CIOPORA Participated in the Discussions on the Future of Plant Variety Rights

Brussels, June 24, 2025 — CIOPORA, the international association representing breeders of asexually reproduced ornamental and fruit plant varieties, reaffirmed its pivotal role in shaping the future of plant intellectual property rights during a recent high-level meeting with the European Commission’s DG SANTE. The meeting focused on the ongoing Evaluation of the Community Plant Variety Rights Regulation (CPVRR), which governs plant variety protection across the EU. 

Held in Brussels on June 24, the meeting offered an open forum for strategic dialogue between CIOPORA and senior DG SANTE representatives, including its Director, Sandra Gallina, the Head of Plant Health and Food Security Sylvain Giraud, and members of the Legal Team. DG SANTE invited CIOPORA to provide insights into the evolution of the CPVR system, recognizing the organization’s critical perspective as a leading advocate for breeders’ rights in Europe. 

Among the central topics discussed was the protection of harvested material—an issue that has gained relevance following the Nadorcott decision. CIOPORA strongly reiterated its long-standing position that the direct protection of harvested material is essential for the effective enforcement of breeders' rights. DG SANTE acknowledged the current system’s limitations but also flagged potential conflicts with UPOV standards as a key constraint on reform. 

CIOPORA emphasized that aligning the CPVR system with stronger enforcement mechanisms does not conflict with UPOV obligations. “The UPOV Convention sets minimum standards, not maximum thresholds,” said Micaela Filippo, Vice Secretary General of CIOPORA. “Introducing direct protection for harvested material is both legally sound and vital to protecting the innovation and investment of plant breeders across Europe.” 

The evaluation process is still in its early stages, with the bidding to select an external agency currently underway. Consultations and interviews are expected to follow after the summer. 

As the CPVRR review progresses, CIOPORA continues to act as a leading stakeholder, advocating for a system that fosters innovation, investment, and legal certainty. With its deep expertise and commitment to breeders’ rights, CIOPORA remains at the forefront of efforts to strengthen plant IP protection in the EU.