51AVÊÓÆµ

Successful winter bean seed derogation will boost supply

Autumn's winter bean seed supply secured

clock • 1 min read
Successful winter bean seed derogation will boost supply

The supply of winter bean seed for this autumn's drilling campaign has been secured after the Agricultural Industries Confederation (AIC) made a successful request for a derogation on behalf of its member businesses in the certified seed sector.

Some winter bean seed germination rates are lower this year following a catchy harvest which saw a mix of dry and wet weather conditions.

As the trade association for the UK's agri-supply industry, AIC applied to Defra along with the Welsh and Scottish Governments for a derogation to allow seed businesses to supply seed with a lower germination rate in order to meet demand and contractual obligations.

Read more: Intercropping peas and beans could offer a low-input feed crop

Approval

The derogation, which was approved today (19 October), permits a modest quantity of winter bean seed to be sold with a germination rate of 70 per cent.

Rose Riby, AIC's head of seed, led the derogation request. She says: "This derogation provides reassurance for British growers wishing to drill winter bean seed this autumn.

"After receiving reports of lower germination rates because of the catchy harvest, AIC has worked to establish the facts and apply for this derogation to mitigate the potential for significant disruption to bean seed supply."

Read more: Fava beans making a comeback after showing promise in the field

WATER ABSTRACTION LICENCES FOR SALE

£±Ê°¿´¡

Outdoor Beef Finishing Coral System, available

£±Ê°¿´¡

More on Arable

Growers urged to stick to glyphosate guidelines after Italian ryegrass incident

Growers urged to stick to glyphosate guidelines after Italian ryegrass incident

AIC issues checklist as application leaves crops showing 'significantly reduced control'

clock 30 June 2025 • 2 min read
Regen special: How potato growers are embracing regenerative practices

Regen special: How potato growers are embracing regenerative practices

McCain highlights 'clear appetite' from consumers to learn more about farming and regenerative practices

Alex Black
clock 28 June 2025 • 4 min read
New varieties offer hope for milling wheat production

New varieties offer hope for milling wheat production

Decline in Group 1 and Group 2 varieties adding to sector challenges

clock 27 June 2025 • 2 min read