The Use of Organic Seed and Plant Propagation Material in Organic Agriculture

The position paper on the use of organic seed and plant propagation material in Organic Agriculture was published in response to a motion passed at the 2008 General Assembly.

The paper calls for the growth and greater independence of the organic propagation and seed market, the promotion of co-existence of the formal seed sector and farmer based organic propagation and greater use of on-farm testing.

Initiatives are needed to improve the legal situation for farmer-saved seeds and all other propagation material useful for organic cultivation. Variety protection can be useful, as long as breeder exemptions and farmer’s privileges are guaranteed. The allowance of non-organic seeds under specific situations is desirable.