common catalogue

The common catalogues are lists of agricultural plant species which can be legally marketed in the EU. Varieties must undergo examinations and meet certain criteria before they can be registered on a list. The criteria specify that varieties must be notably distinct from other listed varieties, uniform in their own population, and stable across environments. This dated system is often criticised for insisting on a lack of genetic variability which can allow varieties to adapt to different growing conditions over time. New convoluted legislation has been created to allow more leeway here under the term ‘organic heterogenous material’.