Winter bean growers struggling to source seed are set to benefit from a temporary relaxation of the rules, bringing more stocks onto the market.

Normally, bean seed can only be sold with a germination rate of 80% or higher, but seed with a slightly lower germination will be available thanks to a successful derogation bid led by the Agricultural Industries Confederation (AIC).

The exceptionally hot and dry conditions throughout the summer have taken a toll on germination rates, risking a depleted quantity of winter bean seed available for the current 2022 drilling campaign.

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Working on behalf of Britain’s certified seed sector, the AIC liaised with the industry, gathered evidence and applied to Defra and devolved partners for a temporary derogation covering England, Scotland and Wales.

The derogation, which was approved on 17 October, allows for a limited quantity of winter bean seed to be sold with a germination rate of no less than 70%.

“This is good news for the certified seed industry and gives some much-needed certainty for British growers,” says Rose Riby, AIC arable and seed sector head, who spearheaded the derogation request.

“At a time when the global supply of food and commodities can be incredibly volatile, AIC has worked efferently to get this derogation and mitigate the potential for significant disruption to bean seed supply.”