produced in fields in conversion to organic production, the fully converted
organic seed growers would meet competition from conversion production. The
organic seed production is still small, and introducing yet another category of
seed (e.g. conversion seed) would not solve the problem concerning lack of
organic seed. Production of seed for organic farming in fields in conversion
should therefore only be allowed in cases of severe shortage of organic seed. Often
this is not known at the time of field planning, so in reality no production of
seed should be allowed on areas under conversion. If the organic seed is sold
out, the farmer can always ask for a derogation to use his own seed.
A couple of years ago
there was a discussion in the European Commission about an example presented by
Denmark, concerning the production of organic vegetative production material of
strawberries. The outcome of this discussion was that it will take 4½ years for
the producer before he can market his strawberry plants as organic. First the
parcel has to be converted (for two years) and then the mother plants can be
planted. After two seasons organic strawberry plants, harvested from these
mother plants, may be marketed as organic. This is not an acceptable conversion
period. Organic production is based on principles of self-sufficiency. Hence a
dilemma exists between the request of self-sufficiency during conversion. The
same dilemma exists in the fodder production. Most organic standards give
priority to home produced fodder even under conversion where only conversion
fodder is produced. The same could be implemented for seed production in a way
that home produced seed can be used equal to organic seed during conversion.
Sweden has recently
asked the Commission to raise this issue for discussion. The Swedish proposal
is to change the text in the regulation in order to make clear that the
production of organic seed and organic vegetative reproduction material may be
started during the conversion period but it must be harvested on fully
converted area. Since there is not yet enough supply of organic seed and
organic vegetative reproduction material on the common market and in order to
improve self sufficiency in the organic production, it could be an option to
permit that production of organic seed and organic vegetative reproduction
material may be harvested on conversion areas and used only on the farm where
it is produced.
Organic production has to be grown
from organic seed if such are available. However, according to Council
Regulation (EEC) No 2092/91, organic seed can be produced from non-organic seed
even if organic seed of this generation (e.g. C1 for most cereals) is
available. Thus, only for production of other purposes than seed, organic seed
should be used. There is therefore no incitement to produce the early seed
generations organically, since they will have to compete with non-organic seed
that normally have a lower price. Finland and Denmark has formulated a stricter
formulation than described in the EU regulation.
In Finland organic seed must always
be preferred if available, not only for production of organic products for sale
as fodder, human consumption etc., but also when producing seed for sowing.
Implementing the Finnish regulation in other countries will enhance the
production of organic seed in more than one generation, and will solve other
problems as well.
According to Art. 6. 2 (b) in Council
Regulation (EEC) No 2092/91, organic seed production implies that the mother
plant has been produced according to the organic production method for at least
one generation. For vegetative reproductive material the criterion is at least
two seasons. Accordingly, there is no requirement for the use of organic
propagating material used for the production of organic seed/vegetative
reproduction material.
Most organic seed producers use
non-organic seed for organic seed production. If the organic seed does not
fulfil the general requirements for seed certification, there should be some
possibility to market the product as organic feed or food, even though organic
seed was not used. Sweden has asked the Commission for a solution, and the
Commission is now (August 2002) working on that.
In Finland the situation
is different. In Finland, farmers should always use organic seed if available.
There are therefore no special prerequisite for the seed production, and seed
is therefore still organic if discarded as certified seed.
A farmer is allowed to
use non-organic seed for seed production also if he is producing seed only
for himself outside the seed
certification scheme. Such home saved seed is difficult for the organic
inspector to control, and especially the organic status of the seed, if not
used as seed, is a problem.
Organic farmers in one country may
use non-organic seed because of a lack of supply, even if the neighbouring
country has an overproduction of organic seed. The only way to solve this
problem seems to be exchange of information about production volumes in order
to improve conditions for import and export of organic seed material. If there
is overproduction in one country, the seed should be exported to other
countries. This calls for production of varieties marketable in more than one
country. Hence, there is also a need for coordination of variety trials, so
that the varieties produced in one country also could be tested in the other
climatic regions.
It may be a problem if seed
producers do not know which varieties the farmers want. There is a need for
continuously testing of varieties coordinated with neighbouring countries with
similar climatic conditions. It would also be very useful to introduce some
kind of coordination of the variety tests between seed producers, organic
farmers and the advisory service and research stations.
There is a special need to evaluate
seed mixtures of ley seed, since there is a difference in opinion between researchers,
seed companies and advisors as to the optimal composition of mixtures under
different conditions, especially in Sweden. As the seed companies decide on the
composition of the mixtures, it violates the freedom of the farmer to decide
which mixture he is able to choose.
Organic agriculture is based on
principles such as self-sufficiency, closed cycles, transparency and autonomy.
Home-saved seed and, if possible home bred seed, is therefore in line with the
basic principles of organic agriculture, while commercial seed production is
favoured by the seed regulation and certification practice and used by the
majority of the organic farmers. There is a need to discuss the principles of
organic agriculture when considering the organic seed regulation.
Article 5.1
in the Council Regulation (EEC) No 2092/91 of organic production methods very
clearly points out the criteria for the marketing of organic food products.
According to Article 5.3 food product cannot be marketed as organic if it
contains more the 5% non-organic ingredients. Certified seed is sold for the
purpose of sowing and is therefore not defined as food. Therefore, most ley
seed in the Nordic countries can legally be sold in mixtures consisting of both
organic and non-organic seed, even though the amounts of non-organic
ingredients exceed 5%. Mixtures are also often composed in a way, where the
same species occur of both organic and non-organic quality, even when this
violates Article 5.10 saying, that it is not allowed to market a product as
organic if an ingredient is present in both organic and conventional quality.
There is an urgent need to legalise the use of mixtures of organic and
non-organic seed especially in ley production. However, the same standards
cannot be implemented in all member states at the same time when marketing ley
seed mixtures, as long as the registration in databases of the availability of
organic seed is still handled by national bodies. If this system should be
allowed in the whole of EU, different levels of organic seed must be accepted,
as the availability of organic seed differs in each country (/region).
Mixtures containing both organic and
non-organic seed can be composed of different amounts of seed of each species.
Denmark is a relatively homogeneous region in respect to climatic and
production systems. This country has therefore only few available mixtures, and
the system is regulated in agreement between the seed companies, the advisory
service and the inspection body according to a principle aiming at spreading
the organic seed into all the mixtures. In Sweden, there is no general
agreement between the advisors, farmers and seed companies concerning
composition of the mixtures. However, there are some developments planned for
the season 2003. The aim is to produce a number of mixtures for all regions in
Sweden. The problem has been how to make these mixtures out of small quantities
of few varieties. Seeing each variety as a separate ingredient has given an opportunity
to make mixtures with seed of some varieties organic and some non-organic. This
would decrease the farmers possibility to choose a special mixture but he could
add other species than those included in the mixture.
There are advantages related to the
use of seed mixtures compared to monoculture not only in ley seed, but also in
other crops like cereals and pulses. A mixture of exclusively organic seed of
barley varieties has been marketed in Denmark in year 2002. To compose a purely
organic variety mixture, it is needed to have 3-4 organic varieties with
similar characteristics in respect to straw length, earliness etc. (which in
practice would have to come from the same seed company). As the organic seed
market is still small, it is not common that the same seed company has 3-4
varieties with similar characteristics in sufficient quantities in organic
quality. This fact hinders the promotion of biodiversity and the benefit of the
farmer. There could be a possibility to market partly organic variety mixtures,
also in other crops, based on the same principles as used for composition of
partly organic ley seed mixtures. However, this has never been tried.
Organically produced cereal seed has
often smaller size, lower density and protein content and has thereby lower
energy available for germination per seed. These and other factors lead to
generally lower germination vigour and a slower seedling emergence that limits
the competition with weeds and yield potential. Since organic farmers shall use
organic seed which are in general more expensive than non-organic seed, quality
parameters like germination vigour should at least be at the same level as for
non-organic seed. The quality requirements for the certification of seed is the
same in non-organic and in organic seed production, and information of seed
vigour is in most crops not available to the consumer. Seed companies therefore
has an advantage to sell as much seed as possible and use the minimum
requirements in the seed certification regulation, even though the seed vigour
could be improved by seed separation. Research is needed in order to optimise
the quality of organic seed.
The development of the regulation of organic seed depends on the
international development of the organic standards. The agenda for the
international trade is harmonisation, and it may therefore be interesting to
see the status also outside EU.
The Baltic countries have
implemented organic regulations. The inspection and certification body in
Lithuania, EcoAgros is accredited by IOAS (IFOAM), and most parts of the
EU-regulation is implemented, but still EU does not fully approve the
regulation. The regulation in Estonia is also close to being approved by EU,
but the inspection and certification is not accredited by IOAS. Neither EU nor
IFOAM have accepted the regulation and inspection in Latvia. Latvia has
implemented legislation on organic farming with standards in line with the EU
regulation. The private inspector EQ is under approval by the national
authority.
All Baltic countries have standards
requiring organic seed and vegetative propagating materials if available, but
no organic seed or vegetative propagating materials are produced, imported or used
in these countries at the moment. As all three countries negotiate for
membership in the EU, they need to implement Council Regulation (EEC) No
2092/91 in good time before joining.
The inspection and certification
structure in the Baltic countries is similar to the character in the Nordic
countries with a close link between competent authorities and
inspecting/certification body, and with only one or two certifying and
inspecting bodies in each country. This situation in both the Nordic and the
Baltic countries is ideal for a well functioning database on available organic
seed as the necessary basis for the regulation. It is therefore most likely
that the Baltic countries are able to handle requirements from EU for the
function of a database on available organic seed material.
Literature
Andersson, J., 2001. Konsekvenser av regeringens nya mål för den ekologiska produktionen. Hushållningssällskapet i Skaraborg.
Centrum för Uthålligt Lantbruk (CUL), Konferensrapport 2001. Ekologiskt lantbruk. Session 5: Produktion av ekologiskt utsäde – hur gör vi det möjligt?
Jonsson, H., 1999. Ekologisk vallfröproduktion. Hushållningssällskapet i Malmöhus.
Jordbruksverket 2001: Ekologiska jordbruksprodukter och livsmedel - Aktionsplan 2005. Rapport 2001:11. p.101
Landbrukstilsynet 2001: Tiltak for å øke produktjon av økologisk såvare og plantemateriale. Prosjektrapport. 22 p. (Ed: Torgun Johnsen a.o.)
Nielsen, B og L.Kristensen (ed.) 2001: Forædling af korn og bælgsæd samt produktion af såsæd i økologisk jordbrug. FØJO-Rapport nr. 15. 168 p.
Olvång, H., 2001. Undersökningar av odlingstekniska åtgärder för produktion av friskt utsäde För ekologisk odling, samt den hygieniska kvaliteten för livsmedel, foder och maltkornsframställning. Slutrapport av utvecklingsprojekt SJV 29-5910/96. Inst. f. ekologi och växtproduktionslära, SLU, Uppsala.
Ängmo, E., 2000. Organic vegetable
seeds after year 2004 – An inventory of possibilities and obstacles, (summary
in English). Report from Swedish Department of Horticulture, SLU.
Internet
addresses
http://www.kttk.fi
homepage
for Plant protection Inspection Centre in Finland
http://www.landbrukstilsynet.no
homepage
for Landbrukstilsynet in Norway
http://www.lr.dk
homepage
for Landbrugets rådgivning in Denmark
http://www.lr.dk/planteavl/informationsserier/oekologiskudsaed/master.htm
list
of available organic seed in Denmark
http://www.pdir.dk
homepage
for Plantedirektoratet in Denmark
http://www.sjv.se
homepage
for the Swedish Board of Agriculture in Sweden
http://www.organicxseeds.com
List of
available organic seed in Europe. The list if edited and hosted by www.biogene.org in Switzerland.
Denmark: Inspected and approved organic cereal propagation (area basis 2001)
|
Crop |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1999 |
2000 |
2001 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Spring
barley |
540 |
1.400
(27%) |
7.250 |
|
|
Spring
wheat |
50 |
80
(18%) |
690 |
|
|
Spring
oat |
340 |
950
(67%) |
1.650 |
|
|
Winter
wheat |
2.260
(100%) |
1.700 |
? |
|
|
Winter
rye |
440
(95%) |
770 |
? |
|
|
Triticale |
|
550
(71%) |
620 |
? |
|
Pea |
|
250 |
260
(10%) |
490 |
|
Lupines |
|
110 |
0 |
0 |
Denmark: Announced
propagated area of organic cereals year 2002.
|
|
Pre-basic |
Basic |
C1 |
C2 |
Total |
|
|
ha |
ha |
ha |
ha |
ha |
|
Winter
wheat |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Asketis |
0 |
0 |
0 |
187 |
187 |
|
Terra |
0 |
0 |
0 |
155 |
155 |
|
Complet |
0 |
0 |
0 |
77 |
77 |
|
Solist |
0 |
0 |
0 |
63 |
63 |
|
Cardos |
0 |
0 |
0 |
25 |
25 |
|
Agron |
0 |
0 |
10 |
0 |
10 |
|
Ure |
0 |
0 |
10 |
0 |
10 |
|
Winter
wheat , total |
0 |
0 |
20 |
507 |
527 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Winter
rye |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hacada |
0 |
0 |
253 |
0 |
253 |
|
Dominator |
0 |
0 |
76 |
0 |
76 |
|
Matador |
0 |
0 |
70 |
0 |
70 |
|
Walet |
0 |
10 |
27 |
0 |
37 |
|
Humbolt |
0 |
0 |
35 |
0 |
35 |
|
Winter rye, total |
0 |
10 |
461 |
0 |
471 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Triticale |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lamberto |
0 |
0 |
0 |
276 |
276 |
|
Tricolor |
0 |
0 |
0 |
94 |
94 |
|
Modus |
0 |
71 |
5 |
0 |
76 |
|
Triticale,
total |
0 |
71 |
5 |
370 |
446 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Winter barley |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ludo |
0 |
0 |
0 |
20 |
20 |
|
Winter barley,
total |
0 |
0 |
0 |
20 |
20 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Winter cereals,
total |
0 |
81 |
486 |
897 |
1.464 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pre-basic |
Basic |
C1 |
C2 |
Total |
|
|
ha |
ha |
ha |
ha |
ha |
|
Spring barley |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cicero |
0 |
0 |
0 |
858 |
858 |
|
Otira |
0 |
0 |
0 |
669 |
669 |
|
Punto |
0 |
0 |
0 |
301 |
301 |
|
Hydrogen |
0 |
0 |
0 |
291 |
291 |
|
Odin |
0 |
0 |
0 |
277 |
277 |
|
Fabel |
0 |
0 |
0 |
268 |
268 |
|
Prestige |
0 |
0 |
0 |
247 |
247 |
|
Barke |
0 |
0 |
0 |
217 |
217 |
|
Alliot |
0 |
0 |
0 |
175 |
175 |
|
Neruda |
0 |
0 |
0 |
127 |
127 |
|
Landora |
0 |
0 |
0 |
65 |
65 |
|
Astoria |
0 |
0 |
0 |
36 |
36 |
|
Danuta |
0 |
0 |
0 |
15 |
15 |
|
Modena |
0 |
11 |
0 |
0 |
11 |
|
Spring barley,
total |
0 |
11 |
0 |
3.546 |
3.557 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Spring oat |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revisor |
0 |
0 |
0 |
229 |
229 |
|
Corrado |
0 |
0 |
0 |
188 |
188 |
|
Markant |
0 |
0 |
0 |
174 |
174 |
|
Freddy |
0 |
0 |
0 |
116 |
116 |
|
Gunhild |
0 |
0 |
0 |
78 |
78 |
|
Oat, total |
0 |
0 |
0 |
785 |
785 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Spring wheat |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Vinjett |
0 |
0 |
17 |
493 |
510 |
|
Leguan |
0 |
0 |
0 |
51 |
51 |
|
Spring wheat,
total |
0 |
0 |
493 |
544 |
561 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Spring cereal,
total |
0 |
11 |
493 |
4.875 |
4.903 |
Denmark: Announced propagated area
of organic seed year 2001.
|
Clover and grass seed: |
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
|
Pre-basic |
Basic |
C1 |
C2 |
Approved area |
|
|
Red clover |
|
0 |
0 |
205,5 |
0 |
205,5 |
|
|
White clover |
|
0 |
0 |
326,6 |
0 |
326,6 |
|
|
Alfalfa |
|
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
|
|
Hop medic |
|
0 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
2 |
|
|
Perennial ryegrass |
|
0 |
0 |
1085,6 |
0 |
1085,6 |
|
|
Italian ryegrass |
|
0 |
0 |
107,1 |
0 |
107,1 |
|
|
Hybrid ryegrass |
|
0 |
0 |
8,9 |
0 |
8,9 |
|
|
Timothy |
|
0 |
0 |
60,9 |
0 |
60,9 |
|
|
Cock’s foot |
|
0 |
0 |
7 |
0 |
7 |
|
|
Fescue grass |
|
0 |
0 |
41,7 |
0 |
41,7 |
|
|
Red fescue |
|
0 |
0 |
37,1 |
0 |
37,1 |
|
|
Meadow grass |
|
0 |
0 |
38 |
0 |
38 |
|
|
Total |
|
2 |
0 |
1,920.4 |
0 |
1,920.4 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Legumes |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Peas |
|
0 |
238,5 |
115,8 |
632,6 |
986,9 |
|
|
Lupins |
|
62,5 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
62,5 |
|
|
Faba beans |
|
0 |
0 |
56,2 |
0 |
56,2 |
|
|
Total |
|
62,5 |
238,5 |
172 |
632,6 |
1043,1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Oil seed |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Oil seed rape |
|
0 |
0 |
10 |
0 |
10 |
|
|
Flax |
|
0 |
0 |
8,1 |
0 |
8,1 |
|
|
Total |
|
0 |
0 |
18,1 |
0 |
18,1 |
|
Production of organic
cereal seed in Sweden 1999-2002 (area basis).
Hectars sown
Species
|
Variety
|
1999 |
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
|
Spring wheat |
Curry |
97,9 |
27,2 |
|
|
|
|
Dacke |
242,5 |
271,5 |
475,2 |
684 |
|
|
Dragon |
50,2 |
47,5 |
47,5 |
22 |
|
|
Vinjett |
|
|
14,0 |
14 |
|
Oats |
Heinrich |
63,0 |
51,9 |
41,1 |
|
|
|
Sang |
247,9 |
239,6 |
278,7 |
411 |
|
|
Stork |
|
92,3 |
290,4 |
519 |
|
|
Freja |
|
6,1 |
|
|
|
|
Svala |
|
|
57,2 |
40,5 |
|
|
Vendela |
|
|
|
4 |
|
Barley |
Baronesse |
61,9 |
67,9 |
63,0 |
130 |
|
|
Mentor |
30,7 |
|
|
|
|
|
Orthega |
14,5 |
108,5 |
72,7 |
237 |
|
|
Otira |
|
112,7 |
115,8 |
|
|
|
Vanja |
|
11,5 |
|
20 |
|
|
Olsok |
|
|
9,8 |
157 |
|
|
Kinnan |
|
|
|
16,5 |
|
Winter wheat |
Bercy |
1,9 |
|
|
|
|
|
Kosack |
23,3 |
15,9 |
18,5 |
41,5 |
|
|
Stava |
206,9 |
336,0 |
486,0 |
563 |
|
|
Ebi |
|
31,1 |
30,0 |
46,8 |
|
|
Lars |
|
3,5 |
12,9 |
|
|
Winter rye |
Amilo |
81,7 |
142,7 |
201,6 |
147 |
|
|
Esprit |
8,7 |
|
5,0 |
|
|
|
Nikita |
|
72,0 |
60,3 |
80,4 |
|
Triticale |
Eldorado |
|
17,5 |
40,2 |
|
|
|
Modus |
|
16,8 |
16,3 |
51 |
|
|
Fidelio |
|
|
21,6 |
150 |
|
|
Lamberto |
|
|
|
23,8 |
|
Peas |
Agadir |
20,3 |
64,6 |
66,1 |
|
|
|
Aladin |
10,0 |
|
|
|
|
|
Carneval |
39,2 |
13,0 |
|
|
|
|
Timo |
51,5 |
10,0 |
16,4 |
|
|
|
Brutus |
|
101,0 |
120,4 |
178 |
|
|
Capella |
|
|
10,4 |
22 |
|
|
Sponsor |
|
|
31,1 |
27 |
|
|
Pinochio |
|
|
|
546 |
|
Field beans |
Columbo |
3,9 |
12,5 |
94,4 |
39 |
|
|
Aurora |
|
9,6 |
|
|
|
|
Kontu |
|
9,2 |
12,0 |
|
|
|
Gloria |
|
|
|
71 |
|
Total area (ha) |
|
1 256 |
1 873 |
2 376 |
4 241 |
|
Increase/decrease (per year) |
|
|
+
617 |
+
503 |
+ 1 865 |
Field inspected area (ha) for organic production of clover and
grass seed in Sweden 1999-2002.
Species
|
Variety
|
1999 |
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
|
Alsike clover |
Frida |
6,9 |
|
|
|
|
Red clover |
Bjursele |
5,0 |
|
16,8 |
54,5 |
|
|
Betty |
|
|
|
11,0 |
|
|
Jesper |
8,0 |
13,0 |
12,1 |
4,5 |
|
|
Pallas |
1,5 |
11,5 |
9,5 |
37,5 |
|
|
Sara |
7,0 |
5,0 |
15,7 |
35,0 |
|
|
Vivi |
|
7,5 |
|
|
|
|
Rajah |
|
|
|
24 |
|
White clover |
Sonja |
4,6 |
4,6 |
15,5 |
5 |
|
|
Lena |
|
|
3,9 |
|
|
|
Riesling |
|
|
|
16 |
|
Timothy |
Alexander |
35,5 |
30,7 |
95,3 |
125 |
|
|
Kämpe II |
12,0 |
12,0 |
12,0 |
12 |
|
|
Comtal |
|
|
|
5,8 |
|
|
Grindstad |
|
|
|
29 |
|
|
Jonatan |
|
|
|
9,5 |
|
Meadow fescue |
Mimer |
|
5,5 |
|
|
|
|
Kasper |
|
|
10,0 |
65 |
|
|
Sigmund |
|
|
|
28 |
|
Total (ha) |
|
80,5 |
89,9 |
190,8 |
416,8 |
|
Increase/decrease (per year) |
|
|
+ 9,4 |
+ 100,9 |
+ 315,9 |
Fields inspected area (ha) for
organic production of seed potato in Sweden 1999-2001.
Species
|
Variety
|
1999 |
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
|
Potato |
Matilda |
5,5 |
5,8 |
2,0 |
2,0 |
|
Increase/decrease (per year) |
|
|
+
0,3 |
-
3,8 |
+/- 0 |
Organic seed production 1996-2002 (on area basis)
|
Species |
variety |
Production area
|
||||||
|
|
|
1996 |
1997 |
1998 |
1999 |
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Oat |
Aarre |
- |
18,0 |
50,0 |
65,2 |
116,0 |
78,1 |
114,9 |
|
|
Aslak |
- |
- |
- |
10,9 |
19,1 |
23,0 |
73,3 |
|
|
Freja |
- |
13,0 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
|
Kolbu |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
12,8 |
6,2 |
|
|
Lisbeth |
- |
- |
- |
24,4 |
- |
- |
- |
|
|
Roope |
- |
- |
- |
12,4 |
- |
59,3 |
40,8 |
|
|
Salo |
- |
- |
- |
8,5 |
- |
- |
- |
|
|
Suomi |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
22,8 |
16,5 |
|
|
Veli |
15,6 |
88,2 |
160,1 |
218,5 |
349,2 |
178,8 |
164,6 |
|
|
Yty |
8,1 |
15,1 |
23,7 |
46,4 |
- |
32,2 |
17,4 |
|
|
total |
23,7 |
134,3 |
233,8 |
386,3 |
484,3 |
406,9 |
433,7 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Barley |
Arra |
8,1 |
40,3 |
40,9 |
2,0 |
10,1 |
22,0 |
19,8 |
|
|
Artturi |
8,3 |
- |
38,5 |
97,8 |
60,9 |
36,5 |
32,5 |
|
|
Botnia |
- |
6,2 |
- |
- |
|
- |
15,5 |
|
|
Erkki |
- |
- |
- |
11,8 |
14,4 |
22,0 |
22,5 |
|
|
Inari |
- |
- |
11,0 |
- |
2,6 |
- |
15,0 |
|
|
Jyvä |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
8,7 |
20,7 |
|
|
Loviisa |
- |
- |
- |
64,3 |
80,3 |
39,5 |
17,5 |
|
|
Pohto |
- |
- |
5,0 |
19,3 |
52,0 |
57,8 |
33,5 |
|
|
Saana |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
4,2 |
|
|
total |
16,4 |
46,5 |
95,4 |
195,2 |
220,3 |
186,4 |
181,2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Winter rye |
Akusti |
- |
7,9 |
7,9 |
28,7 |
51,3 |
47,0 |
16,4 |
|
|
Amilo |
- |
1,0 |
10,0 |
- |
6,7 |
- |
- |
|
|
Iivo |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
31,0 |
|
|
Kartano |
- |
- |
7,4 |
- |
33,0 |
42,2 |
30,7 |
|
|
Riihi |
- |
- |
- |
- |
26,3 |
40,3 |
15,7 |
|
|
Voima |
- |
37,8 |
62,7 |
15,7 |
35,1 |
- |
3,0 |
|
|
total |
- |
46,7 |
78,0 |
44,4 |
152,41 |
129,5 |
80,4 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Winter wheat |
Aura |
- |
12,1 |
22,3 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Spring wheat |
Anniina |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
10,0 |
|
|
Bastian |
- |
- |
- |
52,6 |
33,8 |
32,5 |
- |
|
|
Kruunu |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
32,5 |
|
|
Mahti |
- |
- |
- |
- |
22,0 |
24,0 |
2,1 |
|
|
Manu |
- |
- |
10,0 |
53,8 |
6,0 |
6,3 |
23,4 |
|
|
Tjalve |
- |
27,0 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
|
total |
- |
27,0 |
10,0 |
106,4 |
61,8 |
62,8 |
68,0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pea |
Julia |
- |
- |
- |
18,4 |
15,9 |
- |
1,0 |
|
|
Perttu |
- |
- |
3,3 |
12,0 |
- |
- |
6,7 |
|
|
Sohvi |
2,0 |
20,6 |
12,0 |
14,4 |
6,0 |
4,4 |
- |
|
|
Stok |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
11,0 |
- |
|
|
Sunna |
3,0 |
16,2 |
6,0 |
23,7 |
16,6 |
30,5 |
45,6 |
|
|
Tiina |
- |
8,9 |
26,8 |
20,8 |
48,5 |
- |
5,7 |
|
|
total |
5,0 |
45,7 |
48,1 |
89,3 |
87,0 |
45,9 |
59,0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Board bean |
Hankkijan Ukko |
- |
7,0 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
|
Kontu |
- |
4,0 |
1,9 |
6,3 |
4,7 |
- |
- |
|
|
total |
- |
11,0 |
1,9 |
6,3 |
4,7 |
- |
- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Linseed |
Helmi |
29,2 |
93,5 |
90,6 |
61,4 |
13,0 |
15,8 |
19,9 |
|
|
Laura |
- |
6,4 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
|
total |
29,2 |
93,5 |
90,6 |
61,4 |
13,0 |
15,8 |
19,9 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Potato |
Adora |
- |
2,0 |
1,2 |
- |
1,3 |
- |
- |
|
|
Gloria |
- |
- |
1,4 |
1,9 |
1,3 |
- |
- |
|
|
Idole |
- |
- |
- |
1,1 |
- |
- |
- |
|
|
Matilda |
2,0 |
3,4 |
1,7 |
5,0 |
1,3 |
- |
- |
|
|
Nicola |
- |
1,6 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
|
Olympia |
1,4 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
|
Van Gogh |
- |
- |
- |
- |
4,0 |
5,0 |
12,7 |
|
|
Suvi |
- |
- |
- |
2,1 |
1,3 |
- |
- |
|
|
Vital |
5,6 |
10,8 |
1,6 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
|
total |
9,0 |
17,8 |
5,9 |
10,1 |
9,2 |
5,0 |
12,7 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Onion set |
Jumbo |
- |
0,1 |
- |
- |
- |
* |
* |
|
|
Sturon |
- |
0,2 |
- |
- |
- |
* |
* |
|
|
Stuttgarter |
- |
0,1 |
0,1 |
- |
- |
* |
* |
|
|
total |
|
0,4 |
0,1 |
- |
- |
* |
* |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Garlic |
|
1,6 |
1,4 |
1,5 |
1,3 |
1,6 |
* |
* |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Red clover |
Bjursele |
2,4 |
102,3 |
121,4 |
138,5 |
136,9 |
284,5 |
253,1 |
|
|
Jesper |
- |
- |
- |
8,5 |
26,9 |
19,6 |
- |
|
|
Jokioinen |
5,1 |
18,5 |
39,8 |
47,4 |
36,5 |
26,1 |
49,5 |
|
|
Perttuli |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
8,3 |
- |
|
|
Turunen |
- |
- |
- |
- |
1,2 |
- |
- |
|
|
Varte |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
5,0 |
- |
|
|
total |
7,5 |
563,6 |
161,2 |
194,4 |
201,5 |
343,5 |
302,6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
White clover |
Aberherald |
- |
- |
- |
1,6 |
8,6 |
- |
- |
|
|
Jögeva |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
6,5 |
2,0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Alsike clover |
Frida |
- |
- |
5,8 |
10,8 |
9,3 |
22,2 |
8,9 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common vetch |
Ebena |
1,0 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Goats rue |
Gale |
- |
1,0 |
1,0 |
1,3 |
- |
0,4 |
0,4 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Timothy |
Alma |
- |
- |
- |
- |
7,2 |
- |
- |
|
|
Grindstad |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
28,0 |
- |
|
|
Iki |
24,3 |
90,8 |
108,5 |
189,6 |
239,5 |
203,3 |
181,6 |
|
|
Bottnia II |
4,9 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
|
Nokka |
6,0 |
14,3 |
18,0 |
21,0 |
30,7 |
34,4 |
31,6 |
|
|
Saga |
- |
16,8 |
7,0 |
7,0 |
- |
25,0 |
- |
|
|
Tammisto |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
12,1 |
21,3 |
|
|
Tuukka |
- |
- |
- |
- |
7,8 |
13,1 |
13,1 |
|
|
Vega |
- |
- |
- |
7,5 |
7,5 |
21,5 |
22,7 |
|
|
Vähäsöyrinki |
- |
- |
14,6 |
17,8 |
21,5 |
- |
- |
|
|
total |
35,2 |
121,9 |
148,1 |
117,1 |
314,2 |
337,5 |
270,3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Meadow fescue |
Antti |
- |
5,4 |
4,8 |
9,9 |
22,5 |
32,3 |
- |
|
|
Fure |
- |
- |
- |
- |
2,2 |
2,2 |
2,2 |
|
|
Boris |
- |
4,6 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
|
Kasper |
- |
- |
- |
11,0 |
22,1 |
20,9 |
18,6 |
|
|
Kalevi |
5,0 |
4,3 |
5,9 |
9,0 |
- |
- |
- |
|
|
Salten |
- |
25,3 |
8,9 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
|
total |
5,0 |
39,6 |
19,6 |
29,9 |
46,8 |
55,9 |
20,8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tall fescue |
Retu |
- |
- |
4,2 |
8,7 |
13,3 |
8,8 |
8,8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cocksfoot |
Haka |
- |
0,8 |
4,6 |
6,3 |
3,4 |
- |
- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Westerwolds rye-grass |
Avance |
- |
- |
5,0 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- Sunflower |
Allegro |
- |
- |
- |
0,6 |
- |
- |
- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Turnip |
|
- |
- |
- |
- |
0,3 |
- |
- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hemp |
Finola |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
6,0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
total |
|
133,6 |
696,0 |
947,1 |
1397,2 |
1631,7 |
1652,61 |
1474,7 |
* information not
available
Organic
seed production 1999-2002 (on area basis)
Species
|
Variety |
1999 |
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
|
CEREALS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Spring barley |
Thule |
|
|
1,5 |
|
|
|
Gaute |
|
|
|
12,8 |
|
|
Sunnita |
|
|
|
29,0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Spring wheat |
Avle |
|
|
12,3 |
25,8 |
|
|
Bastian |
|
|
|
8,0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Oat |
Lena |
|
|
18,7 |
71,8 |
|
|
Roope |
|
|
7,0 |
|
|
|
Biri |
|
|
|
3,0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Winter
rye |
Danko |
|
|
|
9,0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Peas |
Delta |
|
|
2,5 |
5,0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sum
cereals |
|
|
|
42,0 |
164,4 |
|
Increase/decrease - |
|
|
|
|
+ 122,4 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
GRASS- AND CLOVER |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Alsike
clover |
Alpo |
|
|
|
8,5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Red clover |
Nordi |
10,0 |
|
6,5 |
3,0 |
|
|
Betty |
19,8 |
28,9 |
15,4 |
14,5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Timothy |
Grindstad |
26,5 |
40,8 |
39,8 |
31,0 |
|
|
Vega |
|
|
|
5,0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Meadow fescue |
Fure |
|
|
|
1,2 |
|
|
Salten |
|
6,5 |
15,5 |
16,0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sum grass- and clover |
|
56,3 |
76,2 |
77,2 |
79,2 |
|
Increase/decrease |
|
|
+19,9 |
+1,0 |
+2,0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SEED
POTATOES |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gullauge |
|
|
|
2,4 |
1,0 |
|
Troll |
|
|
|
0,32 |
1,5 |
|
Mandel |
|
|
|
0,3 |
|
|
Sum seed potatoes |
|
|
|
3,04 |
2,5 |
|
Increase/decrease |
|
|
|
|
-0,54 |
Thresholds for seed borne diseases,
when seed treatments of cereals are recommended in the Nordic countries. The
methods of seed analysis differ in different countries, and this may affect the
levels given.
The text in
the current report includes some words, names, abbreviations and expressions
from technical jargon used by plant pathologist, authorities and organic
farming. We therefore list some of them here for explanation.
Certification: Allowing someone to do something.
E.g. allowing a farmer to call his products organic or attesting that the seed
meet the standards for seed.
Certifying authority: Certifying body authorized by the
competent authority in a EU member state to certify organic farmers. Can also
be the authority responsible for certifying seeds.
Certifying body: Organization, institution or
company deciding whether or not someone (e.g. a farmer or a seed company) is
allowed to do something (e.g. can call his product organic). In most cases
'inspection body' is the same organization, institution or company as the
'certifying body'. In IFOAM-jargon 'Certifying body' is therefore used covering
both 'inspection body' and 'certifying body'.
Competent authority: Institution (normally the ministry
of agriculture and/or food) appointed to implement the Council Regulation (EEC)
No 2092/91 in a member state. The competent authority further appoints
inspection authorities in the member state.
IFOAM: International Federation of Organic
Agriculture Movements. Umbrella organization for organic organizations covering
organic farmers organizations, organic companies, institutes and individual
members from all countries. IFOAM have basic standards serving as guidelines
for standards set by the members certifying organic farming and processing
Inspection: Controlling a set of standards or
regulations (e.g. by reviewing accounts or field inspection of farmers).
Providing information for the certifying body.
Inspection authority: Public authority inspecting organic
farmers. Inspection body in a country, where the inspection of organic farmers
is made by a public institution (e.g. Denmark and Finland).
Inspection body: Organization, institution or
company inspecting farmers or others and hereby providing information for the
certifying body. In most cases inspection body is the same organization,
institution or company as the certifying body. In EU-jargon ‘inspection body’
is therefore used covering both ‘inspection body’ and ‘certifying body’.
IOAS: The International Organic Accreditation
Services Inc. IOAS accredit certification and inspection bodies that follow the
standards for production and inspection made by IFOAM.
ISTA: International Seed Testing Association.
Organization of seed testing laboratories. ISTA sets guidelines for seed
testing methods and accredit laboratories following these guidelines.
Nordic countries: A region in Northern Europe
consisting of Denmark (including Faeroe Island but excluding Greenland),
Finland (including Aland Islands), Iceland, Norway and Sweden. The current
report only covers the situation for organic seed production in Denmark
(excluding Faeroe Island and Greenland), Finland (excluding Aland Islands),
Norway and Sweden. The term ‘Nordic countries’ in this report means the countries
covered by this report.
Plant propagating material: Plant parts used for moving a crop
from one place to another. This includes seed, seedlings, runners, offshoots,
tubers etc.
Seed: Sexual reproduction plant material. In this
report the term 'seed' is used for seed marketed or used for sowing in contrast
to grains and kernels used for milling or fodder.
Transplant: Vegetative propagating material
with roots.
Vegetative propagating material: Plant propagating material,
excluding seed.
Seed certification program: Set of requirements needed for
marketing of seed (mandatory for most species).
The names of the diseases are mainly based on Gjærum, Skou, Leijerstam,
Ylimäki and Ólafsson, Nordic Names of
Plant diseases and Pathogens, Det kgl. Danske Landhusholdningsselskap,
København, 1st ed. 1985, 547 pp.
References for seed borne pathogens:
Olvång, H. 2000. Utsädesburna
sjukdomar på jordbruksväxter, Jordbruksinformation 8-2000, Jordbruksverket,
Jönköping, 96 pp.
Richardson, M. J. 1990. An annotated list of seed-borne diseases,
International Seed Testing Association, Zürich, 4th ed.
To avoid too much details synonyms are omitted and only names of the
anamorph or the teleomorph are given.
|
Host and pathogen |
English |
Finnish |
Danish |
Norwegian |
Swedish |
|
Avena
sativa |
oats |
kaura |
Havre |
havre |
havre |
|
Drechslera
avenae |
leaf spot,
seedling blight |
kauranlehtilaikku |
havrebladplet |
havrebrunflekk |
havrens
bladfläcksjuka |
|
Fusarium spp. |
brown foot rot,
ear blight, seedling blight |
kahuröyhy, punahome, tähkäfusarioosi, tyvitauti |
fusariose |
fusariose |
fusarios |
|
Ustilago avenae |
loose smut |
avonoki |
Nøgen havrebrand |
naken havresot |
havreflygsot |
|
Ustilago hordei f. sp. avenae |
covered smut |
kätkönoki |
dækket havrebrand |
dekket havresot |
havrehårdsot |
|
Hordeum vulgare |
barley |
ohra |
Byg |
bygg |
korn |
|
Bipolaris
sorokiniana |
foot rot, seedling
blight |
tyvi-ja lehtilaikku |
bipolaris-pladplet,
bipolaris-fodsyge |
bipolaris-brunflekk |
bipolaris |
|
Claviceps purpurea |
ergot |
torajyvä |
Meldrøjer |
mjølauke, meldrøye |
mjöldryga |
|
Drechslera graminea |
leaf stripe |
ohranviirutauti |
Bygstribesyge |
byggstripesjuke |
strimsjuka |
|
Drechslera teres |
net blotch, spot
blotch |
verkko-ja lehtilaikku |
bygbladplet,
bygnetbladplet |
byggbrunflekk |
kornets
bladfläcksjuka |
|
Fusarium spp. |
brown foot rot,
ear blight, seedling blight |
kahutähkä, punahome, tähkäfusarioosi, tyvitauti |
Fusariose |
fusariose |
fusarios |
|
Microdochium nivale |
snow mould |
lumihome |
Sneskimmel |
snømugg |
snömögel |
|
Ustilago hordei f. sp. hordei |
covered smut |
kätkonoki |
dækket bygbrand |
dekket bygsot |
hårdsot |
|
Ustilago nuda (f. sp. hordei) |
loose smut |
lentonoki |
nøgen bygbrand |
naken sot |
kornets flygsot |
Secale cereale
|
rye |
ruis |
Rug |
rug |
råg |
|
Claviceps purpurea |
ergot |
torajyvä |
Meldrøjer |
mjølauke, meldrøye |
mjöldryga |
|
Fusarium spp. |
brown foot rot,
ear blight, seedling blight |
kahutähkä, punahome, tähkäfusarioosi, tyvitauti |
fusariose |
fusariose |
fusarios |
|
Microdochium nivale |
snow mould |
lumihome |
sneskimmel |
snømugg |
snömögel |
|
Urocystis occulta |
stripe smut, stem smut, stalk smut |
korsinoki |
rugstængelbrand |
stråsot |
stråsot |
Triticum
aestivum
|
wheat |
vehnä |
hvede |
hvete |
vete |
|
Bipolaris
sorokiniana |
foot rot, seedling
blight |
tyvi-ja lehtilaikku |
bipolaris-pladplet,
bipolaris-fodsyge |
bipolaris-brunflekk |
bipolaris |
|
Claviceps purpurea |
ergot |
torajyvä |
meldrøjer |
mjølauke, meldrøye |
mjöldryga |
|
Drechslera tritici-repentis |
tan spot, yellow
leaf spot, leaf blight |
vehnän lehtilaikku |
hvedebrunplet |
hvetebrunflekk |
vetets
bladfläcksjuka |
|
Fusarium spp. |
brown foot rot,
ear blight, seedling blight |
kahutähkä, punahome, tähkäfusarioosi, tyvitauti |
fusariose |
fusariose |
fusarios |
|
Microdochium nivale |
snow mould |
lumihome |
sneskimmel |
snømugg |
snömögel |
|
Stagonospora (Septoria) nodorum |
leaf and glume
blotch |
vehnän lehti-ja tähkälaikku |
hvedebrunplet |
hveteaksprikk |
brunfläcksjuka |
|
Tilletia caries(tritici) |
common bunt,
stinking smut |
haisunoki |
hvedestinkbrand |
stinksot |
stinksot |
|
Tilletia
contraversa |
dwarf bunt |
kääpiöhaisunoki |
dværgbrand |
dvergstinksot |
dvärgstinksot |
|
Ustilago
tritici (U. nuda f. sp. tritici) |
loose smut |
lentonoki |
hvedens nøgenbrand |
naken sot |
vetets flygsot |
|
Brassica spp. |
cabbage, rape, swede, turnip, mustard |
kaali, lanttu, rapsi, rypsi, turnipsi |
kål, kålroe, raps, ryps, turnips |
kål, kålrot, nepe, raps, ryps |
kål, kålrot, rova, raps, ryps |
|
Alternaria brassicae |
grey leaf spot |
ristikukkais-taimipolte |
stor skulpesvamp |
stor skulpesopp |
svartfläcksjuka |
|
A. brassicicola |
black spot, wirestem |
ristikukkaisten
varsi-ja lehtilaikku |
lille skulpesvamp |
liten skulpesopp |
svartfläcksjuka |
|
Phoma lingam |
dry rot, blackleg |
kuivamätä |
kåltørforrådnelse, rodhalsråd |
kålrottørråte |
torr-röta |
|
Sclerotinia sclerotiorum |
watery soft rot, white blight |
pahkahome |
storknoldet knoldbægersvamp |
storknolla råtesopp |
bomullsmögel, rotfruktsröta |
Linum
usitatissimum
|
flax, linseed |
pellava |
Hør |
lin |
lin |
Ascochyta
linicola
(syn. Phoma linicola) |
foot rot |
|
hørstengeldød |
|
|
|
Alternaria linicola |
Alternaria blight |
taimipolte |
|
rotbrann |
svartfläcksjuka |
|
Botrytis cinerea |
grey mould |
harmaahome |
gråskimmel |
gråskimmel |
gråmögel |
|
Colletotrichum lini |
stem cancer, seedling blight, anthracnose |
lehtilalaikku |
hørvisnesyge |
visnesjuke |
linantraknos |
|
Fusarium spp. |
fusarium wilt |
fusarioosi |
visnesyge, fusariose |
fusariose |
vissnesjuka, fusarios |
|
Beta
vulgaris
|
Beets |
juurikaslajit |
bederoer |
bete |
betarter |
|
Phoma betae |
black leg, leaf spot, damping-off |
juurikkaan-taimipolte |
rodbrand, bladplet |
beteringflekk |
stjälkröta, rotbrand |
|
Pisum
sativum
|
field pea, garden pea |
hernelajit |
ærter |
ert |
Ärtarter |
|
Asochyta pisi + Mycosphaerella pinodes + Phoma
medicaginis var. pinodella |
foot rot, leaf and
pod spots |
herneen laikku ja –tyveilaho |
ærtesyge, ærtefodsyge |
erteflekk,
ertefotsjuke |
ärtfläcksjuka |
|
Botrytis cinerea |
grey mould |
harmaahome |
gråskimmel |
gråskimmel |
gråmögel |
|
Fusarium spp. |
fusarium wilt, fusarium foot rot |
fusarioosi |
fusariose, slimskimmel |
fusariose |
vissnesjuka, fusarios |
|
Peronospora viciae f. sp. pisi |
Downy mildew |
herneen lehtihome |
ærteskimmel |
ertebladskimmel |
ärtbladmögel |
|
Vicia spp. Phaseolus spp. |
broad
bean, horse bean, common vetch, kidney
been, wax bean |
härkäpapu,
rehuvirna, vikkeri tarhapapu,
ruusupapu |
hestebønne, fodervikke havebønne, pralbøne |
bønnevikke, bondebønne, fôrvikke hagebønne |
åkerböna, hästböna, bondböna, fodervicker phaseolusarter |
|
Ascochyta spp. |
leaf and pod spot, blotch |
härkäpavunlaikka,
lehtilaikku |
hestebønnebladplet, bladplet |
bønnevikkeflekk, brunsjuke |
|
|
Botrytis cinerea |
grey mould |
harmaahome |
gråskimmel |
gråskimmel |
gråmögel |
|
Botrytis fabae |
chocolate spot |
härkäpavun- harmaahome |
chokoladeplet |
sjokoladeflekk |
chokladfläcksjuka |
|
Colletotrichum lindemuthianum |
anthracnose |
pavun-laikkutauti |
antraknose,
bønnesyge |
bønneflekk |
bönfläcksjuka |
|
Fusarium spp. |
foot rot |
taimipolte,
juurilaho |
bønnefusariose |
fusariose |
torr rotröta, vissnesjuka |
|
Daucus
carota
|
carrot |
porkkana |
Gulerod |
gulrot |
morot |
|
Alternaria dauci |
leaf blight |
porkkananataimi-polte |
gulerodbladplet |
gulrotbladflekk |
alternaria-röta |
|
Alternaria radicina |
black rot, seedling blight |
mustamätä |
Sortråd |
gurotsvartråte |
svartröta |
|
Allium spp. |
onion, garlic, leek |
sipulilajit, purjo |
løg, porre |
løk, purre |
lökarter |
|
Alternaria porri |
purple
blotch |
lehtipolte |
purpurskimmel |
purpurflekk |
|
|
Botrytis allii |
neck
rot, grey mould, damping-off |
sipulinharmaahome |
løggråskimmel |
løkgråskimmel |
lökgråmögel |
|
Botrytis cinerea |
grey mould |
harmaahome |
Gråskimmel |
gråskimmel |
gråmögel |
|
Fusarium spp. |
foot
rot, fusarium basal rot |
sipulinfusarioosi |
fusariose,
slimskimmel |
fusariose |
fusarios |
|
Stemphylium botryosum |
leaf
spot, leaf mould |
mustalehtihome |
Løgringplet |
løksvartflekk |
|
|
Apium
graveolens
|
celery |
juuriselleri |
selleri |
selleri |
selleri |
|
Septoria apiicola |
leaf
spot, late blight |
sellerinlehtilaikku |
selleribladplet |
selleribladflekk |
bladfläcksjuka |
|
Petroselinum crispum
|
parsley |
persilja |
kruspersille, rodpersille |
persille |
persilja |
|
Septoria petroselini |
leaf spot |
persiljanlehtilaikku |
persillebladplet |
persillebladflekk |
bladfläcksjuka |
Tuber transmitted
pathogens of potatoes
|
Host and pathogen |
English |
Finnish |
Danish |
Norwegian |
Swedish |
|
Solanum tuberosum |
potato |
Peruna |
kartoffel |
potet |
potatis |
|
Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. Sepedonicus |
bacterial ring rot |
rengasmätä |
ringbakteriose |
lys ringråte |
ljus ringröta |
|
Erwinia carotovora subsp. atroseptica |
black leg |
tyvimätä |
kartoffelsortbensyge |
stengelråte |
stjälkbakterios,
blötröta |
|
Ralstonia solanacearum |
bacterial crown rot |
tumma rengasmätä |
brunbakteriose |
mørk ringråte |
mörk ringröta |
|
Streptomyces scabies |
common scab |
perunarupi |
kartoffelskurv |
flatskurv |
vanlig skorv |
|
Streptomyces sp. |
russet scab |
perunarupi |
|
|
nätskorv |
|
Fusarium solani |
dry rot |
kuivamätä |
lagerråd, tørforrådnelse |
fusarium-tørråte |
fusarium-röta |
|
Helminthosporium solani |
silver scurf |
harmaahilse |
Sølvskurv |
sølvskurv |
silverskorv |
|
Phoma foveata |
Gangrene |
phoma-mätä |
phoma-råd |
phomatørråte |
phoma-röta |
|
Polyscytalum pustulans |
skin spot |
känsärupi |
Vinterbilister |
blæreskyrv |
blåskorv |
|
Phytophthora infestans |
late blight |
perunarutto |
kartoffelskimmel |
potettørråte |
Potatisblad-mögel |
|
Rhizoctonia solani |
black scurf, stem cancer |
perunaseitti |
rodfiltsvamp, gråben |
svartskurv |
lackskorv,
filtsjuka, groddbränna |
|
Spongospora subterranea |
powdery scab |
kuorirokko |
Pulverskurv |
vorteskurv |
pulverskorv |
|
Potato
viruses (Y, A, S, X, M, leafroll) |
Potato viruses |
|
Kartoffelvirus |
|
Potatisviroser |
Advisors for organic seed:
Landbrugets Rådgivningscenter,
Landskontoret for Planteavl, Udkærsvej 15, Skejby,
DK-8200 Århus N, +45 87 40 54 53
Seed health inspection:
Plantedirektoratet, Plantepatologisk
Afdeling, Bygning F, Skovbrynet 20,
DK-2800 Lyngby,
Phone: 45 26 38 42
Organic certification:
Plantedirektoratet, Økologisk Sektion,
Skovbrynet 20, DK-2800 Lyngby
Seed certification authority in Denmark
Plantedirektoratet, Økologisk Sektion,
Skovbrynet 20, DK-2800 Lyngby
Organic seed companies
K.F.K., V. Ringvej 1, 9760 Vrå, +45
98981200, e-mail: lsilkjar@kfk.dk
DLG – Økologi, Nørrevang 23, Skave, 7500
Holstebro +45 97468488, organic@dlg.dk
Peer Hummeluhr, Sundagergaard, Skovvej 3,
Nr. Rind, 8832 Skals, +45 86696033
Nielsen & Smith Holger Lunden,
Sydvestvej 88 2600 Glostrup, +45 4329 8888
Mørdrupgård Korn Per Grupe, Mørdrupvej 7
3540 Lynge, +45 4818 7108
Skjern Å Andel, Storegade 36, Borris 6900
Skjern, +45 97366444, olj@skern-aa-andel
Sydvestjysk Andel, Sdr. Lourupvej 23 6690
Gørding, +45 75178266
Tjele Gods, Hobro Landevej 90 8830 Tjele,
+45 86652144
Frøsalget, Markedsvej 1,6650 Brørup, +45
75381744, post@froesalget.dk
DLF-Organic, Ny Østergade 9 - 4000
Roskilde, +45 46 33 03 00, E-mail: salesdk@dlf.dk
Roskilde Andel, Sdr. Ringvej 14 4000
Roskilde, +45 46350481, jo@roskilde-andel.dk
Hunsballe frø, Energivej 3, Dk-7500
Holstebro, +45 97 42 05 33
Carl Rasmussen & Hempler, Bogensevej
149, 5620 Glamsbjerg, +45 64 45 11 22, e-mail jbj@carlrasmussen-hempler.dk
Barritskov, Barritskovvej 34, 7150 Barrit,
+45 75691177, e-mail: info@barritskov.com
Advanta, Mimeasvej 5, 8722 Hedensted, +45
75892200,
Vikima Seed A/S, Industriparken 9,
DK 4960 Holeby, +45 54 60 70 10 E-mail: vikima@vikima-seed.dk
Competent authority:
Jordbruksverket, SE-551 82 Jönköping
Organic inspection bodies:
KRAV, Box 1940, 751 49 Uppsala
Svenska Demeterförbundet, Skillebyholm,
SE-153 91 Järna
Seed certification authorities:
Statens Utsädeskontroll, Onsjövägen,
SE-268 81 Svalöv
Frökontrollen Mellansverige AB, Box
22 014, SE-702 02 Örebro
Seed producers with
organic propagating material on the Swedish market 2002:
Anders Mann, Töresgården, 535 00 Kvänum, tel: 0512-92087 or 070 – 55 92 087
Axet i Källs Nöbbelöv AB, Källshögs gård, 260 20 Teckomatorp, tel: 0418 – 66 04 36
Björkviks Marktjänst AB, Tjärsta gård, 640 20 Björkvik, tel: 0155 – 714 14
Forsbecks AB, Box 63, 596 22 Skänninge, tel: 0142 – 410 40
Leif Rydewald, Söderåsen 526, 420 17 Olofstorp, tel: 031-702 53 43 or 070-76 56 107
Lindbloms Frö, Box 86, 277 21 Kivik, tel: 0414-708 80
Olssons Frö AB, Mogatan 6, 254 64 Helsingborg, tel: 042-15 55 40
Per Andersson, Solberga, 243 95 Höör, tel: 0413-330 40
Skånefrö AB, Storgatan 1, 272 93 Tommarp, tel: 0414-203 40
Stubbetorp Potatis HB, 591 93 Motala, tel: 0141-23 00 21
Svenska Lantmännen, Bo Hellstedt, Box 905, 601 19 Norrköping, tel: 011-21 80 97
Törnviks Frö AB, 179 65 Stenhamra, tel: 08-560 241 61
Weibull Trädgård AB, 276 50 Hammenhög, tel: 0414-44 38 98
Svenska Foder AB, Box 194, 245 22 Staffanstorp, tel: 046-32 58 00
Competent authority:
Landbrukstilsynet, Postboks 3, NO-1431 Ås
Inspection body
DEBIO, NO-1940 Björkelangen
Seed certification authority
Landbrukstilsynet, Postboks
3, NO-1431 Ås
Norske Felleskjøp, Postboks 9237,
Grønland, NO-0134 Oslo
Strand Brænderi, Postboks 103, NO-2391
Moelv
Agrokonsult AS, Hesteskoen 10, NO-1408
Kråkstad
Competent authority:
The Local Business
districts under the guidance and supervision of the Plant Production Inspection
Centre (KTTK), Seed testing department, Control of organic farming, P.O. Box
111, FIN-32201 Loimaa, Finland
Organic inspector:
The Local Business
districts under the guidance and supervision of the Plant Production Inspection
Centre (KTTK) Seed testing department, P.O. Box 111, FIN-32201 Loimaa, Finland
Seed certification
authority
Plant Production Inspection Centre (KTTK), P.O. Box
111, FIN-32201 Loimaa, Finland
Seed producers with
organic propagating material on the Finnish market 2002:
Cereals, clover and grass, and/or potatoes
Antfolk
Ole-Henrik; Östra linjen 1525; FIN-64610; ÖVERMARK
Auvinen
Jyrki; Turkkilantie 714; FIN-07990; RUOTSINKYLÄ
Boreal
Kasvinjalostus ltd; Myllytie 10; FIN-31600; JOKIOINEN
Eetila
ltd; Alhonkulmantie 170; FIN-31640; HUMPPILA
Elixi
Oil ltd; Joensuuntie 47; FIN-31400; SOMERO
Fastighets
Ab Solfvägen 219; FIN-65450; SOLF
Hankkija-Maatalous
ltd; Alastaron siemenkeskus; Kanteenmaantie 97; FIN-32440; ALASTARO
Hankkija-Maatalous
ltd; Hyvinkään siemenkeskus; PL 24; FIN-05801; HYVINKÄÄ
Hirvonen
Pekka; Suvisrannantie 44; FIN-83500; OUTOKUMPU
Huttunen
Juha maatilapakkaamo; Suvisrannantie 28; FIN-83500;
OUTOKUMPU
Huttunen
veljekset; Mäenpääntie 25; FIN-74700; KIURUVESI
Hämäläinen
Aimo maatilapakkaamo; Kerisalonsaarentie 838; FIN-79600; JOROINEN
Jeppo
Food Oy ltd; Lövbackvägen 35; FIN-66850; JEPPO
Kiuruveden
Siemen ltd; Rytkyntie 401; FIN-74700; KIURUVESI
Koistinen
Pertti Tilasiemen; Mattisenlahden KT 1; FIN-80400; YLÄMYLLY
Kuivisto
Anssi; Maatiantie 20; FIN-41800; KORPILAHTI
Kumpulainen
Jouni; Karsikontie 8; FIN-71775; TUOVILANLAHTI
Kumpulanmäen
pakkaamo; Porovedentie 527; FIN-74120; IISALMI
Laakso
Johannes; Jaakontuvantie 2; FIN-62660; ITÄKYLÄ
Lanamäki
ltd; Laasalantie 13; FIN-63500; LEHTIMÄKI
Naturcom
lts; Lisko; FIN-92400; RUUKKI
Niemi
Juhannus; Aitomäentie 998; FIN-45100; KOUVOLA
Norrholm
H. ltd; Åsvägen 30; FIN-64220; YTTERMARK
Orasmaan
pakkaamo ltd; Kirkkotie 23; FIN-18300; HEINOLA KK
Paala
Antti; Kirkkotie 80 A; FIN-28450; ULVILA
Pakaslahden
pakkaamo; Sammakkokuja 100; FIN-91980; LUMIJOKI
Pohjois-Karjalan
Siemen; Kaatamontie 32 A; FIN-83330; KAATAMO
Pohjolan
Jyväjemmari ltd; Rapakkojoentie 70; FIN-74630; HEINÄKYLÄ
Porrassalmi
Olavi; Soukka-Viinamäentie 263; FIN-61630; HIRVIJÄRVI
Purolan
kartano ltd; Jokelantie 346; FIN-05430; NUPPULINNA
Puttolan
siemen ltd; Säyryläntie 27; FIN-42100; JÄMSÄ
Pyhäselän
pakkaamo; Sarakankaantie 95; FIN-82200; HAMMASLAHTI
Salmelan
tila; Salmelantie 163; FIN-41120; PUUPPOLA
Salo
Markku; Hurstinkulmantie; FIN-32300; MELLILÄ
Savon
Siemen Ky; Itikka; FIN-74100; IISALMI
Siemenliike
Jalkanen T:mi; Sahalantie 41; FIN-77700; RAUTALAMPI
Siementalo
ltd; Mäentaantie 45; FIN-27259; KODIKSAMI
T:mi
Suomen Timotei; Torkkola; FIN-66500; VÄHÄKYRÖ
Tomperin
pakkaamo; Tomperinniemi 58; FIN-71160; RIISTAVESI
Träskelin
Jarmo; Majanperäntie 467; FIN-92600; PULKKILA
Uusi-Eskola
Lasse Ky; Köyliöntie 384; FIN-32200; LOIMAA
Välimäki
Markku ja Pirjo/Kasken tila; ; Marjamäentie 205; FIN-38360; KIIKOINEN
Ylistaron
Maataloustarvike ltd; Mattila Martti; PL 3; FIN-61401; YLISTARO
Vegetables
Schetelig
ltd; Martinkyläntie 52; FIN-01720
VANTAA
Luomuahola
ltd; PL 292; FIN-01301; VANTAA
Valkeapää
Kirsi ja Juha; Suonionkatu 7 B 22; FIN-00530; HELSINKI
Valkeapää
Leena ja Pekka; Raasakankuja 10; FIN-03400; VIHTI
Vertanen
Jussi; Kuusitie 25 B 7; FIN-01400; VANTAA
Transplants
Haapisevan
perennataimisto; Saviniementie 400; FIN-52740; Tuustaipale
Heikkilä
Riitta; Pietiläntie 63; FIN-32410; Niinijoki
Huuhtanen
Seppo ja Anja; Kolanojantie 293; FIN-12310; Ryttylä
Korsnäsin
kauppapuutarha ltd; Kyrkobyvägen; FIN-66200; Korsnäs
Koskinen
Anni ja Jari; Nilsbyntie 8; FIN-21610; Kirjala
Marja-Suomen
taimituotanto ltd; Petsamonkuja 19; FIN-77600; Suonenjoki
Pitkäpellon
puutarha; Tallaantie 91B; FIN-09120 ; Karjalohja
Puutarha
Nyyssönen; Riihirannantie 945; FIN-79100; Leppävirta
Ornamental transplants
Riikonen
Antti; Saviniementie 400; FIN-52740
Tuustaipale
Ubaleht
Ensio, Linkosuontie 46; FIN-19620; Pohela
Within the project funding the
current document, a workshop was held at Scanagri, Copenhagen 17th
January 2002. The scope of the workshop was to present the status of the
project and discuss the situation of the organic seed sector with representatives
from research, seed producers, seed consumers, advisors and competent
authorities. The invited guests represented expertise on all the major groups
of crops, vegetables, cereals, ley and potatoes and came from four Nordic
countries, Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland. Participants of the workshop
are listed below. In order to ensure a high standard of discussion, only
specialists were invited, and the participants were well prepared with written
material before the meeting. The agenda for the day was therefore composed with
a minimum of one-way communication and a maximum of possibilities to discuss
the issue of organic seed with colleagues from other Nordic countries
Rasmus Eriksen from the Danish
PlantDirectorate presented the current situation of organic seed regulation. He
informed the audience on the ongoing discussions within EU. As later has been
confirmed by draft circulated from the European commission, it is the general
agreement that all competent authorities will be requested to establish a
database on available organic seed in the country, and only grant derogation if
organic seed is not on the list.
Anders Borgen talked about the
general problems with the use and production of organic seed. He listed both
technical and legal problems, both in relation to the organic inspection and
the seed certification scheme. The basic content of the contribution is
equivalent to the comprehensive discussion in this report.
After these short introductions the
participants were divided into groups. Additional background materials for the
discussion in the groups were a draft of the report and the January issue of
the ‘Newsletter on organic seed and plant breeding’ with an article on the EU
organic seed regime after 2004. Four groups were established: Ley, potatoes,
vegetables and cereals. After discussions in thematic groups, the groups
presented their view of key issues.
The ley
group presented the discussion on ley crops. Good production results are
seen in: Red clover Trifolium pratense,
timothy Phleum pratense, meadow
fescue Festuca pratensis, perennial
ryegrass Lolium perenne and Italian
ryegrass Lolium multiflorum. More
problems are seen in: White clover Trifolium
repens , Smooth-stalked meadow grass Poa
pratense, red fescue Festuca rubra
and lucerne Medicago sativa. There is
a need to focus more on variety/mixture testing including new species. There
are at present two principles of composition of partly organic mixtures, the
percentage principle and the (Danish) variety principle. Both principles have
both advantages and disadvantages.
The potato group was hampered
by the fact that the invited Danish potato specialists were unable to attend
the meeting. Denmark is the only Nordic country where organic seed potatoes are
produced in sufficient quantities. In the other Nordic countries late blight
has for the last three years come so early in the season that the tuber size
has been too small at harvest. Most potato seed producers have therefore
stopped their production, and there seems to be no solution to this problem in
near future. There is an urgent need for research to solve this problem.
One possibility to improve the
organic potato production would be resistant varieties, but it seems that
consumers are very conservative in the selection of varieties. Most consumers
prefer varieties like “Bintje”, which is one of the most susceptible varieties
on the market. Another possibility could be to produce seed tubers in areas
where late blight is less aggressive, like high altitudes.
The vegetable group discussed
the selection of appropriate varieties. It is not realistic to test all
relevant varieties without public funds for the purpose. There is therefore an
insufficient knowledge to establish a good dialogue between seed producers and
seed consumers. The group preferred a subsidy to promote seed production rather
than promote it by allowing production of seed on conversion areas, but did
identify a specific problem for vegetative propagating materials, if it is not
allowed.
The problem with seed vigour and
other quality aspects are more relevant with high price crops like vegetables
than other crops, but the current certification standards do not ensure that
the seed lot has the highest quality. The quality of the seed therefore very
much depends on the seed company, but this is difficult for the
inspector/competent authority to deal with. Organic farmers therefore may be
forced to use seed with different quality, if such seed is on the list of
available organic seed. There is a need to define improved quality standards
for organic vegetable seed, including seed health.
The cereal group focused
their discussion on the health issue. There is a need to include definitions on
seed health in the criteria for the list of available organic seed. The problem
is also relevant for the use of untreated non-organic seed. It may therefore be
necessary to include the standards for seed health in the general regulation of
seed certification. There are still huge disagreements about threshold values
and seed analysis methods. Some diseases may also have different significance
in different climatic regions. It is therefore not at present possible to
define common international standards. The definitions of seed health as
criteria for seed to be defined as available in organic quality should be set
up at a national level.
The group also discussed the issue
of financing the database of organic seed and how to define appropriate
varieties in countries, without reliable variety testing. However, the group
did not conclude on these issues.
List of participants in the Nordic
Workshop on organic seed, Copenhagen 17/1-2002
Denmark
Ole
Andersen,
Sejet Planteforaedling, Nörremarksvej 67, Sejet, DK-8700 Horsens, Denmark, <oan@sejet.com>
Anders
Borgen,
Scanagri, Vester Farimagsgade 65th, DK-1606 Köbenhavn V, Denmark. <anders.borgen@scanagri.dk>
Lise Deleuran, Danmarks Jordbrugsforskning, Flakkebjerg, DK-4200
Slagelse, Denmark. <Lise.Deleuran@agrsci.dk>
Johannes
Due, Juellingsholmsvej
20, DK-7200 Grindsted, Denmark. <Pijodu@nollund.dk>
Rasmus Örnberg Eriksen, Plantedirektoratet, Skovbrynet 20, DK-2800 Lyngby,
Denmark.<rae@pdir.dk>
Per Grupe, Mördrupgård Korn, Mördrupvej 7, DK-3540 Lynge, Denmark.
Henrik Jörskov Hansen, Plantedirektoratet, Skovbrynet 20, DK-2800 Lyngby,
Denmark. <hjh@pdir.dk>
Thomas Vang Jörgensen, Landbrugets Rådgivningscenter, Skejby, DK-8200 Crhus N, Denmark. <TVJ@lr.dk>
Maren Korsgård, Industrivej 31C, DK-4230 Skaelskrr, Denmark. <maren@skl.dk>
Jrrgen
Lund Kristensen, DLF-Trifolium,
DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark. <jlk@dlf.dk>
Sweden
Ragni Andersson, The Swedish Board of Agriculture, SE-551 82
Jönköping, Sweden. ragni.andersson@sjv.se
Ann-Marie Dock Gustavsson, The Swedish Board of Agriculture, SE-751 86
Uppsala, Sweden. adoc@sjv.se
Carina
Larsson,
Edafos AB, Ulriksdal, SE-277 31 Kivik, Sweden. + 46 414 706 10
carina.larsson@edafos.se
Nilla Nilsdotter-Linde, SLU, FFE, Box 7043, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden. nilla.nilsdotter-linde@evp.slu.se
Pär-Johan Lööf, Svenska Lantmännen, Box 905, SE-601 19 Norrköping,
Sweden.
lage.ringstad@ODAL.se
Ingemar Nilsson, Box 4097, SE-904 03 UmeD, Sweden. ingemar.nilsson@grokonsult.com
Marianne Björk Nylander, Norrgårda egendom, Pl 41, SE-705 94 Örebro,
Sweden.
marie.anne.bjork.nylander@ekolantbruk.se
Hans Olvång, Rallarv. 32, SE-740 20 Vänge, Sweden. hans.olvang@vpat.slu.se
Karin Sperlingsson, Statens Utsädeskontroll, Onsjövägen, SE-268 81
Svalöv, Sweden.
karin.sperlingsson@su-kontroll.se
Ann-Charlotte Wallenhammar, Hushållningssällskapet, Box 22014, SE-702 02
Örebro, Sweden. ac.wallenhammar@hush.se
Norway
Liv Birkeland, NORSqK, Tingvoll
Gard, NO-6630 Tingvoll, Norway.
(liv.birkeland@norsok.no)
Harald Björn-Larsen, Debio, NO-1940 Bjrrkelangen, Norway. (Harald@debio.no)
Guro Brodal, Landbrukstilsynet, Postboks 3, NO-1431 Ås, Norway.
(guro.brodal@slt.dep.no)
Ragnar Eltun, Planteforsk Apelsvoll forskingssenter, NO-2849 Kapp, Norway.
(ragnar.eltun@planteforsk.no)
Birgitte Henriksen, Planteforsk Plantevernet,Fellesbygget, NO-1432 Ås,
Norway. <birgitte.henriksen@planteforsk.no>
Torgun Johnsen, Landbrukstilsynet, Postboks 3, NO-1431 Ås, Norway.
(torgun.johnsen@slt.dep.no)
Jan Erik Möhlum, öko-Gudbrand, NO-2686 Lom, Norway. (okogudbrand@lfr.no)
Kerstin Pålsson, Fokhol gård, NO-2335 Stange, Norway.
<fokhol@online.no>
Finland
Juha Kieksi,
Plant Production
Inspection Centre (KTTK), Seed testing department, Control of organic farming,
P.O. Box 111, FIN-32201 Loimaa, Finland <juha.kieksi@kttk.fi>
Markku Niskanen;
MTT Agrifood Research
Center (MTT), South Ostrobothnia Research Station, Alapääntie 104, FIN-61400
Ylistaro, Finland <markku.niskanen@mtt.fi>
Esa Partanen; Chairman of the Union of Organic Farming
(Luomu-Liitto)
Urheilutie
63, PL 48, FIN-01301 Vantaa, Finland, <esa.partanen@maaseutukeskus.fi>
amended by: Council Regulation (EC) No
1935/95 of 22 June 1995,
and amended by: Council Regulation (EC) No
1804/1999 of 19 July 1999
Compiled text of selected articles relevant for seed production and seed use in organic agriculture.
Article 6
Article 6. 1. The organic production method implies that for the production of products referred to in Article 1(1)(a) other than seeds and vegetative propagating material:
(a) at least the requirements of Annex I and, where appropriate, the detailed rules relating thereto, must be satisfied;
(b) only products composed of substances mentioned in Annex I or listed in Annex II may be used as plant protection products, fertilisers, soil conditioners, feedingstuffs, feed materials, compound feedingstuffs, feed additives, substances used in animal nutrition under Directive 82/471/EEC, cleaning and disinfecting products for livestock buildings and installations, products for pest and disease control of livestock buildings and installations or for another purpose where such purpose is specified in Annex II in regard to certain products. They may be used only under the specific conditions laid down in Annexes I and II in so far as the corresponding use is authorised in general agriculture in the Member States concerned in accordance with the relevant Community provisions or national provisions in conformity with Community law;
(c) only seed or vegetative propagating material produced by the organic production method referred to in paragraph 2 is used;
(d) genetically modified organisms and/or any product derived from such organisms must not be used, with the exception of veterinary medicinal products.
Article 6. 2. The organic production method implies that for seeds and vegetative reproductive material, the mother plant in the case of seed and the parent plant(s) in the case of vegetative propagating material have been produced:
(a) without the use of genetically modified organisms and/or any products derived from such organisms, and
(b) in accordance with subparagraphs (a) and (b) of paragraph 1 for at least one generation or, in the case of perennial crops, two growing seasons.
Article 6. 3. (a) By way of derogation from paragraph 1 (c), seed and vegetative propagating material not obtained by the organic production method may, during a transitional period expiring on 31 December 2003 and with the approval of the competent authority of the Member State, be used in so far as users of such propagating material can show to the satisfaction of the inspection body or authority of the Member State that they were unable to obtain on the market propagating material for an appropriate variety of the species in question and satisfying the requirements of paragraph 2. In that case, propagating material which is not treated with products not listed in Annex II, Section B must be used, if available on the Community market. Member States shall inform the other Member States and the Commission of any authorization granted under this paragraph.
(b) The procedure laid down in Article 14 may be applied to decide on:
- the introduction, before 31 December 2003 of restrictions concerning the transitional measure referred to in subparagraph (a) with regard to certain species and/or types of propagating material and/or the absence of chemical treatment,
- the maintenance, after 31 December 2003, of the derogation provided for in subparagraph (a) with regard to certain species and/or types of propagating material and with regard to the whole Community or certain parts thereof,
- the introduction of procedural rules and criteria concerning the derogation referred to in subparagraph (a) and the information thereon communicated to the professional organizations concerned, to other Member States and the Commission.
-
Article 6. 4. Before 31 December 2002 the Commission shall review the provisions of this Article, in particular paragraph 1 (c) and paragraph 2 and submit any appropriate proposals with a view to their revision.
Article 6a
Article 6a. 1. For the purposes of this Article, "seedlings" shall mean whole seedlings intended for planting for plant production.
Article 6a. 2. The organic production method implies that when producers use seedlings, they have been produced in accordance with Article 6.