UK Annual Non-Organic Seed Authorisation Report for 2013

UK Annual Non-Organic Seed Authorisation Report for 2013 UK authorisations to use seed and seed potatoes and vegetative propagating material not produced by the organic production method in organic farming According to European Commission regulation (EC) No 889/2008 of 5 September 2008, each member state should ensure that a database, in which seed, seed potatoes and vegetative propagating material produced by organic production methods, and respecting the general criteria for production of seed and vegetative propagating material can be registered and made available to users. Prepared by the Soil Association on behalf of Defra March 2014

Contents Purpose of the report Page 3 Context Page 3 Summary Page 3 Seed potatoes Page 4 Arable & cereal crops Page 7 Horticulture Page 10 Fruit Page 12 Grass seed Page 13 Forage & fodder crops Page 15 Organic seed working groups Page 17 Seed for seed production Page 17 The UK database: www.organicxseeds.co.uk Page 18 Explanation of authorisation data Page 19 Seed authorisation data Page 20 Acknowledgements Page 21 UK Annual Non - Organic Seed Authorisation Report for 2013 Page 2

Purpose of the report The UK non-organic annual seed authorisation report provides information on the quantities and varieties of non-organic seed used by organic farmers and growers. This information is intended for use by the seed industry, producers, policy makers and organic certification bodies to increase use of organic seed and comply with EU regulatory requirements. The objective is to expand the diversity, quantity and quality of organic seed availability so that authorisation for the use of non-organic seed would only need to be given in extreme circumstances. The report also helps to make the sector transparent to buyers and suppliers of seed and consumers. As a requirement of European Commission Regulation (EC) No 889/2008 of 5 September 2008 every member state must produce an annual report publishing all authorisations (sometimes referred to as derogations) to use non-organic seed, non-organic seed potatoes and non-organic vegetative propagating material. For the UK, the report is compiled by the Soil Association on behalf of DEFRA. It is then sent to the European Commission and other member states. The information is then published on www.organicxseeds.co.uk. Context After four years of market contraction, sales of organic products in the UK increased by 2.8% in 2013 1, spearheaded by independent retailers who saw a growth in their organic sales of 6.9%. However within this overall increase the fresh produce category remained stable, which is reflected in the relatively stable numbers of authorisations. However if growth in the UK organic market continues, levels of authorisations may rise, provided that the extra demand isn t met by imports. According to the most recent statistics released by Defra, the area of organic and inconversion land in the UK decreased by 7.7% between 2011 and 2012, and numbers of organic producers and processors fell by 6.4%. This decline may reflect farmer and grower apprehension about the future prospects of organic farming and growing given past declines in consumption of organic food. However a recent comparison of organic and commercial farm businesses revealed higher Farm Business Incomes for organic dairy, beef and sheep, arable, and mixed farms when compared with their non-organic counterparts 2. Summary of authorisations The total number of non-organic seed authorisations increased from 15,043 in 2012 to 15,802 in 2013 a rise of 5%. Varietal choice of seed is an on-going concern, and establishing how the European Union reaches a 100% organic seed approach without compromising the varietal choice available to growers is unknown. Increased levels of non-organic seed use are undesirable within the organic sector as it challenges a key intention of the EU regulation. It also risks creating two tiered seed costs for farmers and undermining public trust, despite the practical reasons 1 Source: Soil Association Organic Market Report 2014 - https://www.soilassociation.org/marketreport 2 Source: Organic farming: how it stacks up - http://www.soilassociation.org/farmeconomics UK Annual Non - Organic Seed Authorisation Report for 2013 Page 3

that may be behind such an increase. Continued progress in organic seed production and usage is important to allow the organic sector to comply with regulatory requirements, protect public integrity and trust in organic food, and focus organic seed innovation. The authorisation report is analysed in six main sectors: Potatoes, Arable/Cereal crops, Horticulture, Fruit, Grass, and Forage/Fodder crops. Seed Potatoes 92 authorisations were issued in 2013 compared with 75 in 2012. 734 tonnes of nonorganic seed were used in 2013 - a decrease of 77 tonnes (9.5%) from the 811 tonnes of non-organic potato seed used in 2012. This continues the overall trend of declining potato production, though we are not able to relate this to any increase or decrease in land area until the 2013 land statistics are made available in July. With regard to overall authorisations, 2013 presented a mixed picture. Vales Emerald saw a massive drop, falling 75% to 55 tonnes. This is not a surprise we observed in last year s report that the previous increases were hard to explain as the market continues to move away from this variety towards ones with a higher shelf life. Jersey Royals have seen a decrease from 151.5 to 98 tonnes, the lowest levels for a number of years. Charlotte has seen another increase - from 95.6 tonnes to 107.5 tonnes. We were concerned that the previous high levels of authorisation would lead to an oversupply in 2013 - this has clearly not happened and probably reflects a lack of confidence in the organic seed potato industry more widely. Lady Balfour has decreased a little from 150 to 108.75 tonnes, and is now the variety with the highest level of authorisations. This would appear to be due to the difficulty in predicting demand for this particular variety, and due to the fact that it is often a named variety when packed and there is thus no opportunity for the processor to substitute a similar variety. Organic potato seed producers did not reduce their area of planting as much as expected in 2013, so the reduction in authorisations may be an encouraging sign, even though the potato industry has shrunk overall. It was estimated at the Organic Potato Seed Working Group in February 2013 that levels of organic potato seed use may have sunk as low as 40% (from a high of 80-90% 8 years ago). This trend is unlikely to change until there is either a change in the wording of the regulation around authorisations or commitment and co-operation between potato growers in the UK. UK Annual Non - Organic Seed Authorisation Report for 2013 Page 4

Table 1: Breakdown of the authorisations for non-organic potato seed issued in 2013 (top 20 varieties by volume) Variety Total number of authorisations Quantity Unit Lady Balfour 6 108,750 kilograms Charlotte 2 107,500 kilograms Jersey Royal 3 98,000 kilograms Marfona 7 97,330 kilograms Vales Emerald 1 55,000 kilograms Hermes 1 50,000 kilograms Maris Peer 1 27,500 kilograms Melody 1 27,000 kilograms Valor 3 25,012 kilograms Silvana 1 20,000 kilograms Desiree 1 12,500 kilograms Triplo 1 11,250 kilograms Alexia 1 10,000 kilograms Rocket 2 10,000 kilograms Orla 4 9,550 kilograms Picasso 3 8,000 kilograms Harlequin 1 7,500 kilograms Kestrel 1 7,500 kilograms Sante 1 7,500 kilograms Novella 3 6,450 kilograms Graph 1: Top 10 varieties of non-organic potato seed used in 2013, compared with previous years 250 2013 - Top 10 non-organic potato seed varieties by volume 200 150 100 50 2010 2011 2012 2013 0 UK Annual Non - Organic Seed Authorisation Report for 2013 Page 5

Graph 2: Number of non-organic seed potato authorisations issued in the UK: 2008-2013 140 120 119 100 90 92 80 64 78 75 60 40 20 0 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 Graph 3: Comparison of the total volume of non-organic potato seed used from 2008-2013 1800 1600 1666 Total volume of non-organic potato seed used - 2008-2013 (in tonnes) 1400 1200 1000 800 898 874 796 811 734 600 400 200 0 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 UK Annual Non - Organic Seed Authorisation Report for 2013 Page 6

Arable and cereal crops 2013 saw another decrease in the number of authorisations for arable and cereal crops, from 685 in 2012 to 666 in 2013. The overall tonnage of seed authorised also decreased by 38.8 tonnes (3.25%) to 1,156.8 tonnes in 2013. Over the past two years the tonnage of authorisations has increased by 129.8 tonnes despite an overall reducing picture for organic cereal cropping in the UK of some 17%. Despite the overall reduction in authorisations this year, the number and tonnage of authorisations for spring barley and spring triticale has risen by over 260 tonnes compared to the previous year. This is largely due to adverse weather conditions in autumn 2012 reducing the ability to plant crops in the autumn, leading to additional spring cereal plantings and a limited availability of organic seed to meet the increased demand. By contrast, total authorisations for winter planted cereals were down by around 252 tonnes in 2013 compared to the previous year. Winter wheat authorisations came back to 2009 levels. This suggests that availability of suitable winter wheat varieties has improved compared to 2012, although it may be a reflection of the reduced area cropped in 2013. With regard to leguminous crops, there was a reduction of 35% in the tonnage of field pea authorisations issued in 2013, whilst those for field beans more than doubled. The 2012 data produced by Defra saw another dip in the amount of land managed organically, dropping by 7.7% across all sectors. This translated into a 9% drop in the area of organic and in conversion land in cereals and other arable crops in 2012. Despite this information being produced in 2012, we are aware that the trend has continued and that this drop in land area could account for some of the fall in authorisations. Clear, concise, up to date data would allow us to: Match up-to-date land area plantings to the number of authorisations issued in that period in real time, to ensure that breeders and seed suppliers can be much more responsive to producers needs. Improve the role of the seed working groups, which enhance communication between Defra, the certification bodies, seed companies and producers. This encourages all those concerned to work towards shared objectives. Allow seed producers to respond to producer needs in terms of volume and variety choice. UK Annual Non - Organic Seed Authorisation Report for 2013 Page 7

Table 2: Non-organic arable seed used by organic farmers: 2011 to 2013 Crop 2011 Data 2012 Data 2013 Data Trend 2012-13 Authori sations Tonnes Authori sations Tonnes Authori sations Tonnes Authori sations Tonnes Spring Barley 87 181.6 70 203.2 103 443.1 33 239.9 Spring Oats 114 188.6 55 129.2 25 48 30 81.2 Spring Triticale 46 71.1 55 45 73 69.5 18 24.5 Spring Wheat 14 56.3 10 12.7 25 74.9 15 62.2 Winter Barley 15 53.5 22 44.2 40 97 18 52.8 Winter Oats 10 43.3 13 16.2 7 14.5 6 1.7 Winter Rye 46 44.7 36 67.8 14 23.1 22 44.7 Winter Triticale 17 48.7 35 63 17 44.5 18 18.5 Winter Wheat 28 140 96 362 54 122 42 240 Spelt 1 0.2 7 38.8 11 50.8 4 12.0 Field bean 8 32.7 15 22.1 14 45.7 1 23.6 Field Pea 136 147.3 149 159.2 150 102.9 1 56.3 Graph 4: Comparison of non-organic Spring arable seed used by organic farmers 500 450 400 350 Tonnage of non-organic Spring arable seed used: 2010-13 300 250 200 150 2010 2011 2012 2013 100 50 0 Spring Barley Spring Oats Spring Triticale Spring Wheat UK Annual Non - Organic Seed Authorisation Report for 2013 Page 8

Graph 5: Comparison of non-organic Winter arable seed used by organic farmers 400 Tonnage of non-organic Winter arable seed used: 2010-13 350 300 250 200 150 100 2010 2011 2012 2013 50 0 Winter Barley Winter Oats Winter Rye Winter Triticale Winter Wheat Graph 6: Comparison of non-organic field bean/pea seed used by organic farmers 250 Tonnage of non-organic field bean and field pea seed used: 2010-13 216 200 150 147.3 159.2 2010 100 50 64.5 32.7 22.1 45.7 102.9 2011 2012 2013 0 Field Bean Field Pea UK Annual Non - Organic Seed Authorisation Report for 2013 Page 9

Horticulture The total number of authorisations of non-organic seed in the horticultural sector has declined marginally from 3776 in 2012 to 3584 in 2013 (5.1%). Due to the time lag in release of land statistics it is not possible to relate this reduction in authorisations directly to overall production. However the organic fresh produce market has shrunk slightly over this period so this might represent an increase in real terms. Despite continuing improvements in collection and accuracy of data, it remains almost impossible to show a simple comparison and analysis of authorisations for the horticultural sector due to there being a huge range of crops and varieties which are sold and recorded using several different units of measurement (by weight, number of seeds, number of plants). However, seed numbers have been quoted in some significant instances in the accompanying text. Table 3 and Graph 7 below show comparisons for some of the major vegetable crops. Table 3: Summary data for the top 20 horticultural crop species in 2013 (by number of non-organic seed authorisations) - compared with the same crops in 2012 No. of Auths 2013 Crop Species 2012 Volume Denomination No. of Volume Denomination Seeds Plants Kilograms Auths Seeds Plants Kilograms 306 7,479,620 24,000 0.030 Cauliflower 380 6,384,505 32,900 0.265 262 801,885 50 0.817 Squash, pumpkin 332 1,013,552 2,780 0.780 254 601,310 0.830 Tomato 226 62,496 10,670 0.731 201 30,030,622 30 0.285 Broccoli 263 20,079,678 35,800 1.378 184 903,222,864 2.726 Carrot 182 903,710,026 2.960 167 32,721,809 2,254.615 Sweetcorn 189 65,831,722 52,337.700 159 29,137,392 0.511 Leek 121 41,477,801 9,000 11.025 158 3,931,068 25 547.238 Kale 157 1,754,579 20,000 208.610 105 4,681,095 0.600 Cabbage - white/green 91 2,083,332 10,000 0.252 94 554,940 0.435 Courgette 21 954,962 10,000 0.051 88 13,866 10 Chillies 42 1,977 3,000 0.013 77 776,879,095 2.306 Spinach 66 663,603,800 0.760 77 914.809 Quinoa 73 553.930 75 7,198,417 6,000 60.498 Pak Choi 76 50,276,937 5,000 96.480 73 1,407,790 15,000 Cabbage - Savoy 75 1,472,950 73 327,035 5,000 0.037 Brussels Sprouts 70 307,415 15,000 0.271 62 84,099,720 5.555 Beetroot 71 85,078,310 15,000 4.400 54 26,002,000 0.500 Parsnip 55 31,427,733 1.700 46 16,162,000 68,375.600 Onion set 48 35,560,800 55,628.500 45 25,606,875 0.106 Leaf Lettuce 29 206,235 5,000 0.220 UK Annual Non - Organic Seed Authorisation Report for 2013 Page 10

Graph 7: Comparison of the number of authorisations issued for non-organic vegetable seed from 2011 to 2013 (selected crops) 400 Total number of non-organic vegetable seed authorisations: 2011-13 350 300 250 200 150 100 50 2011 2012 2013 0 The continued high levels of authorisations reflect the tough economic climate for vegetable growers. A more detailed analysis based upon more robust data may well indicate a reduction in the volumes used - even though individual authorisations have remained fairly stable. It appears that even among some of the crops that have shown an increase in the number of authorisations, when looking at the actual numbers they show a decrease (see leek and courgette in Table 3 on the previous page). Pumpkin and squash there was a reduction of 15% in the number of authorisations for these crops from 353 to 301, with a 10% reduction in seed numbers (N.B. these figures include butternut squash - not shown in the table). Broccoli (sprouting broccoli) despite a decrease in the number of authorisations the overall seed number has increased by around 50%. This may reflect new varieties coming onto the market or an increase in this crop. Tomato the total number of authorisations increased slightly (by 8%), but the number of non-organic seeds used leapt by over 800%, with almost half of this increase being accounted for by one particular variety of rootstock. The figures for leaf lettuce are disappointing as traditionally this is a strong crop for organic seed. However 2013 saw more than a hundredfold increase in the volume of non-organic seeds being used. This may reflect a poor seed harvest from the previous year Kale, white/green cabbage, and chillies are among other crops showing a notable increase in seed numbers. UK Annual Non - Organic Seed Authorisation Report for 2013 Page 11

Summary: Overall numbers of derogations have remained relatively stable, but in terms of volume the quantities appear to be reducing (however the variability of the data coming through makes it difficult to quantify this exactly). This may reflect a reduction in land area by some of the larger growers (who often use a much lower percentage of organic seed) since there has been no change in the historical pattern of smaller scale growers tending to use 90% organic seed or more. The relatively small scale of organic seed production makes it less efficient than its nonorganic counterpart; in addition poor yields have led to a reduction in marketable seed in the last couple of years. As well as increasing the price of seed to growers, this has also led to a reduction in the number of growers prepared to take the risk of producing organic seed - though there remain key producers committed to organic production, especially given the buoyant European organic market. With the UK market finally showing signs of recovery, seed companies should be more confident about building their market here. Fruit The total number of authorisations in the fruit sector has increased from 133 in 2012 to 160 in 2013. However an analysis of the numbers of plants indicates that the actual areas of planting are nowhere near the levels from 2010 and 2011; - this may be due to an increase in organic stock, or a reduction in plantings. Fruit stock continues to be a problem and there remain only two producers of organic top fruit stock in the UK who supplying relatively small quantities for commercial orchards, though they still rely on amateur sales as well. Many of the larger commercial orchards will buy stock (both organic and non-organic) from other Member States. It is hoped that with the resurgence of the organic market during the second half of 2013 and into 2014 we will see more organic trees being planted. We have seen a big increase in authorisations for gooseberry and blackcurrant plantings. This is encouraging even though at present there is not the organic stock to supply it. Graph 8: Comparison of the total number of non-organic fruit authorisations issued to organic farmers and growers between 2010 and 2013 800 600 400 200 0 Number of non-organic fruit authorisations: 2010-13 660 407 133 160 2010 2011 2012 2013 UK Annual Non - Organic Seed Authorisation Report for 2013 Page 12

Table 4: Summary comparison of non-organic fruit authorisations - 2011, 2012, 2013 Crop species 2011 2012 2013 Change 2012-13 Auths Quantity Auths Quantity Auths Quantity Auths Quantity Apple 135 39457 plants 34 490 plants 63 963 plants 29 473 plants Cherry 19 876 plants 6 109 plants 9 105 plants 3 4 plants 2000 seeds 2000 seeds 3 kg 3 kg Melon 12 700 seeds 18 678 seeds 19 5510 seeds 1 4832 seeds 0.1 kg 0.1 kg 5000 plants 115 plants 20 plants 95 plants Pear 24 3290 plants 9 58 plants 8 59 plants 1 1 plant Strawberry 40 594045 plants 18 799480 plants 24 6860 plants 6 792620 plants 2059 seeds 20800 seeds 21375 seeds 575 seeds 0.015 kg 0.002 kg 0.002 kg Raspberry 16 2341 plants 2 80 plants 3 170 plants 1 90 plants Gooseberry 9 9739 plants - - 5 13700 plants 5 13700 plants Blackcurrant 11 13033 plants - - 6 12020 plants 6 12020 plants Grape 16 11360 plants 2 2 plants 8 552 plants 6 550 plants Grass Seed There were a total of 3458 authorisations in 2013, compared with 3566 in 2012 (and 4371 in 2011) a decrease of 108 authorisations (3.03%). An outstanding feature of the authorisations over the past year has been the great reduction in authorisations for Timothy (down by close to 20 tonnes (66% by volume) but only 10% by number of authorisations). It is not clear whether this is entirely due to the much greater availability of organic seed supplies for this grass variety or reduced plantings. Timothy is a fairly minor constituent of grass seeds mixes for conventional seeds mixtures but is used much more in organic mixtures as it will cope better in low nitrogen situations than most ryegrasses. Ryegrasses still make up a large proportion of organic seeds mixtures, but are readily available as they are produced for the non-organic market too. This tends to lead to a disproportionate volume of authorisations for Timothy as its production for organic mixtures is not widespread. Cocksfoot and sainfoin authorisations have shown marked increases over last year which is likely to be due to changes to seeds mixtures for organic systems as farmers are encouraged to grow more resilient varieties and more diverse swards. An increase in authorisations for shorter term ryegrasses balances out reductions for perennial ryegrass varieties. The aggregate volume of authorisations is down by almost 19 tonnes for the main grass seed varieties (see table 5 below). This represents a change of around 15% for the year. UK Annual Non - Organic Seed Authorisation Report for 2013 Page 13

The area of in conversion and organic grassland was 512,000 ha in 2012, compared with 624,000 ha of pastures in 2008 (temporary and permanent). This reduction of around 20% over four years may go some way to explaining the reduction in authorisations as the area of reseeding is likely to be reducing in line with the reduced area of organic and in conversion pasture. The supply and demand dynamics for organic grass seed remain complex and difficult to disentangle. Farmers continue to demand choice and value, while suppliers need a predictable market and reliable weather to deliver their products. As such, regular and clear information and data sharing is the key - something that the Seeds Working Groups have committed to ensuring happens. The most recent meeting saw a consensus that the percentage based approach works as it allows seed suppliers to retain the commitment required to help drive the organic production of suitable varieties, whilst allowing farmers to have access to those grasses (and clovers) that are not yet available in organic form. It was agreed to honour the commitment to increase the minimum organic content for grass/forage seed mixtures to 70% from 1 January 2014. However, the group feel that it may be sensible to remain at this level for a number of years, allowing the other EU member states to catch up before continuing the drive towards 100% organic mixtures. That said, the same variety of seed may not be used in both organic and non-organic form within a mix. Defra approval has been given for seeds mixtures compliant with the agreed percentage of organic seed to be given automatic approval by all certification bodies, with authorisations stated at inspection. Seeds mixtures requested for use with a lower organic seed percentage continue to require an authorisation in advance of use. Table 5: Summary comparison (major crops) of authorisations issued for non-organic grass seed: 2011-13 Name of Crop Species Auths 2013 2012 2011 Change 2012-13 Amount (kg) Auths Amount (kg) Auths Amount (kg) Auths Amount (kg) Perennial ryegrass 1390 52150 1590 56542 1879 72405 200 4392 Timothy (Cats Tail) 541 10923 590 30912 715 21935 49 19989 Hybrid ryegrass 396 18600 481 19729 701 41843 85 1129 Italian ryegrass 152 10915 145 7583 132 6772 7 3332 Westerwolds Ryegrass 38 3587 46 2875 42 2506 8 712 Meadow fescue 98 1912 76 2816 83 1237 22 904 Cock's-foot, Orchardgrass 132 5385 94 2293 102 3364 38 3092 Festulolium 22 1143 20 1435 18 610 2 292 Bird's-foot-trefoil & Black Medick 233 2886 168 3322 197 3290 65 436 Red Fescue 57 718 53 859 56 750 4 141 Tall Fescue 61 939 31 654 55 3088 30 285 Sainfoin (cock's head) 33 1754 19 572 27 726 14 1182 UK Annual Non - Organic Seed Authorisation Report for 2013 Page 14

Graph 9: Comparison of non-organic grass seed authorisations by volume (selected crops): 2010 2013 250 Tonnage of non-organic grass seed used: 2010-2013 200 150 100 50 2010 2011 2012 2013 0 Perennial Ryegrass Italian Ryegrass Hybrid Ryegrass Cock s foot / Orchard Grass Timothy Forage / Fodder Crops There were 5484 authorisations issued for forage/fodder/green manure crops in 2013. This compares with 4961 in 2012 (and 5441 in 2011), an increase of 523 authorisations (10.5 %) 60% of all authorisations were for white clover which presumably would have been used alongside grass species for medium and longer term grass leys. The volume of white clover authorisations dropped by around 10 tonnes whilst the number of authorisations rose by around 20% indicating smaller areas on average being reseeded by farmers seeking authorisations. Authorisations for other legumes rose by around 6 tonnes, which comes close to balancing the reduction in white clover. It is not clear whether the changes in authorisations are due to changes in supply of organic seeds or to the changes in areas of organic and in conversion grassland area. Cereals grown on their own or as bi-crop mixtures as forage crops are commonplace, but cannot be separated from cereals/peas/beans in the arable section - i.e. the authorisations for cereals, peas, and beans presented in the arable section of this report (see page 7) include those grown as forage. UK Annual Non - Organic Seed Authorisation Report for 2013 Page 15

Table 6: Summary comparison of authorisations issued for non-organic forage/fodder seed (major crops): 2011-2013 2013 2012 2011 Change 2012-13 Name of Crop Amount Amount Amount Amount Species Auths Auths Auths Auths (kg) (kg) (kg) (kg) White Clover 3025 43931 2846 54432 3399 57216 179 10501 Red Clover 1066 42244 1015 38669 1150 53990 51 3575 Vetch 42 8035 38 5095 62 5871 4 2960 Stubble turnip 141 7316 172 4950 144 5316 31 2366 Fodder Kale 170 4572 192 4682 152 5308 22 110 Clover /Grass Mixtures (65%) 38 1785 81 3178 10 190 43 1393 Flax (Linseed) 46 5299 44 2863 41 2283 2 2416 Alfalfa 47 2479 30 2124 41 3410 17 355 Alsike clover 108 1472 79 1187 90 1555 29 285 White mustard 24 1561 18 816 34 7863 6 745 Graph 10: Comparison of the volume of non-organic forage/fodder seed used: 2010-2013 (selected crops) 80 Tonnage of non-organic forage/fodder seed used: 2010-13 70 60 50 40 30 20 2010 2011 2012 2013 10 0 Fodder kale Red clover Stubble turnip White clover UK Annual Non - Organic Seed Authorisation Report for 2013 Page 16

Organic seed working groups The seed working group meetings have been held for a number of years; chaired by the Soil Association, and bringing together organic farmers, certification bodies, seed suppliers, and representatives from Defra to discuss past authorisations - as well as assessing the current volume and diversity of organic seed available to farmers and growers. The main issues identified at the Arable Seed Working Group (ASWG) meeting held in November 2013 were: Much better crops than in 2012, both in terms of quality and yield Concern over the reducing area of organic cereals being grown in the UK due to adverse enterprise profitability which is driving some producers out of organic production. Lower priced imports are keeping UK organic premiums pegged to around 70/tonne over conventional prices compared to a past premium of close to 100/tonne Lack of visibility of organic cereal plantings and overall sector fragmentation is hindering supply chain development Concerns were raised by seed merchants about the way that the current system enables producers to request an authorisation to use conventional seeds even when a viable organic alternative is available. A follow up teleconference was agreed which subsequently took place in January to update all Control Bodies on the availability of different cereal and pulse varieties for the upcoming season. This will be repeated later in the year. A Grassland Seed Working Group (GSWG) meeting was held in March 2013 when an agreement was reached that the UK organic sector should stick to its commitment to use 70% organic seeds in all forage mixtures by 1 January 2014. A further meeting is planned for April 2014. Horticultural and Potato Seed Working Groups: We have not held face to face meetings of these groups since the last Potato Seed Working Group meeting in February 2013 as (in discussion with Defra) there was a consensus that with no change in the wording of the current authorisation process, we would be better to wait until we had clearer direction from the revised Organic regulation. We will be reviewing this position during 2014, and are working hard with Organic seed producers to promote their products to organic growers. Working groups have agreed that sharing of information is the key, and have agreed to ensure that relevant information is gathered and disseminated as quickly as possible, with regular meetings/group discussions to help ensure that there is the best possible supply of suitable organic seeds to farmers and growers. Seed for seed production The EU regulation does not require information to be obtained from certification bodies relating to authorisations given for seed for seed production. UK Annual Non - Organic Seed Authorisation Report for 2013 Page 17

The UK database: www.organicxseeds.co.uk This database is a requirement of EU Regulation (EC) No. 1452/2003 which regulates the use of seeds and seed potatoes in organic farming. UK Annual Non - Organic Seed Authorisation Report for 2013 Page 18

There are currently 33 seed companies registered in the database who are able to supply organic seed and/or organic seed potatoes. Seed suppliers can register species of organic seed and/or organic seed potatoes by variety via a login and password. They are regulated by a signed contract with the Soil Association and must remove a species or variety when it is no longer available for sale to the farmer. Organic producers are legally obliged to use organic seed that is registered in the database. UK certification bodies are legally obliged to check the database for organic seed availability before issuing authorisations to use non-organic seed. Explanation of authorisation data In accordance with Article 12 of Commission Regulation (EC) No 1452/2003 the report shall contain, for each species concerned by an authorisation according to Article 5(1), the following information: The scientific name of the species and the variety denomination The English or common name of the species and the variety denomination The justification for the authorisation indicated by a reference to Article 5(1) The total number of authorisations The total quantity of seed or seed potatoes involved The chemical treatment for phytosanitary purposes as referred to in Article 3(a) Authorisation according to Article 5(1) for seed (agricultural crop) Column 1 Scientific name of the species Column 2 English or common name of the species Column 3 Variety name Column 4 Justification / Reason for authorisation The justification for the authorisation is indicated by a reference to Article 5(1) (a), (b), (c) or (d) (NB: In the UK it has been agreed by Defra to modify Article 5(1) and use the following justifications). (a) (b) If no variety of the species, which the user wants to obtain is registered in the database provided for in article 6; If no supplier is able to deliver the seed or seed potatoes before sowing or planting in situations where the user has ordered the seed or seed potatoes in reasonable time; UK Annual Non - Organic Seed Authorisation Report for 2013 Page 19

(c) If the variety which the user wants to obtain is not registered in the database, and the user is able to demonstrate that none of the registered alternatives of the same species are appropriate and that the authorisation therefore is significant for his production; (d1) It is justified for use in research; (d2) To test in small-scale field trials; (d3) For variety conservation purposes, agreed by the competent authority of the member state; (e) The seed is part of a grass or forage mix containing at least 65% organic seeds. Column 5 The chemical treatment for phytosanitary purposes There are currently no chemical treatments allowed for phytosanitary purposes in the UK. Column 6 The total number of authorisations for each variety Column 7 The total number of authorisations for each species Column 8 The total quantity of seed, plants or seed potatoes (by variety) For each variety it is stated, how many units of seed or vegetative propagating material have been authorised. Where two or more authorisations have been granted, the amounts have been added. Column 9 The total quantity of seed or seed potatoes (by species) Seed authorisation data The accompanying document - Final seed authorisation report data 2013 - summarises the authorisations granted in 2013 by all of the UK certification bodies. There are some anomalies in the way that the data is collected by the certification bodies. For example, the same variety of a particular crop may have some entries recorded by the number of seeds or plants and others by the weight of the seed. Where this has occurred the entries have been added to give a total by each unit of measurement. Although the certification bodies are aware of this they often receive the request for authorisations in various units from the producer who in turn reads the information as provided by the seed company. UK Annual Non - Organic Seed Authorisation Report for 2013 Page 20

Acknowledgements Report compiled by Ben Llewellyn, Liz Bowles, and Ben Raskin. Data compiled by Ben Llewellyn. Seed working groups chaired by Liz Bowles, Ben Raskin, and Martin Davies. UK Annual Non - Organic Seed Authorisation Report for 2013 Page 21