Seeds
Seed policy plays a vital role in safeguarding the quality and traceability of seeds used across agricultural sectors. Through robust certification, licensing, and enforcement, we ensure that seeds marketed in Scotland meet high standards.
Scottish seed regulations
Scotland has its own devolved legislation for the marketing of seeds collectively known as the “Seed Marketing Regs” (which originate from the EU Seed Directives):
- The Cereal Seed (Scotland) Regulations 2005
- The Beet Seed (Scotland) (No 2) Regulations 2010
- The Fodder Plant Seed (Scotland) Regulations 2005
- The Oil and Fibre Plant Seed (Scotland) Regulations 2004
- The Vegetable Seeds Regulations 1993
The official supervision and enforcement of the above regulations is undertaken by the Seed (Licensing and Enforcement etc.) (Scotland) Regulations 2016 with any fees for the services being charged under The Seed (Fees) (Scotland) Regulations 2018.
Enforcement of these regulations include:
- prohibiting individuals from operating as seed merchants, seed packers, or seed processors without a licence issued by the Scottish Ministers
- maintaining registers of licensed seed merchants, seed packers, and seed processors, as well as registers of licensed crop inspectors, seed samplers, and seed testing stations
- implementing supervision which oversees licensed personnel and seed testing stations, as well as conducting seed sampling for enforcement purposes
Policy and legislation
In the UK, policy matters related to Plant Breeders’ Rights (PBR) and National Listing (VL) are overseen by the Plant Variety Seeds Committee (PVSC), which includes representatives from Scotland, England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Plant Breeder's Rights
In the UK, Plant Breeders’ Rights are a type of intellectual property that protects new plant varieties. If you’ve developed a new variety, you can apply for these rights through the Plant Variety Rights Office (PVRO).
You can find step-by-step guidance on how to apply, what makes a variety eligible, and what the rights include on the UK Government’s official Plant Breeders’ Rights page.
Plant variety registration
Before a new plant variety can be marketed in the UK, it must be added to the GB & NI variety list. These lists are managed by the UK Plant Variety Rights Office (PVRO), part of the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA).
You can find details of newly registered and currently listed varieties in the GB & NI Plant Varieties and Seeds Gazette.
You can find step-by-step guidance on how to apply for variety listing on the UK Governments official Variety Listing page.