The NIAB Ornamentals team will be exhibiting for the second year at IPM 2016 on the ‘Plant breeders’ rights in Europe’ stand alongside the European Community Plant Variety Office, the Bundessortenamt (Germany), the Netherlands Inspection Service for Horticulture (Naktuinbouw) and the Variety and Seed Study and Control Group (GEVES) from France.
The IPM is taking place from 26 to 29 January in Essen, Germany, with the ‘Plant breeders’ rights in Europe’ stand in Hall 2, stand number 2B23. With more than 1,600 exhibitors from over 50 countries and some 57,000 visitors, the IPM (International Trade Fair for Plants, Technology, Floristry and Garden Features) is the world’s leading trade fair for the horticultural industry.
NIAB’s Elizabeth Scott, Peter Baker, Tara Sheldrake and Debbie Hatter will be joining colleagues from the Bundessortenamt, Naktuinbouw and GEVES, working with the CPVO on the stand to explain to visitors how the system for plant breeders’ rights for new plant varieties works in practice.
Before plant variety rights can be granted, a variety has to prove that it is distinct from all other varieties, uniform and that it remains stable during repeated propagation (DUS). Compliance with these requirements is assessed during a growing trial by examination offices entrusted by the CPVO, including NIAB, the Bundessortenamt, Naktuinbouw and GEVES.
The CPVO, responsible for the implementation of the European Union plant variety protection system, provides an intellectual property right for new plant varieties, valid throughout the 28 member states of the European Union. Since its creation in 1995, the CPVO has processed over 54,780 applications.
NIAB's Hilary Papworth and Debbie Hatter at last year's IPM 2015. This year Elizabeth Scott, Peter Baker, Tara Sheldrake and Debbie Hatter will be attending IPM 2016.