Organic seeds in France: what practices, what expectations?

A wide-ranging study carried out between 2010 and 2012 provided an overview of “organic seed in France”. The results support the hypothesis that the commercial outlets for crops intended for sale determine the choice of seeds and the types of varieties used (heritage, local or modern varieties). The practices and expectations of producers supplying short distribution channels differ radically from those of producers supplying long distribution channels. This study shows that the supply and use of organic seeds improved significantly between 2009 and 2011. The vast majority of organic producers are keen to use organic seeds, with an average proportion of between 45 and 70 per cent for cereal crops and between 75 per cent and 100 per cent for market gardening. However, the total number of exemptions from the use of organic seeds remains high in France: there is scope for further progress in improving the supply and use of organic seeds. To this end, barriers and drivers were identified during the study. This work has resulted in an action plan comprising an economic component, a research and development component and a regulatory component. The entire organic farming sector depends on the development of a wide and appropriate range of organic seeds.