Organic grass seed mixtures increase from 50% to 60%

From 31 December 2004, Defra will require organic farmers to sow organic grass and forage seed mixes with a minimum organic content of 60 per cent by weight. This requirement will stand until 31 December 2006. The current requirement is for mixes to have a 50% minimum organic content.

Defra's decision follows discussions with the Soil Association Grass Seed Working Group and consultations with the Advisory Committee on Organic Standards (ACOS). The seed companies who were present at the working group meeting agreed that the cost of seed mixes should not increase, despite the higher organic content.

"Producers are still required by EU law to provide their certification body with details of all non-organic grass seed used," said the Soil Association's Senior Horticultural Technical Officer Alasdair Smithson. "However, in most cases this can be done after purchase so long as the 60 per cent level is achieved."