The most compelling reason for using organic seed when growing organic crops is that seed produced organically causes less chemical impact on the environment. For many organic farmers, however, the disease resistance and productivity of conventionally produced seed varieties are two big factors in the success of their crops.

Until recently, few of these varieties were available as organically produced varieties, especially in the case of proprietary F-1 hybrids. That scarcity is changing due to the government’s encouragement and people’s improved awareness of environmental protection, which now requires that growers use Organic Seed if it is available.

Under the European Union Regulation on the organic production of agricultural products (2092/91), crops raised in organic systems should be grown from organically produced seed or vegetative material. However, the supply of organic seed is limited in the UK and in Europe as a whole, and so by way of derogation, the EU Regulation permits the use of untreated, conventional seed on organic farms only when an appropriate organic variety cannot be sourced. At the start of this project, the derogation period was due to end on 31 December 2000; however, it was extended in June 1999 to 31 December 2003, after which the use of conventional seed will not be permitted on organic farms.

Supporting organic seed farmers is supporting the environment, the quality of the air and water, and the health of the local inhabitants.