Welcome to the latest edition of the Sparring Partner Group (SPG) news, bringing you updates on the Novelty Protection issues in ornamental horticulture, accompanied by analysis, interpretation, and advice from Mia Buma, the Novelty Protection Group Advisor to AIPH.
UPOV’s Administrative and Legal Committee (CAJ) met in Geneva to review progress under the organisation’s Strategic Business Plan (2023–2027). Key developments included updates on member accessions, legal conformity, farmers’ rights, the use of AI and DNA in variety testing, and the rollout of digital services such as e-PVP. The session also confirmed the appointment of experts, including AIPH’s Huib Ghijsen, to examine the scope of breeders’ rights under Article 14.
A full summary and details are available in the meeting report, accessible via this link.
The annual CPVO–AIPH bilateral meeting addressed key sectoral challenges, including a sharp decline in ornamental PVP applications, ongoing pressures related to sustainability, and strategic priorities. Discussions explored the overlapping roles of patents and PVRs in light of new genomic techniques, the importance of breeder adaptability, and the upcoming evaluation of EU Regulation 2100/94.
Full summary and meeting insights are available on this link.
The Bloemisterij, a prominent Dutch trade magazine for the ornamental industry, reports in its issue of 7th June 2024, about the challenges that ornamental breeders face concerning sustainability as well. CPVO provided an English translation.
AIPH met with CIOPORA’s new Vice-Secretary General, Micaela Filippo, during the UPOV meetings in Geneva to discuss shared interests in Plant Breeders’ Rights, including challenges around new genetic techniques, harvested material, and declining ornamental applications.
In March 2025, the EU Council reached a key milestone by adopting its negotiating mandate on the regulation of New Genomic Techniques (NGTs), paving the way for trilogue discussions with the European Parliament and Commission. The mandate outlines two regulatory categories for NGT plants, introduces transparency measures on patenting, and reaffirms safeguards for organic production and consumer labelling. The proposed regulation aims to foster innovation in plant breeding while ensuring safety, sustainability, and competitiveness in the EU agrifood sector.
A summary of the Council’s mandate and next steps is available on this link.
At a stakeholders’ consultation in India, hosted by the Dutch Embassy, AIPH advisor Mia Buma joined local and international representatives to discuss the draft findings of a study on Plant Breeders’ Rights (PBR) in Indian floriculture. The meeting highlighted the absence of a robust PBR system, low awareness among growers, and barriers to royalty enforcement—factors that hinder access to high-quality propagating material and international breeder participation. While the Indian PPVFRA defends its alternative to UPOV, participants stressed the need for greater education, exposure, and alignment with international frameworks to support innovation and sustainability in Indian floriculture.
Summary of discussion points and recommendations available on this link.
