This document discusses requirements for using seed in organic production according to EU regulations. It notes that only organically produced seed may be used, except in limited circumstances where authorization is granted for non-organic seed. Authorization can be granted if no variety of a species is available on the market, no supplier can deliver seed before sowing, or no suitable variety of a species is available on the market. The document also outlines requirements for organic seed production, including that seed must be produced organically for at least one generation for annual crops or two growing seasons for perennial crops.

1. Requirements regarding the use of seed in
organic production and bases for
authorisations to use conventional seed
of suitable variety
Sampsa Heinonen
The Finnish Food Safety Authority, EVIRA

2. Organic production
– ”inwoven” Climate Smart Agriculture?
• Example: …following rules shall apply to organic plant
production:
(a) organic plant production shall use tillage and cultivation
practices that maintain or increase soil organic matter,
enhance soil stability and soil biodiversity, and prevent soil
compaction and soil erosion;
(b) the fertility and biological activity of the soil shall be
maintained and increased by multiannual crop rotation
including legumes and other green manure crops, and by the
application of livestock manure or organic material, …
Council Regulation 834/2007 article 12.1a and 12.1b

3. Requirements - the use of seed in organic
production
• Only organically produced seed and propagating material shall be used
– except in production of mother plants in the case of seeds (and parent plants in case of
vegetative propagating materials)
• Authorisation to use non-organic seed may only be granted in the
following cases:
a) no variety of the species is on the market*
b) no supplier is able to deliver before sowing
c) no suitable variety of the species is not the market
d) it is justified for use in research, test in small-scale field trials or for conservation purposes.
e) It is used as mother plant for production of seed to be used on own farm (TOS-siemen)
– The authorisation shall be granted before the sowing of the crop.
– The authorisation shall be granted only to individual users for one season.
*on the market = registered in the organic seed database
Council Regulation 834/2007 article 12.1i, Commission Regulation 889/2008 article 45
Evira’s guidelines on organic plant production

4. C) No suitable variety of the species available
An authorisation may only be granted provided that
• the user is able to demonstrate that none of the varieties on the market
of the same species are appropriate and
• that the authorisation therefore is significant for his production
According to Evira’s guidelines the proof can be
demonstrated through:
• Management techniques: variety is suitable or unsuitable due to soil
or weather conditions, production technology (e.g. coated seed) etc.
• The end use of the crop: early/late variety, consumer preference, etc.
• Plant protection and other risks: available varieties susceptible to
pests.

5. Requirements
– organic seed production
• Organic seed, by definition, is produced in accordance with the
organic rules for at least
– one generation (annual crops). Example: oats
– two growing seasons (perennial crops). Example: red clover
• organic seed can be produced already from the first year of the
conversion
– Compare:
• “in conversion to organic production” feed or food products after 12
months from the start of the conversion
• Labelled “certified organic” feed or food products after 24 months
• Parallel production is allowed in organic seed production
– The seed of the same variety of the same crop may grown on the same
farm both as organic and conventional.
Council Regulation 834/2007 article 12.1i, Commission Regulation 889/2008 articles 40
and 45

6. Can we learn something from varieties used in
organic production?
• Organic farmers
use both the
newest varieties
and some that
seem to be
especially
appropriate for
organic production.
• Almost 60 percent
of all certified
”Roope” seed was
organic in 2016!
TOP-10 varieties in Ranking in Relative popularity in organics production
Organics Conventional average = 1,0
Akseli 1 2 1,4
Matty 2 4 2,2
Venla 3 12 5,4
Meeri 4 3 1,2
Roope 5 19 9,8
Iiris 6 11 1,6
Obelix 7 20 3,4
Riina 8 6 0,5
Niklas 9 1 0,2
Avetron 10 7 0,5
The main varieties in organic and conventional certified
oats seed production 2016.
Data source: https://www.evira.fi/kasvit/viljely-ja-tuotanto/siemenet/tilastot/sertifiointi/
Why? Find out and become a bit climate smarter!

7. THANKS!
Sampsa Heinonen
Sampsa.heinonen@evira.fi