Wheat Export Quality Testing

AHDB Exports are responsible for the development and maintenance of the ukp and uks export classifications for wheat. The ukp and uks classifications were developed to support ease of communication with overseas buyers about UK wheat, without the need for them to understand individual wheat varieties. Seed merchants and growers also use the classifications in the domestic market to identify end market suitably for varieties. New wheat varieties are subject to statutory registration trials before they may be marketed in the EU. To achieve National Listing (or Common Catalogue status (National Listing in another country)). They must pass DUS (Distinctness, Uniformity and Stability) tests and VCU (Value for Cultivation and Use) trials to ensure that they meet high standards of quality and performance. In most major crop species, statutory registration is followed by further industry trials at more locations to identify the very best varieties, to be promoted onto a Recommended List.

In the UK, AHDB is responsible for providing independent information on wheat varieties beyond statutory testing. Included in the Recommended List for wheat is testing the suitability of varieties for end market usage, including export markets. Varieties that meet the criteria over a number of seasons are awarded the ukp or uks export classification.

This tender seeks to award contracts to carry out the Chopin Alveograph Zeleny and Wet Gluten tests in support of the development and maintenance of the ukp and uks export classifications.