Contracting for Seed Toolkit

Fair, transparent contracts between seed producers and seed companies are vital as we develop our seed network in the UK and Ireland.

The Gaia Foundation’s Seed Sovereignty Programme has been supporting the locally produced open-pollinated seed movement in the UK and Ireland since 2017. Included in this diverse and vibrant network are a number of well-respected, established seed companies as well as an ever-growing number of qualified seed producers who have been trained through the Seed Sovereignty Programme and are keen to explore connections to these seed companies. This work came about through discussions from our seed networks in the UK and Ireland and the need for clarity around contracting for seed. Both seed producers and seed companies were eager to learn what a fair contract might look like, how to ensure both sides of the equation are getting a good deal, and how to develop benchmark standards and pricing in the locally produced open-pollinated seed market.

The Gaia Foundation have developed and provide a toolbox (a legal precedent and guidance) that can be used for free by seed producers and seed companies alike. The content is intended to be a guideline for progressing a professional relationship and does not constitute not should it be construed as legal advice. For specific legal advice in relation to any content in the toolbox, please consult a qualified lawyer.

First and foremost the resources should be used to inspire open conversation between both parties. While we strive to ensure that the content of the toolbox is accurate and up-to-date, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about its completeness, reliability, or availability or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained in the toolbox for any purpose.

Seed Contracting Guidelines

This document walks us through the philosophy behind seed contracts, the various options available and key things to consider. The document is primarily the work of the Seed Worker Organizing Group, a group of seed growers based in the US and Canada that formed after the Organic Seed Alliance’s 2022 conference. We’ve added local context and extra guidelines where appropriate to make it suitable to our networks here in the UK and Ireland.

Seed Contract Template

PDF version:

.DOC version:

Guidance Videos

These videos are a conversation between our Wales Coordinator Katie Hastings and external consultants Gesina Dybdahl-Ovesen and David Price. The videos aim to demystify the document a bit, breaking it into plain language. We’d highly recommend both parties watch the videos to better understand the template contract.