Could restrictions on seed treatment for export markets push seed production outside the EU? And where is innovation taking seed-applied technologies next?
In this interview with Seed World Europe, Amalia Kafka, Technical Manager Sustainable Seed Technologies at Euroseeds, discusses the challenges facing Europe’s seed sector as it navigates EU legislation, access to plant protection products and competition in international markets.
Seed treatment is a targeted application of plant protection products carried out in professional, ESTA-certified facilities. Amalia explains why maintaining workable, science-based legislation and access to these products is essential to ensuring that treated seeds can reach EU farmers without unnecessary regulatory barriers.
She also highlights an important challenge for European seed companies serving international markets. Farmers in third countries may request seeds treated with products authorised in their own markets but not fully authorised for seed treatment within the EU. Under the current legislative framework, European companies cannot always meet these requirements.
Could this lead to seed treatment activities and, ultimately, seed production moving outside the EU? Amalia explains why Euroseeds is advocating for a pragmatic framework that would allow European companies to provide seed treatment services for export markets.
The conversation also looks ahead to the Euroseeds 2026 Congress in Valencia, where the InnovAction Stage will showcase developments across the seed value chain, including new seed treatment products, biologicals, biostimulants, packaging, labelling and traceability.
Discover the issues shaping seed treatment in Europe and the innovations emerging across the seed value chain.
