Crop Definitions List

In the UK, crops can be described as major or minor (and sometimes ‘very minor’), depending on the amount of that crop grown in the UK.  

Major UK crops are: grassland, barley, forage maize, oats, wheat, dry harvested field beans, oilseed rape, sugar beet and potatoes (other than seed). 

Major crops are generally not eligible for Extensions of Authorisation for Minor Use (EAMU) authorisations (in accordance with Article 51 of Regulation (EC) 1107/2009).  

All other crops are considered minor and can be considered for an EAMU (subject to demonstration of need and an acceptable risk assessment).  

In addition, there are a number of crops grown (or potentially grown) on a very small scale, where the risk to humans and the environment and the maximum residue level is the same as another crop. These are described as ‘very minor crops’.

The Crop Definitions List has been developed by CRD and lists all the ‘very minor crops’ associated with each ‘Basic Crop’. This means that any EAMU authorised for use in a ‘Basic Crop’ listed in the Crop Definitions List can also legally be used in any of the associated ‘very minor crops’. For example, an EAMU issued for courgette can also legally be used in the very minor crop ‘marrow’.