About the sector

The Seed Sector represents merchants producing, processing and providing seed of combinable crops to farm gate.

It seeks to support members’ interests through providing a comprehensive lobbying and advice service, sharing technical information and raising industry issues with government and supporting industry efforts to further the opportunities for new plant varieties. Through close liaison with Defra seed teams and partnerships with European bodies we identify, assess and communicate national and international issues that might impact on the competitiveness of the industry and which could affect the sustainability of seed production and marketing.

Our Objectives

The aim of the seed sector is to improve the competitive position of AIC member companies within the agri supply industry. This is achieved by the sector through following a number of objectives including :

  • Lobbying
  • Delivering Information
  • Offering Technical Support

Benefits

The AIC provides a united voice for the sector which is represented at both UK and European Government.  Our work and commitment in the sector provides the following key benefits to our members:

  • Opportunity to influence European industry view on legislation and take advantage of EU lobbying capacity
  • Close liaison with Defra seed division
  • Having views represented within industry forums and cross industry bodies
  • Receiving information about the sector and technical issues 
  • Adding Value to your organisation

 

The work of the AIC Seed Sector

Latest news and briefings

 

Seedlings PVR

Plant Variety Rights (PVR)

Improving the understanding of Rights for plant breeding, the protection of income for the plant breeding sector, is a key requirement to maintain the levels of investment in plant breeding research – crucial for new product development.

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Contracts

All AIC contracts are kept under regular review by the AIC Contracts Committee in conjunction with the appropriate sector.

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Euroseeds

Euroseeds is the voice of the European seed industry, representing the interests of those active in research, breeding, production and marketing of seeds of agricultural, horticultural and ornamental plant species.

 

Committees

The AIC Seed Sector consists of one committee. The committee has specific aims and objectives in line with the aims and objectives of the sector. The minutes of the committee are published on the website so members can be fully involved in all of the technical discussions.

 

 

Upcoming events

24 April 2024

AIC Services Food/ Feed Scheme Seminar 2024 (Northern Ireland)

These seminars are a valuable opportunity for Participants to hear about the latest updates on the schemes, as well as meet AIC’s team and …
Northern Ireland Seminar
25 April 2024

AIC Services Food/ Feed Scheme Seminar 2024 (Athlone, Republic of Ireland) - Register Interest

Please note that this will not be a free event. Booking now will just register your interest. Once full details and costs have been finalised we …
Republic of Ireland Seminar
15 May 2024

AIC Services Food/ Feed Scheme Seminar 2024 (Bristol)

These seminars are a valuable opportunity for Participants to hear about the latest updates on the schemes, as well as meet AIC’s team and …
Bristol Seminar
23 May 2024

AIC Services Food/ Feed Scheme Seminar 2024 (Peterborough)

These seminars are a valuable opportunity for Participants to hear about the latest updates on the schemes, as well as meet AIC’s team and …
Peterborough Seminar

 

 

Trade Assurance Schemes

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ESTA - European Seed Treatment Assurance scheme

Provides a quality assurance system to ensure that seed treatment and the resulting treated seed meet requirements defined by legislators and industry.