Over three days, representatives from the 22 member countries of ARIPO gathered to learn about the benefits of plant breeding and the role of plant variety protection systems, especially for sustainable development. In this workshop, organized by ARIPO, UPOV, and the USPTO, CIOPORA and ISF took part as key organizations of the plant breeding sector.
The event took place in Akkra, Ghana, bringing together more than 60 participants. Attendees learned, among other things, how Ghana, under the leadership of the Register-General Grace Issahaque, became a UPOV member and acceded to the ARIPO Arusha Protocol, an initiative aimed at granting and protecting plant breeders’ rights regionally.
While each participant's realities were diverse, one thing was clear for all: the Plant Variety System represents a unique opportunity to boost African economies, cope with the consequences of climate change, and ensure food security for the entire society.
The workshop covered various interesting topics about Africa, such as the increasing population and the consequences of being one of the regions most impacted by climate change. The attendees agreed that Africa requires new and improved varieties to face these challenges and to do so, innovation and protection are two key pieces.
“Plant breeding is a major tool for facing climate change challenges, particularly the risks it poses to crop production. In CIOPORA, we know first-hand the positive impact of breeders’ innovation in creating new resilient and improved varieties. We also recognize the high investment in terms of cost and time involved in a breeding program,” states the Vice Secretary General of CIOPORA, Micaela Filippo.
During the workshop, CIOPORA reiterated its commitment to supporting ARIPO members in establishing effective PVP systems and structures that will help foster growth in their horticultural industries and ensure food security for the entire continent. “An effective Plant Variety Protection system ensures the fair return on the investments made by breeders, which is essential to continuously promoting innovation and development in horticulture,” added Micaela.
After the workshops, the different representatives and organizations manifested their trust in the impact of this kind of initiatives, hoping more African countries move forward to establishing a PVP system and consequent accession to the Arusha Protocol.
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