April 2, Hamburg - In an official Email response to CIOPORA's urgent letter to UPOV member states, China's Division of PVP Examination (Development Center of Science and Technology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs -MARA) has reassured CIOPORA of the authority's support to breeders in the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.
The Division has confirmed that deadline extensions related to the PBR application proceedings, including the grace periods and deadlines for the submission of plant material and documentation, are being considered.
CIOPORA greatly appreciates the swift reaction of the Chinese authorities to its request and will keep an open line of communication to clarify all relevant measures and procedures aimed at assisting breeders amid the crisis.