b"Field trials to test new varieties. Variety testing shall play a crucial role in achieving the Farm to Fork objectives.all stakeholders involved in variety testing, ranging from breedersand other factors, such as the collection of historical VCU data. and farmers to examination offices. By considering sustainabilityHowever, the project is now starting to yield tangible results, par-requirements in variety testing, it becomes possible to address theseticularly in the area of phenotyping tools. These findings are poised challenges effectively. This collaborative effort ensures that all actorsto be disseminated widely among all stakeholder groups, with more involved in the agricultural sector can contribute to the achievementupdates expected to follow by early 2024.of these sustainability objectives.The progress of the research is great, says Laurens.Furthermore, we are pleased to observe that the research project OVERCOMING THE INITIAL HESITATION has facilitated the establishment of platforms and pathways between Plant breeders should not worry that INVITEs findings will resultthe breeding sector, examination offices, post registration organi-in immediate regulation or new requirements, says Laurens. It issations, agronomic advisors, and research communities, he adds. crucial to maintain a balanced perspective, as the project's purposeThrough this project, it has become evident that variety testing, is to enhance variety testing rather than introduce immediate andand particularly variety registration, is not widely understood by sweeping transformations. researchers. INVITE aims to bridge this gap, fostering collabora-Indeed, plant breeders initially wondered if INVITE's resultstion and knowledge exchange between the realms of research and would lead to drastic changes in how their candidate varieties areplant breeding.evaluated. However, it is important to note that INVITE is pri- By building these connections, INVITE contributes to a more marily a research endeavour aimed at providing recommendationsholistic approach that integrates research findings into practical to policymakers and stakeholders regarding potential improvementsapplications within plant variety testing. This collaboration between in variety testing, encompassing all dimensions of sustainability.research and examination offices as well as breeding communi-The ultimate decision to adopt such improvements lies with theties enhances the understanding of variety testing processes and European Commission and national authorities. strengthens the overall plant breeding landscape.Historically, breeders have been involved in significant changes to policy before its implementation. Therefore, any recommendedSETTING SUSTAINABILITY STANDARDSmodifications resulting from INVITE's findings would undergo aLaurens clarifies that INVITE does not aim to establish sustain-thorough consideration process.ability standards as part of its objectives. The task of developing Notably, Euroseeds, a key stakeholder, is an active participantsuch standards lies with the European Commission or national in the INVITE project. This involvement has allowed the project tocompetent authorities that will be responsible for their formula-incorporate the views of plant breeders during the early stages of thetion, he says. projects research and to keep them informed about progress. ThisRather, INVITE's role is limited to providing insights and involvement in early and ongoing dialogue ensures that breederssuggestions to enhance sustainability within the context of variety voices are heard, and their expertise and insights are considered. testing and research.First insights in defining such sustainability criteria can be PERCEPTION OF THE INVITE PROJECT found in two Commission proposals: the first being the new regu-INVITE had faced some delays due to the COVID-19 pandemiclation for placing new genomic techniques (NGTs) on the market, EUROPEAN-SEED.COMISEED WORLD EUROPE I 11"