Seeds

EU PAFF Committee (Seeds) Seeks Input on Seed Marketing Annex Reviews and PRM Transition

The EU PAFF Committee’s Seeds section has published its 9 March 2026 summary report, inviting Member States to provide input by mid and late April on technical reviews of seed marketing annexes, botanical lists, species coverage and a draft act on seed potatoes. These discussions signal upcoming changes to how vegetable and cereal seed are certified and to the interface between PRM, plant health and plant protection product rules, with future compliance implications for seed producers and crop protection suppliers.

28 Apr 2026, 17:42food.ec.europa.euEuropean Union

Chile Establishes Phytosanitary Import Requirements For Maize Seed (Exempt Resolution No. 2.554/2026)

Chile’s agricultural authority has adopted Exempt Resolution No. 2.554/2026 setting detailed phytosanitary import requirements for maize seed from all origins, effective 1 December 2026. Seed producers and traders exporting to Chile will need to tighten field inspection, laboratory diagnostics, GMO documentation, and packaging practices to demonstrate freedom from specified quarantine pests and avoid border delays or quarantine treatments.

26 Apr 2026, 16:52members.wto.orgChile

Council of the EU Schedules A-Item Adoption of Anti-Corruption and Agricultural Laws

The Council of the EU has placed on its 21 April 2026 Foreign Affairs A-item agenda the formal adoption of an EU anti-corruption directive and first-reading positions on new genomic techniques and forest reproductive material regulations. These moves confirm political agreement on major corporate integrity and agri-food frameworks, signalling that businesses should prepare for tighter governance duties and new rules for plant breeding, seed marketing, and food and feed products across the EU.

22 Apr 2026, 12:22data.consilium.europa.euEuropean Union

Estonia Updates Seed Production Trial Quantity Limits and Adds Cross-Reference to Commission Implementing Directive (EU) 2025/2449

Estonia has adopted a national regulation updating the maximum quantities of key cereal, potato, and rapeseed seed that may be used in production trials and inserting an explicit reference to Commission Implementing Directive (EU) 2025/2449 into its variety list rules from early 2026. Seed producers and breeders operating in Estonia will need to plan trial volumes and variety listing processes against these new national ceilings and the July 2026 EU-aligned cross-reference to avoid non-compliant test plantings or documentation gaps.

13 Apr 2026, 16:51riigiteataja.eeEstonia

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. Companies must accelerate inventory turnover and update labeling to mitigate the risk of non-compliant stock remaining after the short-term marketing window expires.

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

Missouri House Advances Bill Adding Xylazine to Schedule III Controlled Substances

Missouri is advancing legislation to classify xylazine as a Schedule III controlled substance and tighten seed permit requirements for invasive plants by August 2026. Affected companies should prepare for enhanced oversight of veterinary drug distribution and stricter compliance affidavits for commercial plant and seed 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 a constitutional initiative mandating 70% food self-sufficiency and strict environmental limits on nitrogen and phosphorus. Approval would trigger a long-term shift toward plant-based production and significantly tighter regulatory constraints on agricultural chemical inputs and water protection.

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

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

The USDA has finalized the nonregulated status of Bayer’s insect-resistant MON 95275 maize, effective March 2026. This removal of federal biotechnology restrictions facilitates full commercial adoption and simplifies the movement of these genetically engineered products across the US market.

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 genetically modified maize MON 87419, repealing its previous 2023 approval. Businesses must immediately audit supply chains to remove affected products and mitigate the risk of non-compliance and potential enforcement actions.

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, terminating its legal status for the EU market. Businesses must immediately audit supply chains to identify and remove MON 87403-derived products to mitigate non-compliance risks.

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 for hemp THC monitoring, market withdrawal interventions, and grassland ratios, effective from March 2026. Producers must align seed selection and testing protocols with stricter THC compliance while leveraging simplified expenditure rules for market interventions and increased flexibility in land management.

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

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

Switzerland has granted a temporary derogation allowing the import of oilseed pumpkin seeds treated with specific fungicides through December 2026. Businesses must implement rigorous labeling and handling protocols to comply with strict safety and environmental conditions attached to this market access.

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

Belgium AFSCA Seizes 180 Postal Parcels Containing Seeds at Zaventem Airport

Belgian authorities have intensified enforcement of EU phytosanitary rules, seizing a record volume of non-compliant seed imports at Zaventem Airport. Businesses and e-commerce platforms must ensure strict adherence to border control and certification protocols to mitigate the risk of seizures and 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 by 2027 and implement strict restrictions on neonicotinoid-treated seeds by 2029. 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 proposed a draft regulation to update pest-related exemptions and traceability requirements for the import and movement of seeds and plants. Stakeholders should prepare for stricter phytosanitary certification and identity tracking while benefiting from streamlined trade for seeds destined for processing.

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

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

Switzerland has authorized the temporary import of flupyradifurone-treated sugar beet seed through June 2026 under strict operational mandates. Companies must ensure immediate adherence to specific labeling and enhanced personal protective equipment requirements to manage compliance risks during this limited window.

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. 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

USDA APHIS is proposing to remove federal oversight for a new genetically engineered maize variety based on its similarity to existing approved events. This development signals a streamlined regulatory pathway for biotech crops that reduces compliance burdens and accelerates market access for similar genetic traits.

10 Mar 2026, 06:21federalregister.govUnited States