Herbage Trials for Value for Cultivation and Use in North East Scotland 2024-2032

Description

The Scottish Government has a requirement to place a contract with an external service provider for the provision of Herbage Trials for Value for Cultivation and Use in North East Scotland 2024-2032. The purpose of the Herbage Trials in North East Scotland is to obtain Scottish data for UK National List (NL) Value for Cultivation and Use (VCU) assessments / Scottish Recommended List (RL) purposes, which includes the provision of advice to the Scottish Ministers. The UK National List (NL) system was established in 1973 when EU Directives dealing with the marketing of agricultural and vegetable seeds were implemented in domestic legislation. To be added to a National List a new variety needs to be distinct, stable and sufficiently uniform (DUS) and for agricultural crops, have satisfactory value for cultivation and use (VCU). The trials will be carried out in accordance with the appropriate protocols and procedures approved by the UK National Authorities at that time for herbage, which for the purpose of this contract are Italian Ryegrass, Hybrid Ryegrass, and Red Clover and any other species or species group specified by the National List Seeds Committee/UK National Authorities.