Breeding results in ever more productive varieties with higher quality and better resistance to diseases. Breeding companies can protect their newly developed varieties by applying for Plant Breeders' Rights. This protection means that the production of plant reproduction material in the Netherlands is not permitted unless a license has been obtained from the holder of the Plant Breeders' Rights. An exception to this rule is farm saved seed of cereals and seed potatoes.
 
Farm saved seed is permitted subject to the following conditions:

• Farm saved seed may only be planted on a farmer's own land and may only be used for the cultivation of a final product, as a green manure or in the case of cereals as seed to be sown for the next harvest; 
• The grower must provide the Plant Breeders' Right holder with information about his own propagation activities; 
• The grower must pay a fee to the Plant Breeders' Right holder.

Growers have centralised the monitoring and implementation of these regulations at Plantum. More information can be found on www.eigenzaaizaad.nl (Dutch). Details of farm propagation can also be stated on this website.