The main mission of the Seeds and other Propagation Material Unit is to monitor the market of propagation material in the Maltese territory with the aim of having available in circulation high quality propagation and planting material. This unit also deals with plant variety rights and the conservation of plant genetic resources.
Runner beans cultivated in a greenhouse
Propagation and planting material
Plant variety rights
Plant genetic resources
Extension of Information & Advisory Services
Propagation and planting material
In recent years, the SPMU drafted various legal notices (these can be viewed on the Acts and Legal Notices webpage or on the Department of Information website) on the marketing of seeds and other propagation material of agricultural plants (cereals, fodder plants and potatoes), vegetables, forest trees, fruit trees, vines and ornamentals to and from Malta. Imports from third countries also enter in the scenario. Now, this Unit is responsible for the implementation of the standards and conditions with respect to varietal identity and purity, biological and physiological value, health status with respect to harmful organisms which affect the quality of the plant material in conjunction with quarantine pests/diseases, etc.
Currently, national catalogues of varieties of the above mentioned species are being compiled. The ones for fruit trees and vines are in the final stages of drafting. These shall list all the varieties marketed in Malta together with a description.
The SPMU keeps itself regularly adjourned and contributes to matters related to propagation material by participating in the meetings of the relevant Committees of the European Commission and of the Council of the European Union on propagation material as the official Maltese delegation. Food Safety - From the Farm to the Fork
Plant variety rights
Since plant material has to be marketed under a varietal name (for example “Nero d’Avola” which is a variety of a grapevine used for wine), plant variety rights enter into the scenario. The SPMU keeps itself up to date on plant variety rights which are granted under the European Union legislation by the Community Plant Variety Office which is an agency of the European Union.
The SPMU is the Maltese representative in the Administrative Council of the Community Plant Variety Office and in the committee of technical liaison officers of the same Office. It contributes by reviewing and providing comments of various draft administrative and technical documents of the Community Plant Variety Office and also participates in decision making.
Community Plant Variety Office
Food Safety - From the Farm to the Fork
Plant genetic resources
Activities related to the conservation of plant material of local varieties are underway in order to prevent genetic erosion (decline and extinction) of valuable varieties from occurring and promote their sustainable use. Activities related to the conservation of plant material of local varieties are underway in order to 
prevent genetic erosion (decline and extinction) of valuable varieties from occurring and promote their sustainable use.
The SPMU together with other competent entities are continuously trying to collect seeds and other propagating material of various species from different locations in Malta and Gozo to be used in trials for conservation purposes.
Identification of local ecotypes through preliminary morphological characterization is currently being done, primarily on vegetables (watermelons, melons, onions, garlic, etc). Internationally-recognized plant descriptors are being followed.
As regards fruit trees, sanitary selection of local peaches and vines has been carried out in previous years by the Plant Health Directorate. Trials are currently underway on local ecotypes and varieties of citrus. Sanitation of infected plant material and the eventual establishment of a genebank are envisaged.
Extension of Information & Advisory Services
The SPMU disseminates valuable information on issues related to plant propagating material on local television stations, in the monthly magazine on agriculture “Biedja u Sajd” and on the radio programme “Frott Artna”.
Importers and traders of seeds and other plant propagating material also contact the SPMU for information on the national rules on the introduction of plant material from other European Union Member States and third countries.
Any person wishing to help the SPMU in the conservation of old Maltese varieties is kindly requested to contact us on the provided telephone numbers. No marketing of seeds or propagation material shall take place as the material is used for scientific purposes only.
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