Information on seeds and seedlings
Seed and planting material, which has valuable genetic properties, is considered the foundation of our food production. It must therefore meet strict requirements to prevent any adverse effects on human and animal health or negative impacts on the environment, processing and product quality. Healthy, first-class seed of high-quality approved varieties helps to ensure that our population is supplied with domestic food and feed, and that industry is supplied with raw materials of the highest quality.
Because of its importance, seed and planting material is subject to strict national and international regulations. Seed trade is harmonized throughout the EU and - through the OECD seed schemes - worldwide. Every seed lot on the market is tested for compliance with legal standards and officially certified and approved before being placed on the market. The authority responsible for implementing the legislation is the Federal Office for Food Safety (BAES).
Seed certification
The Federal Office for Food Safety is the competent authority of first instance for the quality assurance of seed placed on the market. Here you will find details about the application procedure for seed certification. The seed certification procedure ensures the quality of the seed and thus its value for cultivation. Traceability across all production steps is a central component of the certification system. In the course of controlling the seed market, the certification system is evaluated on the one hand; on the other hand, it is ensured that no inferior, non-approved or non-certified seed is placed on the market.
Seed health
The health of the seed is crucial to yield reliability and crop quality. As an expert service provider specialising in the testing of the health and condition of seed and planting stock, we are happy to assist you. You can find information about our services here.
Through the implementation of appropriate measures, such as chemical seed treatment, seed-borne (transmissible via the seed) diseases were previously kept in check. At present, however, the requirements regarding the health of seed have once again become hugely important. Assessing the health status of seed is important for the following reasons:
- In the case of seed-borne pathogens, infected seed provides the basis for widespread disease development in the crop. This reduces the value of the crop and diminishes the quality of the harvest
- Infected seed spreads pathogens to regions or fields where the pathogen has not previously been present
- Seed-borne seedling pathogens are the cause of poor germination and therefore jeopardise full and rapid emergence
- Whether seed treatments are necessary is determined by testing for pathogens relevant to seed quality
Organic seeds and organic plant propagating material
Organic farms must, as a rule, use organic seed. If you would like to find out which varieties are available, please visit our Organic Plant Propagating Material Database, formerly known as the Organic Seed Database.
Under Regulation (EU) 2018/848, organic farms are required to use plant propagating material – and specifically seeds – that have been produced in accordance with the requirements of organic farming. To ensure transparency regarding the availability of seeds or plant propagating material of specific species or varieties, the aforementioned Regulation stipulates the establishment of an organic plant propagating material database. Furthermore, this Regulation also sets out the procedural rules to be followed in the event of the unavailability of the crop species to be grown or the absence of suitable varieties (see General Derogations).
The inclusion of seed lots of a variety or all plant propagating material in the organic plant propagating material database has been free of charge since the entry into force of the regulations under (EU) 2018/848. Please use the form below to register with the database. Organic seed that has undergone the certification process and received a positive assessment is entered directly into the database.
The inclusion of seed lots of a variety in the organic seed database has been free of charge since the regulations under (EU) 2018/848 came into force. The organic seed fee tariff 2021 can be found here.
Genetic engineering (GMO) in seeds
Austria has a highly efficient quality system for seed certification that offers safety from the initial seed to the commercialisation of the ready-to-sow seed. The Seed Genetic Engineering Ordinance stipulates that the initial analysis of a seed lot must always show a negative result. This means that no traces of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) may be detected.
GMO monitoring system
Since 2001, the Federal Office for Food Safety (BAES) has applied a reliable GMO monitoring system for the crops maize, soya bean and rapeseed on the basis of the Seed Genetic Engineering Ordinance. The monitoring system is used not only in the certification and authorisation procedure for seeds, but also in the course of variety approval. In addition, seed that arrives in Austria from the EU or third countries and is sold here is monitored. We provide these services by further processing the seed and leaf samples and subjecting them to precise analyses for GMO contamination in the laboratory.
More information on the GMO monitoring system and associated reports can be found on the website of the Federal Office for Food Safety (BAES).
Further information
The Federal Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection (BMASGPK) is responsible for the area of genetic engineering. Here you will find comprehensive information on the subject of genetic engineering.
Seed export
The issuance of phytosanitary certificates (PGZ) is required for the export and re-export of seeds and seedlings. The phytosanitary requirements of the country of destination and the transit countries must be notified by the exporter.
The Federal Office for Food Safety is responsible for issuing phytosanitary certificates for seeds. Phytosanitary certificates for the export of consumer goods are issued in indirect federal administration by the provincial governor.
Comprehensive information can be found here: Issuance of phytosanitary certificate
Seed statistics
On the website of the Federal Office for Food Safety (BAES) you will find various statistics on the subject of seeds, such as seed quantities, seed quality or areas of seed multiplication recognized.
Last updated: 25.09.2026
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