AIPH Affiliate Members CIOPORA and Dümmen Orange are among the organisations reinforcing the importance of intellectual property protection in the global rose trade.
CIOPORA — the International Association of Breeders of Asexually Reproduced Horticultural Varieties — represents breeders worldwide in matters relating to intellectual property protection. Through its crop section, the International Rose Breeders Association (IRBA), rose breeders have issued an open letter encouraging greater due diligence in respect of Plant Breeders’ Rights (PBR) across the cut rose supply chain.
Dümmen Orange, an international ornamental plant breeder active across multiple crop categories, including roses, is among the signatories supporting the initiative.
The statement follows the recent Valentine’s Day trading period, when over 250 million rose stems were produced worldwide for the holiday. This seasonal demand underscores the economic importance of breeding innovation in the rose sector and the role of protected varieties in supporting long-term investment.
In their open letter, IRBA members call on unpackers, importers, and traders to verify the origin of planting material and ensure that protected varieties are propagated and commercialised in compliance with applicable legislation. The letter emphasises that respect for Plant Breeders’ Rights is essential to maintaining fair competition and safeguarding the innovation that underpins ornamental horticulture.
Developing new rose varieties can require many years of research, testing, and investment, particularly as the industry responds to sustainability targets, evolving logistics systems, and climate-related production challenges.
The full statement issued by CIOPORA and IRBA members is available via CIOPORA’s website.
For broader industry analysis on the evolving global framework for Plant Breeders’ Rights and intellectual property protection in ornamental horticulture, readers can explore recent coverage in FloraCulture International.
