Growers and breeders are encountering significant difficulties with the import and export of oilseed rape seeds post-Brexit, affecting both research and crop production, the sector has cautioned.

New regulations, which came into force in April, are now causing the delays and uncertainties that oilseed rape growers and plant breeders had feared.

The latest issue involves crucial imports of oilseed rape seeds needed for the imminent official trials of new varieties.

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Under the Border Target Operating Model, since April 30, certain seeds entering the UK are classified as 'high-risk' and are subject to inspections and delays at border control points (BCPs).

These seeds cannot be transported to their destination until inspection results are received and clearance is granted.

The British Society of Plant Breeders (BSPB) expressed concern that this is particularly challenging for certain seeds, such as high-value and perishable seeds like tomatoes, or those needing a quick turnaround from harvest to sowing, like oilseed rape (OSR).

Defra had previously been asked to review these arrangements, particularly the requirement for seeds to be held at the border until test results are available—a process that could take several days or even weeks for some varieties.

The BSPB also noted that the new procedures have added layers of complexity to seed movements, requiring growers to check facilities and capacity at each port before importing seeds.

A BSPB spokesperson warned: "All this adds cost and reduces the ability of growers and supply chains to react to their markets.

"It also adds uncertainty, especially in the case of the conditions the seed will be held in, and those conditions can be crucial for subsequent good germination."

Until last April, since Brexit, seeds could be inspected and moved to their destination while awaiting results. However, moving away from this approach has had significant implications for the plant breeding and seed sector, which is already grappling with various Brexit-related challenges.

In the latest instance, new OSR varieties are being affected. The deadline for seeds to be ready for the official oilseed rape DUS and VCU trials this year is August 10.

However, seed shipments from the EU have been delayed at UK BCPs, raising concerns about whether they will arrive in time.

These official trials ensure that new varieties are distinct, uniform, and stable, providing reassurance to growers about their suitability for cultivation.

The trials are essential for growers to access the latest and best varieties, as new varieties cannot be marketed unless they pass DUS and VCU assessments.

If a variety misses the deadline, the BSPB warns it could delay its market entry by a year, and also disrupt the broader trial operations.

"The last thing this country needs is for more breeders to decide moving seed to the UK to too much trouble," the spokesperson added.

"We hear examples of this happening, and UK farmers, growers, and supply chains are missing out on the latest genetic innovation.

"OSR is a crop already under pressure, and there are some worrying forecasts about how much might be grown next year – trade barriers shouldn’t compound that."