KWS, Euroseeds and IFOAM's reactions on European Parliament's Plant Reproductive Material legislation vote

Date:04-25-2024

KWS acknowledges the outcome of the PRM vote but concerns about potential impacts

KWS acknowledges the outcome of the vote of the European Parliament (EP) on the Plant Reproductive Material (PRM) proposal. From the company’s perspective the text approved by the Members of the European Parliament puts at risk the well proven pillars of the PRM legislation, that ensured the delivery of high-quality input for all farmers, growers and all users, thus opening for certain material to be exempted by the scope of the legislation and in the future.

The plant breeding and seed sector plays a crucial role in delivering high quality varieties to farmers to face an increasing number of challenges linked to climate changes and reduced tools at their disposal. It is fundamental to guarantee the sector the conditions to continue operate on the basis of a level playing field. Practices that undermine these conditions jeopardize the overall goals of the PRM proposal of food security, protection of biodiversity and restoration of forest ecosystems.

By excluding from the scope of the Regulation certain type of material and activities, the European Parliament created the conditions for a market lacking minimum requirements and official controls. While derogations ensured proper balance between the development of the sector and the safeguard and maintenance of conservation PRM, easing the conditions to operate for conservation entities, the exemption from the Regulation would not only facilitate breaching the common rules and increasing frauds, but would remove any transparency or official oversight for the stated aim of improving diversification and diversity of the PRM placed on the market or exchanged. Exempting certain material from minimum quality and seed health requirements, without any traceability or official controls will impact users and undermine the confidence in the sector and the good reputation of EU produced PRM for global markets.

″The text from parliament opens an informal channel for marketing of PRM with no scrutiny whatsoever regarding its identity, quality, health or marketing claims regarding its suitability for specific users. This risks damage to the drive for EU farmers and growers’ towards more sustainable production, the competitiveness of European agriculture and threatens the international recognition of the EU as a region for reliable sourcing of high quality PRM serving global markets. The outcome of the vote does not reflect the contribution of our sector to the agri-food chain and end consumers nor does it reflect the industry's objectives in terms of sustainability and economic viability. We look at the Council now to adopt a position that would contrast those threatening provisions to be taken to the interinstitutional negotiations″, states Nigel Moore, Head of Food Ingredients and Euroseeds Board Member for KWS.

Euroseeds reiterates concerns and commitment to dialogue following European Parliament’s vote on Plant Reproductive Material

In the wake of the European Parliament’s plenary vote on a new Regulation for Plant Reproductive Material (PRM), Euroseeds renews its enduring concerns regarding certain aspects of the current text while reaffirming its dedication to constructive engagement and dialogue with European policymakers.

Euroseeds, together with a coalition of stakeholders including Copa-Cogeca, Europatat, Coceral, the European Beet Growers (CIBE), and CEPM Maiz’Europe, representing a significant portion of PRM suppliers and users, recently addressed these concerns through a joint letter. These shared concerns highlight the collective desire for a balanced regulatory framework that fosters innovation, competitiveness, and sustainability within European agriculture.

Garlich von Essen, Secretary General of Euroseeds, reiterated the organization’s critical stance on certain provisions within the proposed text:

″We remain highly critical of certain provisions in the current proposed text. Given the importance of seed as starting point for all agriculture and food production, we are convinced that all farmers must be able to rely on proper quality assurance and control for any material they choose. The many derogations and exemptions weaken this key element and precondition for a fair common market for both breeders and seed users.″

While Euroseeds acknowledges some technical enhancements to the Commission’s proposal during parliamentary discussions, particularly regarding provisions for forage and grass species, von Essen stressed the complexity of the matter:

″Together with our partners, we will continue to contribute constructively to the further legislative process and work towards a regulatory framework that supports the needs of European agriculture and society.″

Looking ahead, Euroseeds affirms its commitment to actively contribute to the ongoing legislative process, striving for a regulatory framework that aligns with the evolving needs of European agriculture and society. Collaboration with partners and leveraging technical expertise within Member States and the European Commission will be pivotal in refining and clarifying the regulatory landscape during forthcoming trilogue discussions anticipated later in the year.

IFOAM Organics Europe: EU Parliament advances organic plant breeding with new PRM legislation vote

The vote on the Plant Reproductive Material Regulation (PRM) legislation could contribute to a balanced regulation and a conducive environment for organic plant breeding. Members of the European Parliament have endorsed most of the amendments proposed in the report of the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development (COMAGRI), recognising the important role seeds and seed diversity play for a healthy food and farming system.

Eric Gall, IFOAM Organics Europe’s Deputy Director, said: ″Our food system should be resilient. This review of the EU seed legislation has the potential to re-introduce much needed genetic diversity and could be a first step to make sure organic breeders and farmers have access to plant biodiversity – specifically allowing the adaptation of seed variety registration rules. This will enable agrobiodiversity and ensure that plant genetic resources are not concentrated in the hands of only a few big actors.″As organic farmers do not use synthetic pesticides and only a limited amount of fertilisers, they need Plant Reproductive Material (PRM), such as seeds and seedlings, specifically bred to perform well under organic conditions. This also allows all other farmers access to a wide range of PRM.

The regulation on production and marketing of plant reproductive material is an important piece of legislation within the EU Green Deal. It is specifically important in the context of the Farm to Fork Strategy’s objective to boost organic production and to reach 25% of the EU’s agricultural land under organic management by 2030.