USDA to Assist Breeders with Deadlines and Fees Due upon Request

April 3, Washington, D.C./Hamburg - Reacting to the CIOPORA's letter to UPOV member states, USDA has confirmed their readiness to assist breeders of asexually reproduced varieties with any deadline extensions upon individual request. Dr Ruihong Guo, the USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service Science and Technology Program Deputy Administrator, wrote: "If situations were to arise where, due to the circumstances, applications fall outside of the one and four-year window, we can review them on a case by case basis. (...) Instalment payment is another possibility we can consider if requested." The USDA is open to and welcomes direct communication and requests from applicants.