Jane
I’ve been saving tomato seeds for up to three years (depending on strain) and I’ve found that, by preparing seed from the biggest, most luscious fruit (usually around end August) that the next year’s plant is, if anything, more vigorous than the previous one.
This may be that I am, in effect, selecting out strains that grow well outdoors in SE England (which may be a harsher selection than growing in greenhouses).
It has worked very well for Shirley (3 seasons) and Alicante (2 seasons) and I’ve saved a whole variety this year (including Maskotka, Black Cherry, Black Krim/Russian, Bush Beefsteak, a very big Beefsteak of unclear origin, Ailsa Craig, Sub Arctic Plenty).
I’ve also used my own garlic bulbs to replant this year – we will see how well they do (original stocks purchased commercially).
As for campaigning against the EU regulations, there’s actually a pan-European group organised from Austria online to address concerns etc to the lawmakers. I signed their petition and get regular updates. It does help if you can understand German though!