Italy Advances Organic Seed Availability Through National Seed Plan

Italy is taking steps to strengthen the availability of certified organic seeds through the National Organic Seed Plan (PNSB), an initiative designed to support the continued growth of organic farming and improve access to seed varieties suited to organic production systems.

Under current European regulations, organic farms are expected to use certified organic seeds whenever available. However, when suitable organic seeds cannot be sourced, farmers may be granted permission to use untreated conventional seeds as an exception. To improve the availability of organic planting material, Italy has established the Organic Seed Database, a continuously updated platform that connects seed suppliers with growers and provides information on available certified organic seed varieties.

To address ongoing supply challenges, the Italian Ministry of Agriculture has funded the National Organic Seed Plan, coordinated by CREA (Council for Agricultural Research and Economics). The initiative aims to expand the production and availability of certified organic seeds while supporting research into crop varieties that perform well under organic farming conditions.

As part of the program, CREA Defence and Certification (CREA DC) is conducting field trials to identify plant varieties best suited to organic cultivation across different environmental conditions. The research also includes Organic Heterogeneous Material (OHM), genetically diverse plant populations that offer greater adaptability and resilience compared with highly uniform commercial varieties.

In late May 2026, CREA DC hosted a demonstration day at its Emilia experimental farm in Tavazzano, Lodi, where researchers presented ongoing varietal trials and discussed the criteria used to evaluate crops for organic production. The focus was on identifying varieties that are more resilient, better adapted to local growing conditions, and less dependent on external agricultural inputs.

The initiative reflects a broader challenge within the seed sector. Many commercial breeding programs prioritize highly standardized cultivars designed for uniform production systems. Organic farming, however, often benefits from more genetically diverse plant materials that can adapt to varying climates, soils, and management practices.

By investing in research, innovation, and the development of resilient seed varieties, the National Organic Seed Plan aims to strengthen the long-term sustainability and competitiveness of Italy's organic agriculture sector while supporting farmers in meeting evolving production and environmental objectives.

Read everything you need to know about organic seeds here: Sementi biologiche - Sementi biologiche - Difesa e Certificazione - CREA

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