Last week, I attended the 2008 CIOPORA conference and AGM held just outside Geneva, Switzerland. CIOPORA is the international community of breeders of asexually reproduced ornamental and fruit varieties and has over 130 members from all over the world, consisting of breeders of new plant varieties, their agents and lawyers, as well as representatives from grower associations.

From a personal point of view, it was an affirming experience to be in a conference facility with more than sixty like-minded people, albeit I was the only member to attend from the UK (I’m grateful that English is the official language of CIOPORA!). It reinforced my long-held opinion that plant breeders are genuinely friendly people who are passionate about what they do. Even the lawyers aren’t too bad!

CIOPORA concentrates its efforts on the legal aspects of plant breeding, in particular Plant Variety Rights, Plant Patents and trademarks. There was a vigorous debate on the subject of Essentially Derived Varieties (which always sounds like a dense and unexciting subject but is certainly capable of arousing the passions in CIOPORA members!) and an extended discussion on anti-infringement actions taken by members jointly under the CIOPORA umbrella. In addition, there were interesting presentations on points of law, new genetic techniques and practices in the Plant Variety Rights industry.

Membership of CIOPORA should be an essential activity for anyone serious about breeding new plant varieties and commercially exploiting their work. Details of membership can be found at the CIOPORA website. Clients of PFE should also look out for a new opportunity coming soon to show your support for this organisation which works to protect the legitimate interests of breeders and licensees alike.

On May 10th, Hels and I will walk 20 kilometers (that’s nearly 13 miles if you work in "old money") along the South Downs as part of the Just Walk fundraising event. We have nominated the Parkinson’s Disease Society as the beneficiary of our efforts, but it will all be for nothing unless you and anyone you know digs deep and sponsors us!

We would really appreciate it if you sponsor us for as much as you can afford. Every penny you give will go to the PDS (minus a tiny bit for credit card handling) and, if you are a UK taxpayer, a further 28% in Gift Aid.

You can give your money online (and it will be passed directly to the PDS) by visiting our page at the Just Giving website.

Thank you for your support - we really are grateful. And wish us good luck (and fine weather!) for the day!

Plants For Europe was born five years ago tomorrow, on 12 February 2003. Since our very modest beginnings, the company has grown to become one of the best known plant breeders’ agents in Europe and the leading independent agent, with customers in every major market and a portfolio of plants that literally runs from A to Z.

We wish to thank all of our customers and friends for their support and look forward to working with you for the next five years and beyond!

In recognition of the experience gained through five years of working with Plants For Europe Limited, Graham Spencer has been elected as a full member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing.

The CIM is the leading international body for marketing and business development. Membership helps Graham to keep up to date with the latest marketing trends and techniques as well as providing opportunities for networking and business promotion.

The European Union regulation covering who is entitled to apply for European Plant Variety Rights has been amended. Previously, applicants had to be either a citizen of the EU or of a nation that is a member of UPOV. This has now been changed so that anyone can apply for EU PVR, regardless of nationality or residence.

Of course, anyone who is not a resident of the EU is still required to appoint a procedural representative to file applications on their behalf. Plants for Europe can assist in this regard, whether or not we are asked to act as agent for the purposes of licensing or royalty collection. Contact us for details and fees.

Details of the regulations that apply can be found on the CPVO’s website here.

Graham will be attending three major events in the next few weeks. If you would like to make an appointment to see him at any of these events, please contact us today.

• IPM, Essen, Germany - Thursday 24th and Friday 25th January
• GAN, Bournemouth, UK - Wednesday 13th February
• Salon du Végétal, Angers, France - Thursday 21st February