Uniformity requirements for acceptance of organic varieties of some vegetable and agricultural crops adjusted
From July 1, 2023, two new implementing directives for acceptance of some organically grown varieties of agricultural and vegetable crops entered into force in the EU. This makes it possible to submit organic varieties of some vegetable and agricultural crops with adapted uniformity requirements for admission to the Board for plant varieties.
Uniformity requirements adjusted
For organic varieties of a limited number of vegetable and arable crops, less stringent uniformity requirements for some characteristics will apply from July 1, 2023. For vegetable crops, for now this only concerns kohlrabi and carrot. For agricultural crops, it concerns barley, corn, rye and wheat.
The different uniformity requirements were introduced with the entry into force of two Community implementing directives for the acceptance of organically grown varieties of agricultural and vegetable crops (EU No. 2022/1647 and EU No. 2022/1648). Some specific characteristics that may be less uniform are defined for the mentioned crops. The less stringent requirements only apply for admission, the uniformity requirements for plant variety rights remain unchanged in accordance with the current technical protocols.
A breeder/applicant can apply for an organic variety for admission under the following conditions:
- the applicant must add a proof that the variety is produced organically (e.g. by attaching an organic certificate from Skal to the application);
- the applicant must declare on the application form that it is an organic variety in accordance with EU Organic Regulation No. 2018/418 and;
- the applicant indicates on the TQ the characteristics on which the variety is less uniform.
The organic nature of the variety will be indicated in the Dutch Variety Register.
The test will be carried out by Naktuinbouw (or another EU testing station) and will be included in the regular DUS trial. This is an experiment for the time being. Based on the evaluation in a few years, it will be decided whether adjustments are necessary and whether there will be an extension to other characteristics and/or crops.
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Declaration required: bean samples free from Cff.
Starting from 23 April 2026, new EU regulations will apply: bean seed from outside the EU must be tested for Cff before export to the EU. This testing requirement does not apply to seed within the EU.
What do we ask from you?
When submitting samples of the crops dwarf french/climbing french bean (Phaseolus vulgaris), runner bean (Phaseolus coccineus), or broad/field bean (Vicia faba) for DUS testing, maintenance inspection, trial field testing, authorization or resistance testing we ask for one of the following:
- A plant passport as a declaration that the material is free from Cff.
Note: A plant passport is not mandatory for research purposes, but most sample packages already include one. A plant passport generally guarantees compliance with all EU requirements, including freedom from quarantine pests such as Cff.
If a plant passport is not available:
- A declaration based on origin or own knowledge (a test certificate is not strictly required) stating that the sample is free from Cff.
The declaration may be:
- preferably printed or mentioned on the sample package
- or added as an attachment
- for seed from outside the EU: via the phytosanitary certificate
Why?
Your declaration allows us to ensure that the material is safe for inclusion in our trials.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact us.
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Submitting photos with a vegetable variety application
To apply for listing and/or plant breeders’ rights for a vegetable variety, a Technical Questionnaire (TQ) must be submitted. The Board for Plant Varieties follows the CPVO TQ as closely as possible, so that the questions are aligned.
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Gazette of the Board for plant varieties March 2026
The Gazette is the government publication sheet. The new Gazette is published every month.