Variety informations (CTPS)
GEVES Quality
Objectives of the French Catalogue rules
1) Continuous development of objectives
2) Accompanying and guiding developments in genetics
3) Sharing progress in genetics
4) Traceability of varieties and of seeds or plants
1) Continuous development of objectives
In the 1950s and 1960s, the objective of the French catalogue was to ensure that new varieties met the post war challenge of improving the productivity of French agriculture, thus ensuring the food supply in France. However, European legislation in 1970 widened its scope to include an increase in the competitiveness of agricultural sectors in an open common market.
The 1980s and 1990s saw the development of both new species and market opportunities.
For more than 10 years now research into new varieties has taken into consideration the need for agriculture to be environmentally friendly whilst at the same time remaining profitable, sustainable and economically efficient.
Through its ongoing evaluation of applications, the CTPS accompanies and guides developments in genetics through the adaptation of its technical registration rules whilst at the same time taking into account the capacity of plant breeding.
The registration of a variety is not an end in itself, but a tool which allows legislators and the Ministry of Agriculture to encourage varietal innovation and, as much as possible, to make available varieties which respond to strategic and techno-economic objectives.
The evaluation of varieties, through the application of technical rules based on scientific knowledge and recognised techniques, allows the state to fulfil both its regulatory obligations and its commitments to society.
2) Accompanying and guiding developments in genetics
The catalogue is a way, through its technical registration rules, for the Ministry of Agriculture to guide plant breeding towards varieties, which better, respond to the needs of users, the sector, the consumer and society.
To give an example, for many years the guidelines of the technical registration rules with regard to resistance to pests and diseases have encouraged the development of new varieties which contribute to the sustainability of production methods and the protection of the environment.
The national strategy laid down by the Granule environmental plan and the Neophyte 2018 plan, with regard to the environment, health and the maintenance of biodiversity, are integral to the considerations of the CTPS and thus ensure the continuation of improvements already made.
3) Sharing progress in genetics
Based on EU and national regulations the French catalogue can highlight progress made by a new variety and, even though this is not enough to recommend it to users of the variety, it is still an important step in the acquisition of knowledge on varieties.
The VCUS Evaluation Network constantly adapts to changes in the market and to developments in crop management techniques, so varieties are always adapted to current technology and industry demands.
4) Traceability of varieties and of seeds or plants
From the DUS studies and the resulting detailed description of the variety, the catalogue provides traceability of each variety through the production of the seeds and plants, its use by the farmer, and up to a certain stage of post-harvest processing.
It is a great advantage to be able to so clearly identify each individual variety registered, especially in an international context where traceability is so important.
12/11/2012
