ISTA steps up certified seed drive

THE Irish Seed Trade Association (ISTA) has stepped up its campaign to encourage cereal growers to use only certified seed to secure higher yields and lower costs.

Around 1,100 farmers have already been selected to grow this seed.

ISTA said these elite growers plant 20,000 acres of land each year with high yielding, disease-resistant varieties. These new varieties have been tested by the Department of Agriculture and Food and were picked to suit Irish weather conditions.

The ISTA said the sector is an important part of agri-business. Cereal growers buy around 40,000 tonnes of seed valued at €16 million.