Since the United Kingdom’s formal departure from the European Union in 2020, seed businesses on both sides have encountered significant challenges in moving plant breeding material and trading seeds. These difficulties stem largely from regulatory divergences between the EU and UK — particularly concerning phytosanitary measures — which have led to costly delays in seed availability for farmers and increased operational burdens for companies.

The Euroseeds2025 Congress, held from 19–22 October 2025 in Edinburgh, Scotland, under the theme “What future for seed trade and collaboration in the new world order?”, provided a crucial forum to address these challenges. Discussions focused on the shared commitment of the UK Government and the European Commission to negotiate a new Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Agreement aimed at reducing trade barriers.

The agreement aims to address key trade barriers, including:

  • Streamlining seed movement between the EU and UK by removing the GB BTOM (Border Target Operating Model) process and aligning Plant Health Regulations;
  • Facilitating mutual recognition of variety registration and exchange of DUS (Distinct, Uniform and Stable) reports to reduce delays and costs; 
  • Secure access to innovation in seed treatment options and treated seed movement; 
  • Resolving restrictions and delays in EU-GB seed potato trade; 
  • Simplifying rules for organic seed trade between the EU and UK. 

Bringing together leading figures from the seed industry, the European Commission, UK Defra, the FAO, and EU Member States, the Euroseeds2025 Congress served as a key forum to address practical challenges and highlighted the vital role of EU–UK collaboration in ensuring a resilient and secure global seed trade.

“The Euroseeds 2025 Congress highlights the urgent need for aligned regulations between the EU and UK,” Garlich von Essen, Euroseeds Secretary General and CEO, said. “By removing barriers and ensuring smoother trade of seeds, we can support farmers, accelerate innovation, and strengthen the resilience of our sector across Europe.”

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