CIOPORA’s AGM focuses on IP for Plants in South Africa, China and the US

CIOPORA, the international association of breeders of asexually reproduced ornamental and fruit varieties, brought plant breeders, Intellectual property (IP) experts and governmental delegates from over 20 countries to Stellenbosch/Somerset West, South Africa, for learning, debating and networking on IP for plant innovations.

CIOPORA’s 58th Annual General Meeting (April 1-5, Stellenbosch/Somerset West, South Africa) focused on the latest developments in Plant Breeders’ Rights (PBR) regimes of China, South Africa and the US. The meeting provided the global community of plant breeders with a comprehensive update on the latest developments in IP protection for plants and served as a platform to exchange ideas and information on plant-related IP rights worldwide.

Attending the AGM were 120 delegates from 20 countries. They represented breeders who license global fruit and flower varieties that produce sustainable crops.

CIOPORA aims to ensure that Plant Breeders’ Rights are fair, effective and enforceable, enabling breeders to develop new varieties that are able to cope with a changing environment and ensure sustainably produced products for an ever growing population. Sapo Trust, Citrogold and TopFruit (via A.I.G.N.) are the South African members of the association.

Along with 120 CIOPORA members and guests from over 20 countries, CIOPORA’s AGM invitation was accepted by several high-level governmental delegations, including the officials from the People’s Republic of China, the EU, and the US.

The full week’s program included the CIOPORA Academy Workshop on April 1, the Administrative meeting on April 2, the IP Around the Globe panel discussion and the Enforcement Symposium on April 3, the CIOPORA Conference dedicated to various aspects of the green business in newly industrialized countries on April 4 and the business visits hosted by Provar and Future Fynbos on April 5.