Most farm-saved seed payments for combinable crops are collected by BSPB-registered seed processors as a component of the processing invoice.

However, payments for farm-saved seed which has been self-processed, cleaned by a non-registered processor, or sown straight from the barn, must be made direct to BSPB.

Click here to complete your farm-saved seed declaration on-line.

FSS rules - key points in law:

• Farmers are legally obliged to declare their use of farm-saved seed, and to pay for the use of eligible varieties
• FSS must be produced and saved within a farmer's own business (ie land farmed as the same business)
• FSS rules apply whether seed has been processed or taken straight from the barn
• Farmers cannot sell, buy, barter or otherwise transfer FSS outside their own holding.

New arrangements for older varieties from 2007/08

The original farm-saved seed legislation included a time-limited exemption allowing farmers to continue saving older varieties (known as 'zero-rated varieties') without payment for a period of seven years. Under both EU and UK legislation, this seven-year period has now expired.

However, BSPB has reached an agreement with the UK farming unions allowing genuine use of these older varieties as farm-saved seed to continue without payment.

To ensure this exemption applies only to genuine users of older varieties, BSPB and the farming unions have also agreed changes to the scheme's administration to discourage evasion of payment through false declarations.

Under the new agreement, previously zero-rated varieties will become eligible for farm-saved seed payment, but will attract a 100% instant refund applied by the seed processor or BSPB.

This refund system will be subject to random audit by BSPB to ensure proof of genuine use can be verified through certified seed invoice, seed sample or field inspection. A statement to this effect will appear on the processor or BSPB invoice.

Farmers must declare their use of previously zero-rated varieties to BSPB on the farm-saved seed declaration form. Please contact BSPB on 01353 653209 if you do not routinely receive a declaration form from BSPB.

Previously zero-rated varieties which now qualify for a 100% instant refund are as follows:

For details of farm-saved seed payment rates for combinable crops, click here.