The report on the UK authorisations to use non-organic seed, seed potatoes and vegetative propagative material has been published by the Soil Association and NIAB in conjunction with Defra. The report states that the potato sector is still the leader for organic seed use with 415 tonnes being derogated for and the NIAB trials have helped to give growers confidence on use of some varieties. The horticulture sector, it states has had some success but continues to be patchy.
Discussions have begun around the suggestion of a percentage approach, with different species qualifying for different percentages. So basil may require 100% organic seed, carrots may qualify for 50%, and cauliflowers (which had derogations issued for 174 varieties in 2006), may only need 10%. Three seed companies withdrew from the OrganicXseeds website in 2006 for a range of reasons, although they may still be selling organic seed, and no new companies have joined. The ones that are still listed are reported to be selling well with one or two actively marketing their organic seed. There continues to be difficulties for seed producers in parallel cropping of organic and non-organic seeds of the same variety. This leads to organic production of older varieties meaning that many of the best new varieties do not reach organic growers quickly enough, often forcing larger growers to seek derogations. Timing is also an issue with a high level of derogations on crops like sweetcorn and cauliflower where it is essential to have a known time until harvest to fit in with exact crop scheduling.
Many small growers are using 95% organic seed, with many favouring open pollinated varieties. Fruit continues to be a problem. With a renewed interest in fruit and a couple of significant orchards being planted in 2007 derogations are likely to increase. Derogations continue to be given for trial of new varieties of potatoes and for preserving heritage types, although some derogations were also given for mainstream varieties. There continues to be no allowance in the regulation to allow derogations based on seed quality despite concerns about this issue. The report can be downloaded at www.cosi.org.uk