Annual meeting of the European VSCU Group

From 12 to 14 May 2026, GEVES took part in the 19th seminar of the European VSCU Group in Slovakia, bringing together VSCU (Value for Sustainable Cultivation and Use) experts from European variety examination offices. 35 VSCU experts from 17 countries took part in this meeting organised by the Slovak office (UKSUP).

The technical discussions focused on developments in the various national VSCU schemes, particularly with regard to the inclusion of new characteristics, uses, species or variety types. The seminar also aimed to share best practices in the management of VSCU studies. For example, the procedures used to verify the identity of seed lots assessed under the VSCU scheme were discussed.

In connection with the ongoing discussions on the finalisation of the European Regulation on plant reproductive material, the offices with experience of contributions from operators other than the office itself within VSCU trial networks presented their respective systems. GEVES was able to highlight the importance of ensuring that the European Regulation and its secondary legislation take full account of this type of organisation, which has proven its effectiveness, particularly in ensuring that the networks are representative of a wide range of environments.

During this seminar, GEVES also presented the initiatives it is leading:

– tracking the evolution of cereal rust races and potato late blight using sentinel varieties planted in the VSCU trials of European agencies (IPMORAMA project),

– harmonising biotests for resistance to clubroot in brassicas across four countries.

GEVES has published the results of its survey, conducted as part of the European Belis project, comparing registration schemes for grain and forage legumes.

Finally, the group has finalised its terms of reference, which set out the procedures governing its operation.