Incentives and constraints for the use of organic seeds in organic farming: example of Capsicum annuum seeds in the Netherlands and Spain

The EU legislation on organic farming was aimed at forcing the use of organic seeds in organic production. However, there are striking differences in its implementation across the EU and the use of organic seeds is still sparse. This study examines the use of organic seeds for sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) production in a pilot study for the Netherlands and Spain. In order to identify existing incentives and constraints, a supply chain analysis is applied, derogation requests for using non-organic seeds are analysed and interviews with stakeholders of the supply chain are conducted. Based on the findings, recommendations are given on how each stakeholder can participate in improving the implementation of the EU law, promoting the use of organic seeds.