Declaration required: bean samples free from Cff

Publicationdate: 24 oktober 2025

In 2024 and 2025, infections with Curtobacterium flaccumfaciens pv. flaccumfaciens (Cff) were found in Dutch bean trials. Naktuinbouw Variety Testing was also affected. In 2024, we were even unable to access our bean trial for a month. Fortunately, the trial did not have to be destroyed. This creates a significant risk to us and to our applicants. To prevent such risks in the future, we now require a declaration stating that bean seed is free from Cff.

Starting from 23 April 2026, new EU regulations will apply: bean seed from outside the EU must be tested for Cff before export to the EU. This testing requirement does not apply to seed within the EU.

What do we ask from you?

When submitting samples of the crops dwarf french/climbing french bean (Phaseolus vulgaris), runner bean (Phaseolus coccineus), or broad/field bean (Vicia faba) for DUS testing, maintenance inspection, trial field testing, authorization or resistance testing we ask for one of the following:

A plant passport as a declaration that the material is free from Cff.
Note: A plant passport is not mandatory for research purposes, but most sample packages already include one. A plant passport generally guarantees compliance with all EU requirements, including freedom from quarantine pests such as Cff.

If a plant passport is not available:

A declaration based on origin or own knowledge (a test certificate is not strictly required) stating that the sample is free from Cff.

The declaration may be:

preferably printed or mentioned on the sample package
or added as an attachment
for seed from outside the EU: via the phytosanitary certificate

Why?
Your declaration allows us to ensure that the material is safe for inclusion in our trials.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact us.

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