Stakeholders Demand Changes to EU Seed Law for a More Diverse and Sustainable Food System
A broad coalition of 139 organizations is urging EU policymakers to amend misunderstood legislation that threatens the diversity of locally adapted crop varieties and the rights of farmers.
Preserving Biodiversity in Jeopardy
The coalition, representing diverse stakeholder groups including agriculture initiatives, regional seed companies, and nature conservation organizations across Europe, expressed their deep concerns about the proposed EU seed laws. The proposed regulations, they argue, risk severely restricting the ability of farmers to save and share seeds, posing a threat to Europe’s food security and the resilience of agricultural systems.
“The current proposal threatens the diversity of our crops and the right of our farmers to their own seeds,” said the coalition. “Over 160,000 citizens across Europe support this call for a fairer and more sustainable system.”
The coalition highlights several crucial points, demanding the focus of new legislation be on the preservation and sustainable use of locally adapted crop diversity. They further argue that international laws ensuring farmers’ rights to save, share, and exchange seeds should be upheld and integrated into the new regulations. They stress the importance of making it easier for regional producers to market diverse and locally adapted varieties, ensuring food security in the face of climate change and promoting food sovereignty.
Concerns for Farmers and Food Sovereignty
The coalition’s concerns are shared by farmers and gardeners who play a vital role in preserving agricultural diversity. “Across Europe, volunteers contribute to saving diversity for future generations,” said Magdalena Prieler, a seed policy expert at ARCHE NOAH,
“These individuals, often acting without compensation, contribute significantly to food security. These new regulations, however, threaten these efforts by treating the sharing of seeds like commercial activities.”
Mag. Sigrun Zwanzger of Welthaus der Diözese Graz-Seckau emphasizes the vital role of locally adapted seeds, emphasizing their importance for ensuring food security, especially in the face of climate change. “Local varieties increase food security in times of climate change, as they are often drought-resistant and don’t require expensive inputs like fertilizers. This traditional knowledge is vital to the survival of farmers in the global South as well,” Zwanzger explains.
American author Dan Saladino, whose new book focuses on the world’s rarest food varieties, supports the cause, arguing that endangered varieties are vital to climate change adaptation.
"Endangered varieties contain vital traits that could help our farmers adapt to changing weather patterns The survival of these crucial varieties hangs in the balance. New laws must recognize and protect the value that these plants offer for the future of our food system.”
Campaign for Action and Informed Policy Decisions
The coalition is calling on European policymakers to resist industry pressure and create policy frameworks that support and promote the UNESCO-designated International Year of Millets (2023).
What specific concerns does the coalition have regarding farmers’ rights under the proposed EU seed law?
## Seeds of Discord: An Interview on the Proposed EU Seed Law
**Host:** Welcome back to the show. Today we’re discussing the growing controversy surrounding the EU’s proposed seed law. Joining us is [Guest Name], representing the coalition of over 139 organizations demanding changes to this legislation. Welcome to the program.
**Guest:** Thanks for having me.
**Host:** This coalition represents a diverse range of stakeholders – farmers, seed companies, and even conservation groups. What unites you all in your opposition to the current proposal?
**Guest:** What unites us is a deep concern for the future of our food system. This law, as it stands, could severely restrict farmers’ rights to save, share, and exchange seeds. It jeopardizes the diversity of our crops, the very foundation of resilient and sustainable agriculture. [[1](https://demeter.net/parliament-vote-on-eu-seed-law/)]mentions the EU’s aim to promote organic farming, but without preserving seed diversity, this goal becomes much harder to achieve.
**Host:** So you’re saying that the law unintentionally hinders the EU’s own sustainability goals?
**Guest:** Precisely. We need legislation that supports farmers’ traditional practices of seed-saving and exchange. These practices are vital for adapting to climate change and ensuring food security.
**Host:** Over 160,000 citizens across Europe have signed a petition supporting your cause. What are their main concerns?
**Guest:** People understand that healthy and diverse food systems rely on healthy and diverse seeds. They’re worried about losing control over their food supply and seeing the homogenization of our crops. They want to see a system that empowers local producers and respects traditional knowledge.
**Host:** What specific changes are you proposing to the legislation?
**Guest:** We’re calling for the focus to shift towards preserving and promoting locally adapted crop varieties. The law should uphold international agreements that guarantee farmers’ rights to their seeds. It should also make it easier for regional producers to market diverse and locally adapted varieties.
**Host:** A complex issue indeed. We thank you for shedding light on this important topic, [Guest name].
**Guest:** Thank you for having me.
