If you are preparing for spring sowing, we remind you that, in accordance with applicable regulations, farmers may use:

• certified seed material, marked with an official label and purchased from a licensed seller, or
• material from their own harvest (farm-saved seed), provided that the FSS fee is paid to the Breeder on time under the so-called agricultural exemption.

Using purchased, non-certified seeds or seed potatoes for sowing infringes the Breeder’s exclusive right to the variety and may result in sanctions and claims for damages.

WHICH TRANSACTIONS SHOULD BE AVOIDED?

• Buying from random sellers – offers from marketplaces, online advertisements, or newspapers often involve non-certified material, meaning that it has not been tested and approved for sale by the State Plant Health and Seed Inspection Service (PIORiN).
• Neighbour exchange – using harvested material obtained from another farmer for sowing without the written consent of the relevant Breeder is illegal. Remember that both farmers who exchanged seeds or seed potatoes infringes the exclusive right!
• Suspicious “bargains” – a suspiciously attractive price, lower than average market prices, the absence of an original label or invoice, damaged or unsealed packaging may indicate that the seed offered is non-certified.

SEED TRADING – WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW?

Not only sowing but also offering or selling non-certified seed for sowing purposes is illegal. Individuals or companies wishing to legally market seed must register with the State Plant Health and Seed Inspection Service (PIORiN) and obtain a license from the Breeder whose variety they intend to sell.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?

Illegal trade in seeds and seed potatoes:

• harms plant breeders by depriving them of remuneration for the painstaking work of developing new varieties,
• creates unfair competition for licensed producers of high-performance seed,
• poses a risk to farmers: untested seed of unknown origin may be contaminated or infected with diseases, and in the event of cultivation problems, there is no basis for complaint.

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Are you unsure whether you can use the seeds for sowing or offer them for sale? Call us (phone no. +48 65 529 31 61)! We will help you clarify your doubts and avoid violating the law.