Arable Clarity for farm saved seed declarations

• Timing on declaration important

• Advice on bends and cover crops

• Funding raised creates varieties

Payment rates have been agreed for farm-saved seed and the latest list of eligible varieties.

With 2023 spring declarations under way, the British Society of Plant Breeders said it was also publishing advice on blends, cover crops and what farmers should do in the event of a failed crop.

BSPB chief excecutive Sam Brooke said: “Since the launch of our online returns site in 2021, we have seen an encouraging increase in on-line farm saved seed declarations – [but] there is still some confusion around what to declare.

“We wanted to clarify the requirements – especially the need for all protected varieties to be declared regardless of whether they are part of a blend, cover crop or failed crop.”

It is a requirement for all farm saved seed to be produced and sown on the same holding. This prohibits the sharing or sale of seed between growers.

What to delare

The declaration of any protected variety should be made when the seed is sown.

Ms Brooke said the BSPB was keen to remind growers that yield – and whether the variety is part of a blend or cover crop – does not affect the need to make a declaration.

“Farm saved seed declarations apply to cover crops, volunteer crops, companion crops, whole crops and bicrops, regardless of yield,” explained Ms Brooke.

“In the case of a failed crop, such as oilseed rape, the seed declaration is still required because payment is due on sowing not harvest. It is ille- gal to sell, buy, barter or share farm saved seed.”

Where a blend or cover crop that includes a protected variety is sown, the grower must declare the ratio of seed in the blend. This percentage can be used in conjunction with the seeding rate to calculate the payment needed for using the blend.

Hybrid varieties

Growers are also advised not to save seed from hybrid varieties as this will lead to variable offspring, reduced yields, loss of agronomic characters and is against the law.

“It is important that growers remember that all blends, cover and volunteer crops could potentially have a variety that requires them to make a declaration. Saving seed from hybrid varieties is not advised and must be avoided to protect future yields.

Seed declarations must be made on all eligible varieties regardless of yield and whether the variety makes up part of a blend or cover crop.

“If there is any uncertainty the BSPB team is on hand to help and offer guidance on how to calculate and declare all varieties of farm saved seed.”

The BSPB says funds raised through farm saved seed declarations help breeders invest in improved varieties better suited to their growing conditions. “By completing your declaration, you are helping plant breeders help you,” it says.

For full details, visit returns.bspb.co.uk

RB209 guide marks 50th anniversary

The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board has published the 50th anniversary edition of the RB209 Nutrient Management Guide.

First published as Reference Bulletin 209 by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAFF) in 1973, the guide was the first comprehensive set of fertiliser recommendations for major crops.

Now published by the AHDB, the latest edition features many improvements, including numerous changes to recommendations for cereals. Hard copies are available and the guide can also be downloaded.

‘Notable changes’

AHDB senior environment manager Amanda Bennett said: “The 50-year edition includes notable changes to the recommendations for oats and key considerations for nitrogen management for milling wheat.”

The AHDB compiles the guide in partnership with many external parties and farmers, who participate in the UK Partnership for Crop Nutrient Management Steering Group and three sector technical working groups. Nitrogen rates for oats, for example, are now based on expected yield.

Alli Grundy, an independent adviser and chair of the RB209 arable technical working group, works with approximately 25 experts to examine data from across the sector to improve the guide – and its usability.

Ms Grundy said: “This backing means growers can be assured that the information is scientifically robust, providing the evidence needed to support decision making on the farm.”

The pinnacle event in the British agricultural calendar, the Royal Welsh Show takes place from 24th–27th July 2023 in Llanelwedd, Builth Wells.

Each year the Royal Welsh Show attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors to the heart of Mid-Wales to come together and celebrate the very best of Welsh and British agriculture. The Show is an action-packed four-day event of exciting competitions, livestock, forestry, crafts, countryside sports, shopping, food and drink, a 12-hour programme of non-stop entertainment, displays and much more.

For more information about this year’s Royal Welsh Show, or to purchase tickets visit www.rwas.wales or www.cafc.cymru