Grass and Forage Seed Mixes Organic Inclusion for 2023

Further to a recent meeting of the Grass Seed Working Group it was recommended to Defra, as the Competent Authority, that the organic percentage requirement for grass and forage (e.g. arable silage or fodder kale & stubble turnip) seed mixtures remains at a minimum by weight of 70% organic components for the coming year. This recommendation has now been approved by the Defra Organic Team.

Remember seed mixes (such as grass mixes) must have an approved derogation for the untreated, non-organic (maximum 30% by weight) allowance in place prior to sowing. The following also applies to seed mixtures:

• The same variety of seed may not be used in both organic and non-organic form within the same mix;
• For a seed mix to be categorised as such it must be a mix prior to the point of sowing;
• To process a derogation for a mix your Certification Officer needs to know all of the components of the mix (organic & non-organic) to verify the mix complies with the organic percentage requirements and;
• To save you time having to write out the details of the individual components in the mix on the form, if available at the time of submitting your derogation request, you can supply a readable label along with your completed form.  However, details of the name of the mix, total quantity of seed to be used, sowing date and area to be sown need to be detailed on the form.  

For single-seed varieties (e.g. barley, oats, potatoes) an approved derogation must be in place prior to purchase.  Where approved a derogation will only permit you to use untreated, non-organic seed on agronomic grounds and only where no suitable variety of organic seed is available. 
Check the availability of organic seed here. 

Since 2021 there has been an added provision on the seed derogation form for seed to be used on rented organic/in-conversion land. If this applies to you, you will need to factor in time for this section to be completed in conjunction with the landowner as well as for the SOPA Producer Certification Team to process your derogation request ahead of time.

Please note if granted a non-organic seed derogation is only valid for the calendar year that it is granted within.  If you have a carry-over of seed from a previous year you need to reapply for a derogation for use in subsequent years.  

 A derogation must also be sought prior to the use of non-organic or in-conversion farm saved seed when a farm is in the early stages of conversion.

If non-organic seed is purchased and/or sown before a derogation is in place you risk non-compliance at your inspection.

You should speak to your Certification Officer before ordering any seed if you have any queries.

Top Tip - Save time scrambling around and get into the habit of keeping a folder with copies of labels from each batch of seed or feed/minerals purchased so that you are ready for inspections.

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