Plant Propagating Material, the little-known regulation that affects the entire chain

What is Plant Reproductive Material (PRM)?

Legislation on plant reproductive material establishes the conditions for the production and marketing of such material in the EU, providing a framework that ensures farmers have access to healthy, reliable, and high-quality seeds and plants.

Review of European PRM legislation

The European Union is reviewing the regulation regarding plant reproductive material, known as PRM. The current legislation on production and marketing of plant reproductive material has helped increase the competitiveness and sustainability of the breeder and farmer sectors, based on a common market for seeds and nursery plants.

Main objectives of the legislation

Ensure the quality, health, and traceability of seeds, cuttings, seedlings, and other types of plant material intended for plant reproduction.

Promote food security, agricultural sustainability, and sector competitiveness.

Facilitate intra-EU trade by harmonizing technical requirements among all member states.

Impact on biodiversity and innovation

ANOVE highlights that this regulation contributes to protecting plant biodiversity and fostering innovation by establishing rules for the registration and commercialization of new varieties.

Benefits for farmers and producers

It ensures that available plant material meets standards of identity, varietal purity, germination, and health, contributing to productivity and the resilience of the European agricultural system against pests, diseases, and climate change. These conditions are maintained throughout the entire chain, up to the consumer.

Variety and freedom of choice for farmers

In recent years, this legislation has allowed farmers freedom of choice, with over 50,000 varieties in the EU Common Catalogue and more than 4,000 new varieties entering the market each year.

Adaptation to specific materials and markets

The sector supports adapting the rules to specific materials (e.g., conservation varieties) or specific markets (varieties without intrinsic value for commercial agricultural production).

Mandatory scope of application

All commercial activities involving plant reproductive material, including niche markets, must remain within the scope of the legislation and not be exempt.

Relationship between sustainability and variety registration

Existing legislation already promotes the development of varieties that continuously improve sustainability.

Sustainability assessment in registrations

The proposal to formally introduce a sustainability evaluation element in the procedures for variety registration and marketing of seeds and plants should take advantage of the mechanisms already present in current legislation.

Trials for horticultural and fruit species

For these species, the introduction of a new system of agronomic value trials requires longer transition periods and a voluntary approach. Changes should be implemented gradually and only when specific protocols are established.

Industry participation in registration

To increase efficiency and profitability in the variety registration system and seed and plant production, greater industry participation is needed.

Official supervision and delegated tasks 

Companies may carry out certain tasks for which they are qualified, always under the official supervision of competent authorities, achieving a secure and agile system.

Conclusion: towards a harmonized regulation

It is essential to harmonize the different regulations affecting the plant reproductive material sector, including plant health, organic farming, and official controls.

Call to European legislators

The sector requests that legislators listen to technical opinions from the industry, as well as those of the scientific community, farmers, and producers, to work on a clear regulation that benefits the entire European agricultural sector.