There’s an open letter floating around that is addressed to Members of the European Parliament and to a variety of EU Commissioners for this that and the other. The intent is to advocate for opening up the EU legislation on the Marketing of Seed and Plant Propagating Material, in order to:
[M]ake it more respectful towards the environment, consumers’ expectations and the needs of small actors in the seed chain.
No argument from us on that score. Indeed, we’ve always found the one-size-fits-all approach of the EU suitable only for the largest. Why varieties must be certified, when simple consumer-protection laws are enough to protect against sharp practice, remains a mystery. The letter appeals to everything, from freedom of choice via reduced use of pesticides to an improved environment, better conservation, and more rural jobs.
It’s a good effort, and most welcome, even if it is probably doomed to failure. The sad part is that the list of signatories is completely dominated by the usual suspects. It’s almost as if the heavy hitters who are so keen on agricultural biodiversity for developing countries (and we all know who they are) see no common cause with what’s happening in their own back garden.
Organizations and individuals have until 2 May to sign up.