The State of Organic Seed in Europe

Summary

This booklet aims at supporting the expansion, both horizontal and vertical, of the European market for organic seed. Organic farmers need seed bred specifically to withstand the local and environmental conditions without the use of external, synthetic inputs. The size of the demand, however, does not justify the investment needed, when left entirely to market forces.
This booklet estimates the potential market for organic seed in the EU and any challenges to its full development, and particularly the role played by the current derogation process for use of conventional untreated seed. Also analysed is the lack and inconsistency of information for farmers on what is available and how it meets their needs.
In particular, the study compares and identifies gaps in the use of national databases and annual reports on derogations across Europe, and how these can be modified to provide stronger policy incentives to the market.
Suppliers were interviewed on technical and economic challenges to seed production and farmers were involved in discussions on how organic seed is acquired and used.