Fears over future of Heritage seeds (proposed EU Plant Reproductive Materials (PRM)

Cause for concern ? worth discussion.

http://www.offthegridnews.com/2013/05/06/banned-european-union-to-o...

Article exerts from p31 Amateur Gardening Weekly, 5 April 2014.
EU regulations could restrict gardeners choice, is leading to shoppers to stock up
on seeds ahead of new diktats from Brussels.

The Organic Gardening Catalogue, has reported record rises in sales of tomato
seed, for types not sold in supermarkets. Sales have risen by 40% in the last 12 
months, the company claims.

The catalogues managing director Michael Hedges, said a reason for growth in 
demand for older heirloom varieties is the proposed EU Plant Reproductive Materials, 
(PRM) regulations, which threaten the existence of many historic and favourite varieties. 

"In many cases, it would not be economic to register them, making it illegal to sell 
or even share home-saved seed with friends.  Biodiversity will suffer as a result, and 
the European seed market would be controlled by a handful of large seed companies.

The Organic Gardening Catalogue Best Sellers include 'Harbinger' a tomato introduced 
in 1910, as well as 'Golden Sunrise' (1896) and 'Ailsa Craig' (1925). 

Catalogue director Michael Hedges, said he has seen a trend towards gardeners 
seeking better flavour. He added, "were seeking an increase in interest in old 
varieties, typically characterised by thinner skins, rich flavour and a long harvest 
and ripening period."

 The EU's PRM regulations threaten to wipe out thousands of plants and seeds as 
suppliers would only be able to afford to register the best selling varieties.
 The legislation was rejected by two EU committees in March (Amateur Gardening, 
15 March,) but is now being re drafted on order of the European Commission.


So any Cause for concern? I can understand noxious plants, or those that threaten 
Eco systems.