Treated seed supply set to be secured for 2024 after AIC intervention
The supply of treated seed to UK farms is set to be secured after the Agricultural Industries Confederation (AIC) worked with the Government and industry to avert a major shortage.
Today, (24 October) the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) announced that a Statutory Instrument has been laid before Parliament which will enable farmers and growers to have continued access to seeds treated with plant protection products (PPPs) imported from the EU.
In collaboration with other industry stakeholders, AIC - the agri-supply industry's trade association - worked with Defra to find a resolution to the seed treatment rule changes ahead of the end-of-year deadline.
Hazel Doonan, AIC's Head of Crop Protection and Agronomy, said: "We are pleased that this legislation has finally been brought forward so that treated seed supply from the EU may continue without the threat of disruption from the New Year.
"Once passed, this will give much-needed confidence to seed importers, distributors and their farming customers to plan ahead for the 2024 season and beyond."
Post-EU Exit arrangements meant that after 31 December 2023, PPP-treated seed could only be traded and used in Great Britain if it has been treated with a product authorised for that purpose in Great Britain. This risked significant disruption of treated seed supply from the European Union.
The temporary measures announced by Defra must now be approved by Parliament so that the emergency legislation can take effect before the end of 2023.
Visit the GOV.UK website for more details.
Valuable seed treatments
Seed treatments help to protect young plants from harmful pests and diseases as the crop establishes. These seed treatments are especially important for maize, a crop that is crucial for dairy cattle diets and in energy production.
The temporary measures will allow farmers and growers in Great Britain to continue using seeds treated with PPPs authorised for use in the EU up to 1 July 2027, instead of 31 December 2023, as long as the PPPs remain authorised in at least one EU or EEA Member State.
Farming Minister Mark Spencer MP said: "The Government recognises the challenges faced by farmers and growers in importing treated seeds and more cost-effective pesticide products from the EU as the transition period concludes.
"Ensuring that British farmers and growers have access to the tools they need to produce food sustainably and affordably is a priority. The measures announced today will address the potential impacts and concerns raised by our valued farming sector."
Notes for editors
The Agricultural Industries Confederation (AIC) is the UK’s leading trade association, representing agricultural supply chain sectors including arable marketing, crop protection, agronomy, feed, fertiliser, and seed.
Formed in 2003, AIC has over 230 Members in the agri-supply trade which are responsible for £9 billion of annual farm trade.
AIC is marking 20 years as the leading voice of the UK agri-supply industry, working in support of modern, sustainable, commercial agriculture. Visit the website to find out more.
Political lobbying and policy influencing is a major part of its work, as well as supporting Members with technical information.
AIC Services, which is the professional services arm of the AIC, manages a range of services, including Assurance Schemes recognised by UK government as essential tools to underpin feed and food safety alongside fertiliser security. These include:
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Feed Materials Assurance Scheme (FEMAS)
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Feed Adviser Register (FAR)
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Forage Assurance Scheme (FAA)
Visit the AIC website to find out more.
Press contact
Oli Hill, Communications Manager, AIC
+44 (0)1733 385230
Authors
Oli Hill
As Communications Manager, Oli creates and oversees the content published on AIC's website, emails, Member briefings, print publications, and social media.
Hazel Doonan
Hazel is based at AIC Head Office, Peterborough and is responsible for management and coordination of the Crop Protection Sector.
Rose Riby
Rose Riby is Head of Arable Marketing 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.
