Since the United Kingdom\u2019s 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 \u2014 particularly concerning phytosanitary measures \u2014 which have led to costly delays in seed availability for farmers and increased operational burdens for companies.<\/p>\n
The Euroseeds2025 Congress, held from 19\u201322 October 2025 in Edinburgh, Scotland, under the theme \u201cWhat future for seed trade and collaboration in the new world order?\u201d, 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.<\/p>\n
The agreement aims to address key trade barriers, including:<\/p>\n
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\u2013UK collaboration in ensuring a resilient and secure global seed trade.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Euroseeds 2025 Congress highlights the urgent need for aligned regulations between the EU and UK,\u201d Garlich von Essen, Euroseeds Secretary General and CEO, said. \u201cBy removing barriers and ensuring smoother trade of seeds, we can support farmers, accelerate innovation, and strengthen the resilience of our sector across Europe.\u201d<\/p>\n