The current European seed marketing regulatory framework represents a major bottleneck for the development and the registration of organic cultivars. The new EU organic regulation, introducing organic varieties and organic heterogeneous material, shall propose adapted rules and protocols for registration.

The economics of seed production and marketing are quite different in an organic regime compared to conventional. Lower yields and higher risks of crop failure require appropriate business models to ensure fair prices to seed-producing farmers. Similarly, financing organic plant breeding requires innovative approaches, encompassing the smaller seed market share and the higher number of varieties needed in the sector.

On this page, you will find information and updates on the economics and regulation of organic seeds, including contracting process and certification of organic seeds as well as information on availability of organic seeds on the market and other market issues.