Since the UK’s formal departure from the EU in 2020, seed businesses across both the EU and UK have faced significant challenges in moving plant breeding material and trading seeds due to regulatory misalignments between the EU and the UK, particularly on phytosanitary measures. These obstacles have caused significant delays in seed availability for farmers and substantial additional costs for businesses.
The Euroseeds2025 Congress, taking place from 19–22 October 2025 in Edinburgh, Scotland, under the theme: “What future for seed trade and collaboration in the new world order?” provided a platform to discuss these issues and the shared commitment of the UK government and the EU Commission to negotiate a new Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) agreement. The agreement aims to address key trade barriers, including:
- Streamlining seed movement between the EU and UK by removing the GB BTOM (Border Target Operating Model) process and aligning Plant Health Regulations;
- Facilitating mutual recognition of variety registration and exchange of DUS (Distinct, Uniform and Stable) reports to reduce delays and costs;
- Secure access to innovation in seed treatment options and treated seed movement;
- Resolving restrictions and delays in EU-GB seed potato trade;
- Simplifying rules for organic seed trade between the EU and UK.
