L’achat groupé de semences :Pooling to Save
Group purchasing of seeds allows benefiting from reduced prices thanks to the large volumes ordered. Three farmers interviewed have implemented this practice. For each of them, the quality of the seeds, whether in terms of varietal choice or cleanliness, is an essential criterion. One of the three even favors the use of certified seeds for his covers.
In all cases, species are purchased separately, then the farmers make the mixes themselves according to their objectives.
The operation of the group varies little: one farmer centralizes orders, contacts suppliers, and coordinates with other members. Some prefer to remain loyal to a trusted supplier, while others compare prices species by species with several distributors to optimize their purchases.
The discounts obtained range from 10 to 17%. In the Eure, for example, a group of about twenty farmers orders up to 13 tons of seeds.
Source
Agro-Transfert Ressources et Territoires (2022). Innovative Practices Sheet: Buying Seeds Collectively. Project "Multifunctionality of cover crops".
Available at: https://cultivons-les-couverts.agro-transfert-rt.org/groupement/index.html
