Features
Technical difficulties sow seeds of discontent
The range and availability of organic seed varieties continue to improve, albeit at a slow pace. Most reputable seed companies now carry an organic line but prices are still vastly more expensive than conventional varieties. Commercial growers are tending to move away from UK based companies to buy in Euroland because of the added cost of the sterling differential. The EU regulations governing organic horticultural production were amended last year to maintain the derogation which was in force for the use of non-organic seed as, in the opinion of the commission, sufficient quantities of some seed varieties are not yet available. Some changes were made to the manner in which a derogation can be obtained. Each member state was obliged to set up and maintain a database of organic seed available in its territory from 1st January, 2004.
However, these changes will not come into effect in Ireland this year as a spokesman for the Department of Agriculture said that 'technical difficulties' had been experienced in setting up the database and no final date had been set for its launch. Growers must use the same system that was in operation last year where seed derogation forms must be completed for the use of non-organic varieties. The aim of setting up the database is to see 'more transparent' methods of supply and demand for organic seed in order to stimulate production. The result is likely to be totally to the contrary. At present growers check the availability of organic seed with a wide variety of companies in Ireland, the UK and Europe. When the database comes into operation all a grower has to do is run a search for a variety and if it is not listed then s/he can get a derogation to buy a non-organic variety. The database will be comprised of a list of suppliers and the organic seed varieties they stock together with certification details.
Under the regulation the onus of registering on the site belongs to the supplier. According to the Department this precludes it from adding companies to the database or inviting companies to register. It remains to be seen how many seed suppliers will be aware of the database and how many will bother to register. If the information contained on the database is limited then, bizarrely, it will be easier for a grower who doesn't want to take the trouble to source an organic variety to buy conventional seed. There is also the question of access to the internet, which not all growers automatically have. Under the regulations the provider of the database may supply an extract to a grower if requested.
The end result will be to pile another layer of bureaucracy on to already overburdened producers. There is still no indication when national legislation to implement EU regulations will be brought in here and many producers resent being made to comply with regulations that cannot be legally enforced in the state. In the meantime, produce that is spuriously labelled as organic continues to be sold openly.
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