Article 20

1.

Specific conditions may be established in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 23(2) to take account of developments in relation to the conditions under which chemically treated seed may be marketed.

2.

Without prejudice to Council Regulation (EC) No 1467/94 of 20 June 1994 on the conservation, characterisation, collection and utilisation of genetic resources in agriculture15, specific conditions shall be established in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 23(2) to take account of developments in relation to the conservation in situ and the sustainable use of plant genetic resources through growing and marketing of seed of landraces and varieties which are naturally adapted to the local and regional conditions and threatened by genetic erosion.

3.

The specific conditions referred to in paragraph 2 above shall include in particular the following points:

(a)

landraces and varieties shall be accepted in accordance with the provisions of this Directive. The procedure for official acceptance shall take into account specific quality characteristics and requirements. In particular the results of unofficial tests and knowledge gained from practical experience during cultivation, reproduction and use and the detailed descriptions of the varieties and their relevant denominations, as notified to the Member State concerned, shall be taken into account and, if sufficient, shall result in exemption from the requirement of official examination. Upon acceptance of such a landrace or variety, it shall be indicated as a ‘conservation variety’ in the common catalogue;

(b)

appropriate quantitative restrictions.