«Natural seeds,» «wild,» «indigenous,» “native,” «of Iberian origin»… The seed market is full of terms that sound good but aren’t always backed up by anything verifiable.
When a restoration project, a public bidding process, or an organic farming program requires certified seeds, the question is clear: What certification do I need, and what exactly does it guarantee?
In this article, we explain the three types of certification relevant to the wild plant seed market, what each one guarantees, and why CANTUESO is the only company in Spain that holds CAE certification for wild plant production.
Why Not All «Natural» Seeds Are Organic
The term «natural» has no legal or technical significance in the context of seed production. Any company can use it without any obligation to prove anything.
The same applies to terms such as «wild,» «indigenous,» “native,” or «of Iberian origin» when they are not accompanied by documentation to support them. Without verifiable traceability, there is no way to know:
- Where exactly does the seed come from?
- Under what conditions was it produced or harvested?
- If you have used plant protection treatments that are incompatible with organic production
- If the species is indeed the one listed on the label
The only way to ensure all of this is through certifications that are recognized and audited by independent organizations.
What Is the CAE (Certificate of Organic Agriculture)?
The CAE is the organic production certification regulated by the Regulation (EU) 2018/848 of the European Parliament, which took effect in January 2022 and establishes the requirements for the production and labeling of organic products throughout the European Union.
To obtain and maintain CAE status, a company must:
- Be audited annually by an authorized regulatory body
- Demonstrate that their production methods do not involve synthetic plant protection products, chemically synthesized fertilizers, or genetically modified organisms
- Maintain complete traceability records for all produced batches
- Complete conversion periods (at least 2 years) before being able to certify their production as organic
In the context of wild plant seeds, the CAE certifies that the seeds have been produced or harvested under organic production conditions verified and audited. This is not just a statement of intent: it is an auditable commitment that is renewed every year.
What does the CAE guarantee regarding wild plant seeds?
When a batch of wild plant seeds has CAE organic certification, this guarantees:
Traceable origin. Each batch comes with documentation certifying its origin—whether from a farm or a wild-harvesting area—and who produced it.
No prohibited treatments. The seeds have not been treated with fungicides, insecticides, or any other chemically synthesized plant protection products during their production, harvesting, processing, or storage.
Audited quality control. The production and processing procedures have been inspected by an independent inspection body recognized by the government.
Legal validity for environmental projects. In certified organic farming projects, the use of CAE-certified seeds is a requirement for maintaining the farm's certification.
Consistency in food service. In ecological restoration projects, using CAE seeds ensures that no external inputs incompatible with the receiving ecosystem are introduced.
Other relevant certifications for wild plant seeds
In addition to the CAE, there are two other specific certifications for seeds intended for forestry and restoration projects that are important to know about:
Certified forest seeds
Regulated by the Royal Decree 289/2003 Under the regulations governing the marketing of forest reproductive materials, certified forest seeds guarantee:
- That come from forest stands or tracts registered in the National Catalog of Base Materials
- That its geographic origin and region of origin are documented
- That they have passed physical quality control tests (purity, viability, germination) verified by the government
They are mandatory in many publicly funded forestry projects and in contracts with river basin authorities and forestry management agencies.
Forest Reproductive Material (FRM)
MFR is the most rigorous category in the forest certification system. MFR seeds come from:
- Identified seed sources — natural populations with documented genetic and phenotypic characteristics
- Seedbeds — plantations of parent plants selected for their superior characteristics
- Clones or mixtures of clones selected for their value to restoration efforts
The MFR guarantees not only the geographic origin but also the genetic characteristics of the material. It is the highest standard available for genetically sensitive restoration projects.
The three certifications in a table
- Certification · What It Guarantees · When It Is Required
- CAE · Production without synthetic inputs + ecological traceability · Ecological projects · CAP eco-scheme · Restoration without inputs
- Certified forest seeds · Verified geographic origin and physical quality · Publicly funded forestry projects · CHG contracts
- MFR · Genetic origin + documented phenotypic characteristics · Genetically sensitive restoration · Priority habitats
CANTUESO: the only company in Spain with CAE certification for the production of wildflower seeds
CANTUESO Natural Seeds is, as of today, the the only company in Spain with an organic production certificate (CAE) for the production of native wild plants. This accreditation is the result of an 8-year application process. We were pioneers in obtaining this certification in Spain.
This means that our entire process—from harvesting in the field or growing on the farm, through processing, sorting, storage, and marketing—is audited and certified under European organic production standards.
In addition to CAE certification, CANTUESO holds the following:
- Certified forest seeds — for forestry projects and civil engineering projects with official requirements
- Forest Reproductive Material (FRM) — for restoration projects involving high genetic sensitivity
- In-house germplasm bank — with more than 850 documented species of wild Iberian flora
This combination of certifications makes CANTUESO the only provider capable of meeting the requirements of any type of project: from a private garden to a large-scale public restoration project.
When to Require Certification When Buying Seeds
Not all projects require the same level of certification. Here's a quick guide:
Private garden or private landscaping: There is no legal requirement, but seeds with traceable Iberian origins guarantee better establishment rates and eliminate the risk of invasive behavior.
Certified organic farming: Seeds must have a CAE or express authorization from the certifying body. Without a CAE, the use of such seeds may jeopardize the farm's certification.
Restoration projects funded by public funds: They typically require certified forest seeds and/or MFR. The technical specifications outline the exact requirements.
Private restoration projects (infrastructure, energy, mining): Although there is not always a legal requirement, the Environmental Impact Statement and the project’s technical report typically require that the species used be native and have verifiable traceability. The CAE is the most reliable way to demonstrate this.
Civil Engineering and Landscaping in Public Spaces: Municipal and regional specifications increasingly require seeds with certification of origin. The CAE and certified forest seeds are the most widely recognized standards.
Do you need certified seeds for your project?
Our technical team will advise you on which certification you need and which species are best suited for your situation.
🌐 CANTUESO SIEMBRA — Certified Wild Flora
📩 info@cantuesoseeds.com · +34 957 323 580
CANTUESO Natural Seeds — Finca La Jarilla, Villarrubia, Córdoba
The only company in Spain with an organic certification (CAE) for the production of wildflowers