UK seed industry called upon to do more to protect itself

All involved in the seed industry must do more to protect the future, said Chris Guest, Chairman of the Agricultural Industries Confederation’s Seed Sector speaking at the Annual AIC Seed Trade Dinner in London.

He outlined how the past year had seen challenges, particularly the loss of seed treatments.

“We must all do more to protect the industry that we form part of,” said Mr Guest, “We must learn to be proactive, rather than re-active in terms of promoting the good that we do, whether this is through modern plant breeding technologies and methods or through seed treatments; even right back to the basics of feeding the population.

It takes years and huge investments from breeders and chemical companies alike to bring products to market. We must champion these products, but also champion good stewardship, rather than sitting back and assuming that things will go on as normal.”

Chairman of the Agricultural Industries Confederation’s Seed Sector, Chris Guest

ESTA – the European Seed Treatment Association’ quality assurance scheme has an important part in ensuring seed treatment and treated seed meet the regulatory requirements. Mr Guest welcomed the growth in membership over the past year to 16 processing businesses operating over 24 sites.

“I hope to report further growth in the year ahead. Membership demonstrate that as an industry we can demonstrate best practice without further legislation,” said Mr Guest.

AIC has, and will continue to play an important role in lobbying on behalf of the seed sector and working with other bodies including BSPB, CLA and NFU in Brussels and with the devolved governments.