Exchange on the impact of plant patents for breeders and possible action steps

In Europe, legal uncertainties make it more and more difficult for breeders to navigate through a growing number of patents on plants. It has become difficult to know which plants still can be
used for future breeding which may block the important work of breeders. It is essential that breeders and farmers retain unrestricted access to genetic material in plants to ensure food
security and food sovereignty.

In this workshop we will give a brief overview of the current legal and political situation in regards to patents on plants derived from conventional breeding in Europe and the research about these patents. The main focus of the event will be the exchange amongst breeders about their practical experience and the challenges they face in regards to the impact patents have on their work. The Dutch breeders Frans Carree and Grietje Raaphorst-Travaille will share their expertise, how patents affect their work and what legal basis breeders would need to have the necessary access to genetic material. We will as well hear details about a patent on the so-called Jordan virus on tomato, granted by the European Patent Office to Vilmorin (EP 3 629 711) and give an outlook about possible steps forward.