26/11/2007 (Agence Europe) - On Monday 26 November, the Council of Ministers of the EU adopted without debate a decision which extends until 31 December 2012 the equivalency acknowledged for 13 third countries on the sales of seeds (fodder plants, cereals, beets, oil producing and fibre plants). Under several directives, the Council must determine whether on-site inspections of seed-producing crops in third countries answer the conditions laid down by Community legislation, and whether the seeds produced in these countries are equivalent to those produced in the Community. By means of a decision taken in 2003, which is due to expire on 31 December 2007, this equivalency was recognised for 13 countries. Upon investigation, the Commission has reached the conclusion that all of these countries continue to offer the same guarantees. (L.C.)