Variety registration: regulations that are constantly evolving

The ‘Catalogue’ and ‘Certification’ regulations of each Member State of the European Union are based on 12 European Directives, which form the cornerstones of EU legislation on the marketing of seeds and plants. The objectives of these regulations are to guarantee to the user that the variety they have chosen is fully identifiable and therefore distinct from any other variety already listed (DUS studies), that it possesses sufficient value in terms of cultivation and use (VAT studies) and that the seeds or plants they purchase are indeed those of the chosen variety (Inspection and Certification). The ‘Catalogue’ regulations are based on two types of studies. DHS studies are mandatory and harmonised at Community and global levels, within the CPVO and UPOV respectively. VAT studies apply only to agricultural plants and may vary from one Member State to another depending on the conditions or technical and economic objectives adopted. In France, the inclusion of a new variety in the Official Catalogue is subject to a decision by the Ministry of Agriculture, which is based on the opinions of the CTPS; these opinions are issued on the basis of the technical DHS and VAT studies conducted by GEVES. In addition to managing the Catalogue, the CTPS is also tasked with supporting and guiding genetic progress by seeking the best balance between the objectives of users and civil society, the scientific and technical capabilities of variety breeders, and the attractiveness of other Member States in terms of access to the Community Catalogue of plant variety innovations that meet the same objectives. Since the 1960s, plant variety breeding has consistently played an active role in achieving the defined policy objectives: improving the productivity of French agriculture, ensuring the country’s food security, enhancing the competitiveness of agricultural sectors within a more open common market, introducing new species or new market opportunities, and addressing today’s new challenges relating to the environment, health and the preservation of biodiversity. Drawing on numerous examples, this presentation illustrates how the CTPS has adapted to each new development in these objectives and how it is now incorporating the new requirements of environmentally friendly agriculture whilst maintaining the fundamental objectives of profitability, sustainability and economic efficiency for French agriculture and the sectors that comprise it. Constant evolution without revolution.