Local evaluation of new varieties is a key element in a successful variety development program. Ensuring that evaluation is conducted to give the best possible opportunity for the new variety in the relevant climate and at the same ensuring that this activity does not impact on the opportunity to protect the variety is a key part of the INN process.

The INN Members have a well-developed network of variety evaluators that in addition to their own test sites, include under licence, growers and in some territories, public institutions. Testing data is provided to variety owners in a timely manner. Variety owners are able to direct INN members to conduct variety testing with their partners.