Farmers who save and replant legally protected cereal varieties can voluntarily declare their usage and pay a breeder royalty. The declaration system applies to all farm saved seed barley, and to farmer saved wheat if the resultant wheat crop does not pass through an end-point royalty collection agent.
The scheme was established as part of the Plant Variety Rights Act 2022, was first rolled out in 2024 and is now entering its second year. The initiative is built on a shared understanding between breeders and growers that royalties are essential to fund ongoing research and development and the creation of future innovations which help to ensure long term viability of the industry.
Developing a new plant variety typically takes around 10 years and can costs over $1 million. New varieties bring increased yields, improved pest and disease resistance, and better crop quality. By supporting breeders through payment of royalties, farmers help ensure continued access to improved varieties tailored to New Zealand growing conditions.
This approach with farmer saved seed royalty collection brings New Zealand into line with international practice, already established in countries such as Australia, the UK, France, and Denmark. Importantly, the system does not prevent farmers from using saved seed—it simply ensures that those using protected varieties can make a fair contribution towards the continuation of the innovation pipeline that sustains the arable sector.
The online payment portal is hosted by the NZ Plant Breeders Research Association (NZPBRA) and royalty collection is overseen by a Governance Group with balanced representation from farmers and breeding companies. All declarations and payments are on-paid to the respective breeders.
Find out more at www.farmsavedseed.co.nz