Guidance

VCU protocols and procedures for testing agricultural crops

Protocols and procedures for testing the value for cultivation or use (VCU) of agricultural crops.

From:
Animal and Plant Health Agency
Published
15 June 2015
Last updated
14 March 2025 — See all updates

As part of the application process to add an agricultural crop to the National List, the plant must be tested to confirm whether the variety has satisfactory value for cultivation or use (VCU).

The growing trials for all crops, except potatoes, are organised by the British Society of Plant Breeders (BSPB). The trials for potatoes are organised by Science and Advice for Scottish Agriculture (SASA).

These trials are normally carried out for a minimum of 2 years, comparing the performance of candidate varieties with varieties already on the National Lists.

The trials use the VCU protocols and procedures approved by the Plant Variety and Seeds Committee, which represents the national authorities on seed issues to establish VCU.

Protocols

Email pvs.helpdesk@apha.gov.uk if you need a copy of the VCU protocols for any of the following crops:

  • cereals
  • field bean
  • field pea
  • forage and grain maize
  • grasses (perennial, Italian and hybrid ryegrasses, tall and meadow fescue, timothy and festulolium)
  • minor crops
  • red clover and lucerne
  • potato
  • spring oilseed rape
  • white clover
  • winter oilseed rape

Trials

Procedures for trial inspection and validation: information for VCU and DUS trial operators.

Procedures – for 2025 harvest

Procedures – for 2024 harvest

Procedures – for 2023 harvest

Minor crops for 2023

Procedures – for 2022 harvest

Minor crops for 2022

For previous VCU procedures visit the National Archive.

Updates to this page

Published 15 June 2015
Last updated 14 March 2025 + show all updates

    3. Updated VCU procedures appendices for winter oil seed rape and cereals.

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