Improving the quality of national organic seed databases to increase the use of organic seed and propagation materials in Europe

Abstract

The purpose of the European national organic seed databases is to list the varieties for which organically produced seeds and vegetative propagation material is available on the market. The correct functioning of the databases can facilitate the use and distribution of organic seed by improving the transparency of the organic seed market. Each EU Member State can establish its own database, resulting in different specific technical solutions among countries. This study evaluated the quality of organic seed databases in place in the EU countries (including the United Kingdom and Switzerland) through an online survey. An Information Systems Success Model was used as a framework of our evaluation. The respondents assessed the Ease of use, Comprehension and Completeness of the databases. Based on 537 responses obtained from farmers, seed suppliers and certification bodies, our analysis revealed that the Completeness of the databases was evaluated as the most critical aspect. Interactive fully computerised databases should be preferred to the provision of static files as they positively influence perceived completeness. In addition, the support provided by the database managers on how to use databases and a straightforward administrative process for the registration of seed offers or the management of derogations can increase databases comprehensibility and ease of use.