An article in Horticulture Week points to changes that may lead to relaxation of the heritage seed rules.
EU rules currently state that if a variety is not on a national list, you can’t sell it. This list was set up with the commercial seed sector in mind but the amateur gardener became needlessly inconvenienced by this legislation. A seed variety costs around £1,500 to register at present.
Heritage, unregistered varieties are only able to be grown via seed swapping amongst enthusiasts and the varieties rely heavily on Seed Guardians who grow the plants specifically for their seed to preserve the variety and allow a selection of seed to be available for those interested.
Revived varieties of tomatoes, cabbages and lettuces could come onto the market in two or three years if the Food and Environment Research Agency (FERA) relaxes the legislation.
Some vegetable varieties are grown for outstanding flavour or perfomance in a particular environment. These may soon be available again with gardener’s being able to grow varieties that their parents or grandparents favoured.
Read to full article in Horticulture Week.
A few specialist suppliers who offer heritage seed and plants