Farm saved seed (FSS) or home saved seed is material harvested from a farmer's own holding, which is planted on the same farmer's own holding. Royalties are payable on FSS at the rate of 50% of the amount charged on certified seed. For further information details on rates etc. contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. The regulation of FSS in Ireland is governed by Statutory Instrument No. 493/2000. and 273/2007 which outlines a farmers obligations.
FSS is not produced to the same standards as Certified Seed, has no guarantee of germination, weed or disease status, and there is no comeback in the event of establishment issues.
It is illegal to sell or barter FSS.
For further information on royalty payments visit the website of The Plant Variety Development Office www.pvdo.ie or they can be contacted by email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or phone 086-0822038.
Plant Variety Development Office (PVDO)
The role of the members of the PVDO, who represent the breeders of seed, is to identify and bring to the Irish market the very best varieties which are suitable to Irish conditions. The PVDO supervises the protection of the intellectual property that is vested in individual varieties, ensuring that breeders are provided with the necessary funds for their continued research, research that benefits all Irish growers.
ISTA members also play an important part in the process of bringing new varieties to market. They ensure that the stringent EU and Irish legislation governing certified seed is properly implemented, and their involvement in seed production entails a significant ongoing investment in capital expenditure and carries the risk associated with multiplying seed without related orders. Being on the ground with farmers, ISTA members provide important feedback to the PVDO and breeders of market trends and on farm issues that are variety related.
