Seeds

Germany Adopts 2026 Ordinance on Special Requirements for White Lupin Seed

Germany has implemented a temporary derogation reducing the minimum germination standard to 70% for specific white lupin seed varieties through June 2026. Seed producers and distributors must ensure immediate compliance with mandatory labeling requirements and clear derogated inventory before the June 30 marketing deadline.

4 Apr 2026, 11:50recht.bund.deGermany

Missouri House Advances Bill Adding Xylazine to Schedule III Controlled Substances

Missouri is advancing legislation to schedule xylazine as a controlled substance and tighten permits for invasive plants, with key changes expected by August 2026. Businesses must prepare for increased regulatory oversight on veterinary drugs and stricter affidavit requirements for seed and plant sales.

2 Apr 2026, 08:43house.mo.govUnited States

Switzerland Federal Decree Submits ‘Food Initiative’ on Sustainable Domestic Production and Clean Drinking Water to Popular Vote

Switzerland has scheduled a popular vote on the "Food Initiative," proposing constitutional mandates for 70% food self-sufficiency and strict environmental limits on phosphorus and nitrogen. Approval would signal a long-term shift toward plant-based production and significantly tighter regulatory constraints on agricultural inputs and water protection.

2 Apr 2026, 08:35fedlex.admin.chSwitzerland

USDA APHIS Grants Nonregulated Status to MON 95275 Maize (Corn)

USDA APHIS has granted nonregulated status to Bayer’s MON 95275 maize, effective March 19, 2026. This decision removes federal biotechnology restrictions on the movement and environmental release of this insect-resistant corn, facilitating its commercial adoption.

29 Mar 2026, 17:52federalregister.govUnited States

EU Commission Revokes Authorisation for GM Maize MON 87419 and Repeals Decision (EU) 2023/2134

The European Commission has revoked the market authorisation for GM maize MON 87419, effectively repealing the 2023 approval. Businesses must identify and remove affected products from EU supply chains to maintain compliance and mitigate enforcement risks.

29 Mar 2026, 06:08ec.europa.euEuropean Union

EU Commission Revokes Authorisation for GM Maize MON 87403

The European Commission has revoked the market authorization for genetically modified maize MON 87403, ending its legal status for the EU market. Impacted operators must immediately review supply chains and prepare for the withdrawal of MON 87403-derived products to ensure continued regulatory compliance.

29 Mar 2026, 06:07ec.europa.euEuropean Union

EU Commission Adopts Delegated Regulation 2026/177 on CAP Hemp THC Controls, Market Withdrawals and GAEC 1

The EU has updated CAP rules to simplify market withdrawal interventions and formalize THC monitoring requirements for hemp cultivation, effective March 2026. Businesses in the hemp and produce sectors should review revised seed certification standards and expenditure caps to ensure continued compliance and optimize subsidy recovery.

27 Mar 2026, 20:54eur-lex.europa.euEuropean Union

Switzerland FSVO General Order Authorises Temporary Import of Treated Oilseed Pumpkin Seeds

Switzerland has authorized the temporary import of oilseed pumpkin seeds treated with specific fungicides, effective until December 31, 2026. Importers must strictly adhere to mandated labeling, PPE, and soil-incorporation requirements to ensure compliance during this derogation period.

27 Mar 2026, 20:02fedlex.admin.chSwitzerland

Belgium AFSCA Seizes 180 Postal Parcels Containing Seeds at Zaventem Airport

Belgian authorities have intercepted a record volume of non-compliant seed imports, signaling intensified enforcement of EU phytosanitary regulations on e-commerce and postal channels. Companies importing plant-based materials must ensure strict adherence to border control and certification protocols to avoid seizures and broader supply chain disruptions.

26 Mar 2026, 19:33favv-afsca.beBelgiumEuropean Union

Minnesota House Agriculture Committee Holds Bills On Paraquat Dichloride Ban and Neonicotinoid Restrictions for Further Consideration

Minnesota is advancing legislation to ban paraquat dichloride and strictly restrict neonicotinoid insecticides and treated seeds starting in 2027. This signals a shift toward state-level pesticide bans that bypass federal oversight, requiring supply chain adjustments and new compliance strategies for treated seed distribution.

14 Mar 2026, 14:42house.mn.govUnited States

EU Draft Implementing Regulation Amending 2019/2072 on RNQP Exemptions for Seed and Plants for Planting

The European Commission has proposed a draft regulation to update exemptions for regulated non-quarantine pests (RNQPs) affecting the import and movement of seeds and plants for planting. These changes aim to streamline trade for seeds intended for processing while tightening traceability and phytosanitary certification requirements to maintain plant health standards across the EU.

12 Mar 2026, 11:11eur-lex.europa.euEuropean Union

Switzerland Issues General Order on Temporary Import of Flupyradifurone-Treated Sugar Beet Seed

Switzerland has granted a temporary authorization for the import of flupyradifurone-treated sugar beet seed effective through June 30, 2026. Importers and agricultural users must implement specific labeling and mandatory PPE protocols, including FFP2 respirators, to comply with the updated safety and environmental conditions.

12 Mar 2026, 11:07fedlex.data.admin.chSwitzerland

Croatia Proposes New Rules on Animals Used in Science and Other Measures for Agriculture and Fisheries

Croatia has proposed ten new measures to modernize agriculture and fisheries, including stricter animal welfare standards for scientific research and significant funding for seed certification and port infrastructure. Businesses should prepare for enhanced traceability and testing compliance while assessing eligibility for expanded state aid programs across the agri-food and research sectors.

11 Mar 2026, 16:22poljoprivreda.gov.hrCroatia

Defra Publishes Precision-Bred Pea Release Notice in England (PBR/26/002)

Defra has authorized the field release of a precision-bred pea plant in England starting March 2026, marking a key implementation step under the Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Act 2023. This development signals the practical activation of the UK’s post-Brexit biotech framework, offering a streamlined regulatory pathway for gene-edited agricultural innovation and future market entry.

10 Mar 2026, 12:57gov.ukUnited Kingdom

Minnesota House Committee Hearing on HF3965 (Paraquat Ban) and HF3704 (Neonicotinoid Restrictions) Set for 11 March 2026

Minnesota is advancing legislation to ban paraquat dichloride and restrict neonicotinoid use, with a key committee hearing scheduled for March 11, 2026. If enacted, these measures will necessitate immediate inventory reviews and disposal planning for restricted pesticides and treated seed products within the state.

10 Mar 2026, 11:30house.leg.state.mn.usUnited States

USDA APHIS Seeks Comment on Extending Nonregulated Status to Pioneer DP51291 Genetically Engineered Maize

The USDA APHIS is proposing to extend nonregulated status to Pioneer's DP51291 genetically engineered maize, citing its similarity to previously approved insect-resistant and herbicide-tolerant events. If finalized, this move will streamline market access for this maize variety by removing federal oversight requirements under 7 CFR part 340, signaling continued regulatory reliance on similarity assessments for biotech crops.

10 Mar 2026, 06:21federalregister.govUnited States

Netherlands Reports on EU Agriculture and Fisheries Council Meeting, Highlighting Pesticide and Food/Feed Safety Discussions

The European Commission plans to revise the Unfair Trading Practices Directive by Q4 2026 while advancing the 'Omnibus' food and feed safety package. This signals a shift toward stricter supply chain cost transparency and tighter regulatory controls on treated seeds and pesticide active substances.

9 Mar 2026, 18:16open.overheid.nlNetherlandsEuropean Union

Romania ANFDF Issues Notice on Phytosanitary Requirements for Potatoes in Circulation

Romania’s phytosanitary authority has issued a formal reminder of mandatory registration, plant passport, and traceability requirements for potato producers and traders. Businesses must ensure strict compliance with EU-aligned documentation and testing protocols to avoid fines and prevent market access disruptions caused by quarantine pest outbreaks.

9 Mar 2026, 17:31anfdf.roRomaniaEuropean Union

Minnesota Senate Proposes SF4052 to Restrict Neonicotinoid Use and Systemic Insecticide-Treated Seeds

Minnesota has introduced legislation (SF4052) to ban neonicotinoid use on ornamental turf and phase out systemic insecticide-treated seeds by 2029. This signals a major shift toward mandatory integrated pest management and stricter market access for treated agricultural products and ornamental chemicals.

7 Mar 2026, 14:26revisor.mn.govUnited States

US APHIS Seeks Comment on Nonregulated Status Petition for DAS-01131-3 Maize

USDA APHIS is reviewing a petition to grant nonregulated status to Pioneer’s insect-resistant and glyphosate-tolerant DAS-01131-3 maize. Approval would remove federal oversight for the cultivation and movement of this GMO variety, signaling continued regulatory pathways for multi-trait biotech crops in the US market.

6 Mar 2026, 16:51federalregister.govUnited States