Bejo is one of the largest suppliers of organic seeds for the professional organic grower. In the last 15 years Bejo has given more and more attention to the organic sector. After the first seed sales in 2000 we have gone further with the organic developments. This has resulted amongst other things in an assortment of more than 140 varieties, an organic research greenhouse and a separate organic processing department.
There are a few reasons to use organic seed: by starting with organic seed the organic chain will be closed. The grower is assured that customer expectations are met. Further on it is a condition to initiate organic breeding. The wishes of our customers are driving factors for our breeders. But of course what also counts is: the usage of organic seed is obliged. It is a logical part of the basics to which organic cultivation should meet. Bejo has a good relationship with the growers and liaise intensively with industrial processors, traders and supermarket chains. By listening carefully to our customers in the chain, we are able to have new varieties with additional value.
However the organic growers cannot do it alone. Bejo would like to see that more breeding companies will seriously invest in organic seed production, so an international approach can be created. Herewith we can tackle the regulation of the usage of organic sowing seed at a European level. A clear term should be given by the (international) chain about how and when the usage of conventional seed is not allowed anymore. At present there is a stalemate that threatens to arise. Due to the lack of a deadline, potential new participants under the seed companies are not encouraged to make the step to organic seeds.
Especially since many conventional seed companies, which have not an appreciable organic seed programme, through the said derogations still have a strong position in the organic seed market by selling conventional seed. Such an end term leads to a higher production effort of the participants and the production capacity of organic seed shall increase. This creates a better spread of risk and less fluctuation in the availability. Bejo has been producing quality seed under its own supervision in areas with the best climatic conditions.