Sourcing Seed
Whether it is Winter Wheat, Spring Barley, Oats or field beans or other species you are thinking of sowing, it is vital to educate yourself on the different terms and options regarding seed for your tillage / arable crops.
Seed is the most important input in crop production
The method of sowing whether ploughing, min till or direct drill creates the seed bed but the seed is the
basis of a healthy plant. Knowing that your seed is clean and pure gives any crop the best chance at performing
well. Ensure that it was cleaned to the highest standards and is free from weed seeds, such as Blackgrass,
Sterile Brome & Wild Oats. Check the seed has sufficient germination rates and is free of or treated for any
seed / soil borne diseases.
The Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine, plant breeders and their agents work continuously to trial and evaluate hundreds of varieties annually. The seed evaluation & certification division produce annual recommended lists of varieties following their trialling and analysis.
Certified Seed
We recommend the use of Certified Seed. The use of farm saved seed (FSS) carries unnecessary risk for
farmers. The Department and the PVDO also facilitate farmer’s right to save their own seed.
Certified Seed is only produced to Blue Label in Ireland – this is first generation seed for combinable crops. Red Label Seed is second generation seed and sometimes appears in the Irish market as a result of importing.
Certified Seed is the cornerstone of many farming operations and various food and beverage industries.
- Certified Seed is a fully traceable, weed-free, guaranteed seed product with superior quality to alternatives and is part of a world-wide quality assurance system.
- Irish Certified Seed is produced to the highest standards, providing growers with a guaranteed standard of varietal purity, germination, and phyto-sanitary status.
- Certified Seed is an insurance/risk management tool against sub-standard crop establishment, thus protecting the other investments necessary to produce a profitable crop.
The cost of certified seed includes a full rate contribution to plant breeders ensuring development of new varieties for the future.
For more information on certified seed, please visit the Irish Seed Trade Association website
Importing or Buying Imported Certified Cereal Seed
If you look at importing seed or buying imported seed, you should be aware of the standards of certified seed in
the country of origin. Irish certified seed has a voluntary zero tolerance for several invasive weeds that may
have a tolerance level in other countries. Home saving imported seed increases the associated risks.
Farm Saving Seed
If you choose to save your own seed you should be aware of seed health and risks and you should closely monitor
and control weeds in seed and crops that may spread from your fields to others.
Further information on farm saving seed is available by reading the rates and processing sections.
Farmers records will only be used or shared solely with necessary parties in line with our privacy policy (not limited to but including The Department of Agriculture, Food & The Marine, appointed debt collection agencies, legal professionals or law enforcers) in relation to the collection of monies owed to plant breeders agents, as a result of the evasion of royalties or illegal seed practices including the purchase or sale of uncertified seed.
Please note that PVDO will audit annually a number of farmers to ensure they have either declared use of their own Farm Saved Seed or have proof of use of certified seed. Compliance with all seed related legislation is enforced to support the work of plant breeders and their agents in developing new varieties to improve yield, disease resistance and mitigate the loss and reduction in chemical inputs required now and into the future.