European Commission excludes soybean seed from EU Deforestation Regulation

 

The European Commission has excluded soybean seed intended for sowing from the scope of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).

 

The change was introduced through a Delegated Act adopted July 13, amending Annex I of the regulation. Euroseeds welcomed the decision in a press release, saying it recognises the distinct nature of soybean seed production and provides greater clarity for Europe's seed and plant breeding sector.

 

Euroseeds had advocated for soybean seed for sowing to be removed from the regulation, arguing that certified seed belongs to a highly regulated and traceable value chain.

 

Unlike soybeans produced for food, feed, or industrial uses, soybean seed is developed, multiplied, and marketed specifically for crop production. The organisation said this value chain is not associated with deforestation or land-use change.

 

Applying EUDR due diligence requirements to soybean seed would have created disproportionate administrative demands for seed companies and plant breeders, according to Euroseeds.

 

The organisation also warned that the requirements could have restricted access to breeding material, slowed crop innovation, and complicated efforts to develop soybean varieties suited to European growing conditions.

 

Limiting access to diverse soybean genetics could also have undermined efforts to increase domestic plant protein production and reduce Europe's dependence on imported crops and agricultural inputs.

 

By removing soybean seed for sowing from the regulation, the commission has provided greater legal certainty for breeders, seed producers, and companies working to expand soybean production across Europe.

 

Euroseeds said the decision will help support crop improvement, variety development and the availability of planting material for European growers.

 

Euroseeds said the amendment demonstrates the importance of distinguishing between agricultural products based on their actual connection to deforestation.

 

Environmental regulations are most effective when requirements are directed toward commodities and activities linked to land-use change, the organisation said. Applying the same measures to soybean breeding and certified seed production would have increased regulatory costs without providing additional environmental benefits.

 

The organisation described the decision as an example of evidence-based policymaking that balances environmental objectives with proportional regulation.

 

Euroseeds said the exclusion will allow the EUDR to remain focused on products associated with deforestation risks while supporting crop innovation, agricultural competitiveness and Europe's long-term plant protein strategy.

 

- Seed World