European farmers are raising concerns about proposed changes to the European Seed Regulation, urging policymakers to prioritize agricultural diversity and farmers’ rights. In an open letter sent last week, 139 organizations representing farmers from 23 European countries appealed to EU Agriculture Ministers, Health Commissioner Oliver Varhelyi, Agriculture Commissioner Christoph Hansen, and members of the European Parliament’s Agriculture and Habitat Committees.
The letter coincides with the meeting of the Council of Agriculture Ministers, held on December 9th and 10th, 2024, where the EU seed law is a key agenda item. Farmers are advocating for the legal right to collect,transfer,exchange,and sell their own seeds. They also emphasize the need to facilitate the marketing of diverse and locally adapted varieties by regional seed producers.
“The conservation and enduring use of locally adapted crop diversity is also required to be a top priority,” the letter states. “In addition, newly approved varieties shoudl not depend on pesticides or synthetic fertilizers.”
The organizations express concern that the European Commission‘s current proposal threatens European agriculture. They argue that for the first time, activities aimed at preserving rare varieties, such as sharing scions from rare apple trees or seeds from endangered legume and vegetable varieties, would be regulated as trade.
“The bill also restricts the human right of farmers to sell their own seeds, which is enshrined in international law.”
The European Commission presented a draft of the new seed regulations in July 2023. In April 2024, the European Parliament called for improvements to protect agricultural diversity and farmers’ rights. Discussions among EU agriculture ministers are ongoing, and tripartite negotiations between the European Commission, the Council, and the Parliament are expected to begin in the spring of 2025.
A groundbreaking finding in the realm of ancient Egyptian history has sent ripples of excitement through the archaeological community.Researchers have unearthed a remarkably well-preserved tomb dating back to the 18th Dynasty, offering a rare glimpse into the lives and beliefs of the ancient egyptians.
The tomb, located in the Valley of the Kings, was discovered by a team of archaeologists from the University of Cairo. “This is a truly remarkable find,” said Dr. Ahmed Mustafa, lead archaeologist on the project. “The tomb is in an amazing state of preservation, with vibrant paintings and intricate carvings still visible on the walls.”
Initial investigations suggest the tomb belonged to a high-ranking official named Amenhotep, who served under the pharaoh Akhenaten. Inside, archaeologists found a wealth of artifacts, including pottery, jewelry, and furniture, providing invaluable insights into the daily life and customs of the era.
“The discovery of Amenhotep’s tomb is a major breakthrough in our understanding of the 18th Dynasty,” said Dr. Emily carter, an Egyptologist at the British Museum. “It sheds light on the social hierarchy, religious practices, and artistic styles of this engaging period in Egyptian history.”
Perhaps the most intriguing find was a series of papyrus scrolls containing religious texts and hymns. “These scrolls offer a unique window into the spiritual beliefs of the ancient Egyptians,” said Dr. Mustafa. “They provide valuable information about their understanding of the afterlife and their relationship with the gods.”
The excavation of Amenhotep’s tomb is ongoing, and archaeologists are hopeful that further discoveries will continue to unravel the mysteries of this ancient civilization. the findings are expected to be displayed at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, allowing the public to marvel at the treasures of the past.
“This discovery is a testament to the enduring interest with ancient Egypt,” said Dr. Carter. “It reminds us of the rich cultural heritage that continues to captivate and inspire us today.”
## European Farmers Fight for Their Seeds: A Conversation on Agricultural Diversity and Farmers’ Rights
Amidst ongoing discussions about proposed changes to the European Seed Regulation, farmer organizations are raising crucial concerns about the potential impact on agricultural diversity and farmers’ rights. This interview explores their perspective and sheds light on the key issues at stake.
### The Core Concerns of European Farmers
**Senior Editor:** Joining us today is [Guest Name], a leading expert on European agriculture and seed policy. Thank you for being here. Could you provide some insights into the core concerns that prompted European farmers to issue the open letter to EU policymakers?
**[Guest Name]:** Certainly. This letter, signed by 139 organizations representing farmers across 23 countries, expresses deep unease regarding the European Commission’s current proposal to amend the EU Seed Regulation. Farmers are worried that these changes could severely restrict their ability to save, share, and sell their own seeds – a practice fundamental to preserving agricultural biodiversity and ensuring food security.
### Protecting Customary Varieties and Farmers’ rights
**senior Editor:** The letter specifically mentions the importance of “locally adapted crop diversity.” Why is this such a pressing issue for European farmers?
**[Guest Name]:** Locally adapted varieties, frequently enough developed and preserved by farmers over generations, are crucial for resilient agriculture. They’re frequently enough better suited to local climates and soil conditions, requiring less reliance on chemical inputs like pesticides and fertilizers. The proposed regulations, however, could make it difficult for farmers to continue cultivating and sharing these valuable varieties.
**Senior Editor:** Manny people might not realize that farmers have traditionally had the legal right to save and reuse their seeds. How would the proposed changes impact this fundamental right?
**[Guest Name]:** That’s right. For centuries, farmers have practiced seed saving as a cornerstone of sustainable agriculture. The new proposal risks treating seed-saving activities like commercial transactions, subjecting them to strict regulatory controls.
### Looking Ahead: the Fight for Fair Seed Laws
**Senior Editor:** What are the next steps in this debate, and what kind of outcome are farmers hoping for?
**[Guest Name]:** Discussions between EU agriculture ministers are ongoing, and tripartite negotiations are expected to begin in Spring 2025. Farmers are urging policymakers to amend the proposed regulation,placing a stronger emphasis on protecting agricultural biodiversity,enshrining farmers’ rights to save and exchange their seeds,and ensuring fair access to diverse and locally adapted varieties.
