We work in compliance with European directives and European plant health regulations and legislation
These directives are anchored in Dutch legislation in the form of the Netherlands Seeds and Planting Materials Act. A quality document and plant passport enables a company to trade a shipment of cuttings, seeds, young plants or trees within the Member States of the European Union (EU). Naktuinbouw inspects whether the companies and their propagating material comply with all the requirements. We also monitor the correct use of the plant passports that are mandatory in Europe.
We assess (new) varieties of floricultural, arboricultural, vegetable and agricultural crops
Our laboratories test propagating material for the presence of harmful viruses, bacteria, fungi or other organisms. DNA techniques increasingly enable us to establish the identify and origin of plant varieties. We perform these tests for companies, for our variety testing activities (determining references) and for our inspections.
Identity testing is performed based on validated protocols. We use DNA markers and other techniques where possible. We also develop new tests for our laboratories and our sector, as well as validating testing methods. If necessary, we use diagnostic testing for diseased plant material. These tests can be run on propagating material and the final products of floricultural, arboricultural and vegetable crops. We cooperate closely with national and international specialists in these activities.
Companies can import plant material of fruit crops from outside the EU through a quarantine procedure. This is possible at our Test Center in Horst. We also develop disease-free propagating material of fruit and ornamental crops. We transferred the maintenance and propagation of high quality, pre-basic propagating material of fruit crops for clients to the Clean Fruit Plants Foundation (CFP) in March 2022.
We actively share our knowledge with our partners and companies in the horticultural sector
For the young generations, we do this in the form of excursions, internships and projects for primary schools. We share knowledge with the employees of companies and organisations by organising meetings, presentations, training courses, and through (scientific) research. We cooperate worldwide in the fields of pests and diseases, quality and Plant Breeders' Rights testing. Our partners include government authorities and international organisations.
Plus systems for market access
Companies that produce high quality propagating material can demonstrate the added value or superior quality of their products by participating in our quality-plus systems. We develop these systems on the request of, and in cooperation with, the business community. Companies can use this system to demonstrate that the plant material complies with stricter requirements.
Naktuinbouw is working to ensure that companies can officially use the results from our quality-plus and accreditation systems for the issue of phytosanitary certificates necessary for export to countries outside the European Union. The results obtained under our NAL accreditation system (Naktuinbouw Authorised Laboratories) can already be used for this purpose. We are working on an agreement with the NVWA to officially establish this. In 2023, we want to broaden the scope.
We support developments in our sector
One of these is the consequences of Brexit. We have developed Phytosanitary training for inspectors employed by trading companies. When the fourth phase of the Brexit comes into effect, there will be many changes for companies that export fruit, vegetables and cut flowers to the UK. All their shipments must be accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate. This is expected to double the number of phytosanitary inspections. These inspections of fresh products take place at times that are convenient from a logistics perspective. To avoid transport delays, the NVWA has made it possible for companies to perform these inspections themselves if they wish. Naktuinbouw was asked by the NVWA, the KCB (Quality Control Bureau) and sector organisations to develop a training programme to prepare the employees of these companies for their new task.
We also utilise our expertise to develop tests in the event of emergencies in the sector and ensure the tests are available quickly. One example is the ToBRFV virus in sweet peppers and tomatoes.
We are committed to robust Plant Breeders’ Rights systems all over the world
This also extends to the corresponding variety testing. Plant Breeders’ Rights is an indispensable tool for breeders for the development of new varieties of plants. It takes a great deal of time, money and effort to develop a new variety. Plant Breeders’ Rights protect the intellectual property of the breeder so that they can reap the rewards of all their hard work.
Everyone is entitled to use varieties protected by Plant Breeders’ Rights for cross-breeding purposes, in order to develop other new varieties. New, improved plant varieties can make a vital contribution to food security. New varieties that are resistant to pests and diseases reduce the need for crop protection products, and contribute to positive agricultural and economic development worldwide.
In the Netherlands, the Board for Plant Varieties is the authority responsible for decision-making regarding granting of Plant Breeders' Rights and listing varieties so they are approved for marketing. In the European Union, this authority is held by the CPVO. Naktuinbouw performs DUS testing for both organisations. DUS stands for Distinctness, Uniformity and Stability.
Sector boards support our foundation’s board
Sector boards representing floricultural, arboricultural and vegetable crops support our foundation’s board. The foundation board consists of six members from the sectors and an independent chairperson. Agnes van Ardenne was appointed chairperson of the board by the Minister of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality.
The board is tasked with the day-to-day management and is assisted by five heads of department. Advisory committees act as a sounding board for the management team and advise the sector boards and the foundation’s board. The members of the board, sector boards and advisory committees are listed on our website.