b'GIANT VIEWSBY: CORN VAN BEERSSTOP THE INFRINGERS!true to type. These clover seeds are growinglegislations. Another reason to continue at the moment on a trial and control fieldworking on this topic is out of respect for for confirmation.the farmers. The farmers pay more money Another type of illegal seed practicesfor a variety with specific characteristics. are the falsified labels, and unfortunately,For example, when the farmer buys a spe-we have discovered several seed lots withcific mustard variety to decrease the number such labels. A third type of illegal seedof nematodes in the soil but instead, he practices is where farm saved seed is usedreceives a variety which increases the nem-of a variety that is protected by plant breed- atode population. Thats unacceptable.ers rights without paying royalties to theId like to give some advice to upstand-variety owner.ing seed companies who abide to the law. Here are my tips on how to spot illegal seeds:CONGRESS PARTICIPATIONMonitor your fields during produc-Breeders Trust is closely involved in thetion, especially when it concerns seed pro-actions that regional seed associations, suchduction abroad. Just take that plane/train/Corn van Beers as Euroseeds, or global associations suchcar and visit the production fields where as the International Seed Federation, areyour variety is growing.undertaking to decrease illegal seed prac-When seeds arrive at your warehouse N ot only in field or vegetable crops,tices. One of the major actions is to raisedo an entry check! Unfortunately, the seed but also in the grass or potatoawareness. And this is certainly necessary,analysis report and certificate are not always sector, there has been an increaseas we are seeing companies that are carry- the guarantee that the seeds are the variety in illegal seed practices. These practices areing out illegal seed practices, but they arewhich is stated on the label.at the basis of strong efforts by national,still participating in major seed events, such Check the germination and purity in regional and global seed associations to haltas the regional or global seed congresses.your laboratory. Check risk based selected these practices, among other things throughAnd in my view, this should not be possi- the identity of the seeds which you have raised awareness, and also by starting courtble. It would be a strong signal when seedreceived, and verify whether it is indeed cases against infringers. companies which are convicted in courtyour variety. are banned from congress participation. IOn the other hand, in terms of advice NOT ALWAYS THE SAME VARIETY do realize that at the moment, an infringerto companies which are engaging in illegal There are several kinds of illegal seed prac- free congress is a utopia. But lets hopeseed practices, or are contemplating to do tices. At Breeders Trust we have a post con- that we reach that stage in the near future.so, Id like to say: just realize that authori-trol program, where seeds are bought, eitherWouldnt it be great if we could witness thatties and seed companies are more and more risk based and/or randomly. These seeds arethe seed sector can clean itself?! aware and that they increase checks on seed tested by a National Designated Authorityproduction. When an honest seed company (NDA) on their official trial and controlRESPECT THE LAW discovers that the seeds which are sent to farms. These targeted post control tests areIt is incredibly important that the seedthem are not their variety, your chances of showing that in fact seeds are sold officiallysector works on this topic, because first ofdoing business with them in the future are certified, which are not true to type. Thisall, we need to support the seed compa- very limited. And dont forget, there is also is the outcome of the Breeders Trust postnies which are respecting the seed legisla- the risk that the illegal seed practices are control program in grasses, clover, mustardtions. Secondly, we cannot accept that seeddiscovered by Breeders Trust. And when and fodder radish. Breeders Trust is inves- companies earn money by disrespectingfound guilty, this is always followed by a tigating a case concerning multiplication ofseed legislation. Allowing that to happenpress release about the case. a red clover variety. Basic seeds were sent towould undermine the confidence in the the contract partner for multiplication. Atsystem. Thirdly, it is also unacceptable thatEditors Note: Corn van Beers is Project our request the received seeds are tested in abecause of illegal practices, seeds are sold atManager at Breeders Trust. More information laboratory with electrophoresis and the firsta price level that is unrealistic for the seedabout Breeders Trust can be found here: https://impression is that the received seeds are notcompanies which are respecting the seedwww.breederstrust.eu/ 48ISEED WORLD EUROPEIEUROPEAN-SEED.COM'