Potato World vision PW-ACTUA Protection of plant varieties: work still to be done in many countries In Europe, plant breeders’ rights are arranged fairly well with a protection period of 30 years for potato varieties. A right that can be invoked in the reproduction of the planting stock but also, if necessary, in the import or export of the planting stock or of the harvested material. The principle also applies that a reasonable fee is paid to the grower for own propagation of seed potatoes. In the Netherlands, Plantum organises this for the breeding stations via the www.eigenzaaizaad.nl reporting system. A 300 m² showroom is integrated into the 2,900 m² building. In many other countries, there is still work to be done. Plantum is very active to also improve plant breeders’ rights outside Europe. In 2016, the Dutch government provided funds to carry out around ten to twenty activities per year aimed at improving plant breeders’ rights in various other countries. Recently, we talked with a delegation from Turkey about a problem that currently affects two potato breeders. Registrations for Plant Breeders’ Rights have been rejected because material had been imported for testing purposes in previous years. However, according to UPOV, the global organisation for the protection of varieties, this is not damaging to novelty as long as it is done under contract and the material is not marketed. The Turkish authorities seem determined to apply this line. In America, the authorities do not conduct field studies, but the application is assessed on the basis of data provided by the applicant. Plantum would like to see that the required data are in line with the standard UPOV forms. This could also lead to the possibility that in the future it will be possible for the Americans to take over research reports from the EU. Another point of discussion is that in America there is no fee for own propagation and that the protection period of 20 years for potatoes is rather short. These are two potato examples. The fact that we represent such a broad and strong breeding sector from the Netherlands makes us a serious partner in many countries. In almost all countries, the Netherlands is by far the largest foreign applicant for plant breeders’ rights. Judith de Roos-Blokland Jurist Plantum Satisfied faces at the opening of the new building, with (left to right): Christian Vanderstichelen, Vincent Ramard (Director GRIMME France), Franz and Christine Grimme, Stefan Rüdig (Director GRIMME Belgium) and the Director of the GRIMME Landmaschinenfabrik, Sebastian Talg. On 1 June 2018, Grimme Belgium opened its new premises in the city of Roeselare, approximately 90 kilometres west of Brussels. The German manufacturer has built a modern building of 2,900 m² on the one hectare site with integrated showroom, workshop, offices and a warehouse for parts. ‘Belgium has been one of the most important markets for Grimme for over 60 years’, emphasised Franz Grimme in his speech to more than 80 guests. He points out that the potato is an important and fast-growing crop in Belgium. The Belgian industry is the world’s largest exporter for frozen potato products. ‘The high degree of mechanisation among the growers requires a very professional service and a modern handling of parts. These increased customer requirements are guaranteed with the new, modern location’, Grimme is convinced. Grimme opens new branch in Belgium Potato World 2018 • number 3 9 Pagina 8
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