AIC at Euroseeds 2025 Congress
The Euroseeds 2025 Congress, held in Edinburgh from 19–22 October 2025, brought together leaders from across the European and UK seed sectors, government bodies, and international organisations to discuss the future of seed trade and collaboration in a changing global landscape.
The Agricultural Industries Confederation (AIC) and the British Society of Plant Breeders (BSPB) jointly hosted a stand at the congress, providing a focal point for UK engagement and showcasing the country’s expertise and innovation in plant breeding and seed supply. At Euroseeds, we also showcased our The Journey to Seed Certification and Marketing infographic.
Key Themes and Outcomes
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The congress emphasised the urgent need for regulatory alignment between the EU and UK, particularly in the post-Brexit context. Regulatory discrepancies, especially concerning phytosanitary measures, have led to delays and increased costs for seed businesses and farmers.
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A central topic was the negotiation of a new Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) agreement between the UK Government and the European Commission. The proposed agreement aims to:
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Streamline seed movement by removing the GB Border Target Operating Model (BTOM) process and aligning plant health regulations.
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Facilitate mutual recognition of variety registration and the exchange of DUS (Distinct, Uniform and Stable) reports.
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Secure access to innovation in seed treatment and the movement of treated seed.
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Resolve restrictions and delays in EU–GB seed potato trade.
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Simplify rules for organic seed trade between the EU and UK.
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Robert Sheasby, Chief Executive of AIC, delivered a presentation at the congress, offering a comprehensive overview of the UK’s agricultural landscape and its role within Europe’s wider agri-food system. He highlighted the opportunities presented by simplified trading arrangements, emerging seed innovations, and the importance of modern breeding techniques in addressing challenges faced by the UK, Europe, and beyond.
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Garlich von Essen, Secretary General and CEO of Euroseeds, commented: “The Euroseeds 2025 Congress highlights the urgent need for aligned regulations between the EU and UK. By removing barriers and ensuring smoother trade of seeds, we can support farmers, accelerate innovation, and strengthen the resilience of our sector across Europe.”
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Robert Sheasby added: “As seed processors and merchants look towards a bright future for plant breeding in the UK, it is fantastic that the Euroseeds Congress is being held here this year. The opportunity to consider simplified trading arrangements, new seed innovations, and to acknowledge the importance of modern breeding techniques as part of the solution to the challenge of feeding the UK, Europe, and beyond, is something we look forward to discussing with colleagues from around the world.”
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Anthony Hopkins, Head of Policy at BSPB, emphasised the benefits of a comprehensive EU–UK deal: “A ‘good’ EU–UK Reset deal would remove most of the costly trade barriers and duplication, while boosting innovation, investment and resilience for UK and EU farmers and supply chains.”
The congress concluded with a strong call for practical solutions and closer cooperation, recognising that regulatory alignment is critical to the future of seed trade, agricultural innovation, and food security across Europe.
Author
Rose Riby
Rose Riby is Head of Combinable Crops and Seed. Having worked across these sectors for many years, she has a depth and breadth of experience in roles in grain trading, plant breeding and knowledge exchange at AHDB.