Catalog buyer guide · Organic-compatible inputs
Organic vs conventional seeds and inputs: what changes in a commercial purchase
Sources reviewed: · SeedMatch Group editorial team
Short answer
Going organic changes what you may buy, not only how you farm. In the EU, Regulation 2018/848 requires organic seed and planting material, with derogations that expire at the end of 2036, allows only authorised fertilisers and plant protection products and prohibits hydroponics. Under USDA rules, organic seed is required unless an equivalent organic variety is not commercially available, and land must be free of prohibited substances for 3 years before harvest.
Organic and conventional purchasing compared
The table summarises the purchasing rules that differ most. Conventional production follows the general seed, fertiliser and plant protection laws of the country; organic production adds the rules below.
| Topic | Conventional | EU organic (Regulation 2018/848) | USDA organic (7 CFR 205) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seed and planting material | Any lawfully marketed variety and seed treatment. | Organic plant reproductive material must be used; derogations for in-conversion or non-organic material require authorisation and expire at the end of 2036. | Organic seed and planting stock required; untreated non-organic seed allowed when an equivalent organic variety is not commercially available. |
| Fertilisers | Products lawfully placed on the market. | Only fertilisers and soil conditioners authorised for organic production, and only to the extent necessary, with records kept. | Synthetic substances prohibited unless listed in 7 CFR 205.601. |
| Plant protection | Products registered in the country. | Only active substances authorised for organic production, and the product must still be registered nationally. | Synthetic substances only as listed in 7 CFR 205.601, mostly when preventive practices are insufficient. |
| Growing system | Soil, substrate or hydroponic. | Crops must be grown in living soil; hydroponic production is prohibited, with limited derogations listed in the Regulation. | Confirm eligibility of the growing system with the certifier. |
| Conversion | None. | At least 2 years before sowing for annual crops; at least 3 years before the first harvest for perennial crops. | No prohibited substances applied for 3 years immediately before harvest. |
Sources: [1] European Union (EUR-Lex), [2] European Union (EUR-Lex), [3] European Union (EUR-Lex), [4] USDA National Organic Program (eCFR), [5] USDA National Organic Program (eCFR), [6] USDA National Organic Program (eCFR)
Seed and planting material in detail
EU: point 1.8.1 of Annex II, Part I, requires organic plant reproductive material for the production of organic crops. Before requesting a derogation, an operator must consult the database or system referred to in Article 26, and competent authorities may authorise in-conversion or non-organic material only when it shows that the operator's needs are not met. Regulation (EU) 2020/1693 moved the expiry of these derogations to the end of 2036.
United States: 7 CFR 205.204 requires organically grown seed and planting stock. Non-organic untreated seed may be used when an equivalent organic variety is not commercially available; non-organic seed treated with a substance on the National List may be used when neither an organic nor an untreated equivalent is available. Organic seed must always be used for edible sprouts, and non-organic perennial planting stock needs 1 year of organic management before its crop can be sold as organic.
- Ask the supplier for the organic certificate that covers the specific seed lot and variety, not only the company.
- Where non-organic untreated seed is used, keep records of the search for organic equivalents for your certifier.
- Check seed treatments on every lot: a treatment can make otherwise suitable seed unusable for organic production.
Sources: [1] European Union (EUR-Lex), [2] European Union (EUR-Lex), [4] USDA National Organic Program (eCFR)
Fertilisers and crop protection
EU: where soil fertility measures do not meet the crop's needs, only fertilisers and soil conditioners authorised under Article 24 may be used, and only to the extent necessary. Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/1165 lists the authorised substances: active substances for plant protection in Annex I and fertilisers, soil conditioners and nutrients in Annex II.
United States: 7 CFR 205.105 prohibits synthetic substances in organic production unless they are allowed under 7 CFR 205.601, which lists the synthetic substances permitted in organic crop production and the restrictions on their use.
In both systems, an “organic” word on a product label is not proof of compliance. Ask for the listing basis of each input and confirm it with the certifier before purchase; plant protection products must also be lawfully registered in the country of use.
Sources: [1] European Union (EUR-Lex), [3] European Union (EUR-Lex), [6] USDA National Organic Program (eCFR)
Selling organic produce across borders
The Codex Alimentarius guidelines for organically produced foods (GL 32-1999) give an international reference, but each destination applies its own organic rules. A certificate issued under one scheme does not automatically satisfy another unless an equivalence or recognition arrangement covers the product.
For imports into the United States, the Strengthening Organic Enforcement rule, implemented on 19 March 2024, introduced National Organic Program Import Certificates and stronger traceability and recordkeeping requirements.
Sources: [7] Codex Alimentarius (FAO/WHO), [8] USDA Agricultural Marketing Service
What changes in practice for the purchasing team
SeedMatch analysis
- Variety choice narrows to what is available as organic seed in the needed quantity, so order earlier and agree substitutes in writing.
- Every input needs documentary checks before purchase, not after delivery.
- Storage and labelling must keep organic and conventional products separate to avoid commingling.
- Supplier certificates must cover the product, the site and the period of supply.
- Organic price premiums and yield effects vary by crop and market; the existing organic vs conventional comparison page covers farm economics, and no premium is assumed here.
From specification to request
SeedMatch analysis
The catalog page for organic-compatible inputs includes a request form; listings there appear only with verified lawful availability and documented input status. State the crop, market, certification scheme and the inputs needed. SeedMatch does not publish prices or availability, and every offer must be confirmed in writing by the supplier.
Frequently asked questions
Must organic growers use organic seed?
In the EU, yes: organic plant reproductive material is required, and derogations for non-organic material need authorisation and expire at the end of 2036. Under USDA rules, organic seed is required unless an equivalent organic variety is not commercially available.
Can hydroponic crops be certified organic in the EU?
No. Regulation 2018/848 requires organic crops to be grown in living soil and prohibits hydroponic production, with limited derogations listed in the Regulation.
How long is the organic conversion period?
In the EU, at least 2 years before sowing for annual crops and at least 3 years before the first harvest for perennial crops. Under USDA rules, no prohibited substances may be applied for 3 years immediately before harvest.
Is an EU organic certificate valid for sales in the United States?
Not automatically. Each destination applies its own rules unless an equivalence or recognition arrangement covers the product, and organic imports into the United States need National Organic Program Import Certificates.
Does SeedMatch certify organic products?
No. SeedMatch Group coordinates buyer requests through a human-reviewed process. Certification is decided by the operator's control body or certifier; buyers use the service free and supplier contact is mediated.
Ready to send an organic input request?
Use the request on the organic-compatible inputs page to send crop, market, certification scheme and the seed or inputs needed. A specialist reviews each request before any supplier is approached. Commercial programmes start at USD 250,000.
SeedMatch Group is the specialised commercial agriculture platform of Global B2B Group, its parent group. globalb2bgroup.com
Each participant remains responsible under applicable law for the requirements of its own role. Suppliers are responsible for the products and certificates they supply; growers for certification and lawful input use; buyers and importers for import permissions and due diligence. This article is not legal or regulatory advice.
Availability and the ability to trade depend on the law of each origin, destination and transit country and on the relevant permits and approvals. SeedMatch Group is not a manufacturer, importer, exporter, seller or regulatory approver; requests are reviewed by our team before any commercial introduction. Each participant is responsible for the requirements of its own role under applicable law: suppliers for their products in the origin and destination countries, buyers for their own import permissions and due diligence. We do not guarantee any supplier's compliance. Participant responsibilities · Regulation & restricted items
Related catalog pages and guides
References
Official regulations and guidelines cited in this guide. Points marked “SeedMatch analysis” are our interpretation.
- Regulation (EU) 2018/848 on organic production and labelling of organic products (Annex II, Part I) — European Union (EUR-Lex) · 2018
- Regulation (EU) 2020/1693 amending Regulation (EU) 2018/848 as regards its date of application and certain other dates — European Union (EUR-Lex) · 2020
- Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/1165 authorising certain products and substances for use in organic production and establishing their lists — European Union (EUR-Lex) · 2021
- 7 CFR 205.204 Seeds and planting stock practice standard — USDA National Organic Program (eCFR) · accessed 2026-10-27
- 7 CFR 205.202 Land requirements — USDA National Organic Program (eCFR) · accessed 2026-10-27
- 7 CFR 205.105 Allowed and prohibited substances and 205.601 Synthetic substances allowed in organic crop production — USDA National Organic Program (eCFR) · accessed 2026-10-27
- Guidelines for the production, processing, labelling and marketing of organically produced foods (CXG 32-1999) — Codex Alimentarius (FAO/WHO) · 1999
- Strengthening Organic Enforcement final rule (implementation date 19 March 2024) — USDA Agricultural Marketing Service · 2023