Re-registrations, retests and VSCU grass: debates at the heart of the CTPS forage and turf grass section
The CTPS Forage and Grass Section met on 16 October 2025 to examine, in particular, proposals from a working group on the system for re-registration and re-testing of varieties whose registration is due to expire. Discussions during the meeting reaffirmed the need to maintain such a system, adjusted for major and minor species.
A contested system, but recognised as a trusted third party Some considered the re-registration mechanism obsolete: in their view, recommended lists and market dynamics would be enough to ensure the quality of available varieties. Conversely, others highlighted its key role in guaranteeing a high-quality catalogue and supporting genetic progress. Despite these differences, a strong consensus emerged on the role of the CTPS as a trusted third party between breeders and users.
A proposed adjustment for major and minor species The working group proposed a targeted approach: for major species, varieties over 15 years old could be subject to retesting. If their index exceeds 95%, a ten-year re-registration would be granted. In the event of refusal to retest, the decision would be made by experts. For minor species, the index would remain calculable based on 2000 registrations, with no retesting required.
Outstanding issues Several points remain to be clarified, including the practical arrangements for retesting and ways of reducing its cost. The section plans to revisit these issues at its next meeting, scheduled for 29 January 2026.
The meeting also provided an opportunity to review developments in the draft regulation on plant reproductive material (PRM), which is currently under consideration under the Danish Presidency.
The removal of the VSCU for grass is causing concern Among the sensitive issues, the removal of the VSCU for grass in the latest version of the text is of particular concern to professionals. Rejected by the European Parliament in 2024, this provision may not be included in the final compromise. At their meeting, the members of the Section expressed their dissatisfaction and wished to contribute to the maintenance of a VSCU type system for varieties used for grassland. In addition, uncertainties were shared regarding the marketing of seed mixtures, the concept of mixture use (forage vs. non-forage), and the marketing of grass mixtures for amateur use.
