Plant variety protection is an important system that protects breeders of new plant varieties and their work. When a breeder creates a new variety, such as a more disease-resistant grain or a juicier berry variety, he or she can apply for plant variety protection, which gives them the right to decide who can propagate or sell the variety and how. This motivates innovation in agriculture and horticulture and brings us better and more durable varieties.

Why is plant variety protection needed?

✔ Valuing the work of breeders: Developing a new variety can take years of work and resources. Plant variety protection ensures that the breeder receives a fair reward for their contribution.
✔ Better opportunities in agriculture: New varieties are often more disease-resistant, more productive and better adapted to changing conditions.
✔ Benefits for consumers: Plant variety protection brings us higher-quality products, such as juicier fruits, more nutritious vegetables and more durable grains.

How does plant variety protection work in the world and in Estonia?

🌍 Internationally:

The principles of plant variety protection are regulated by the UPOV Convention, which is currently followed by 79 countries, including the European Union. At the European Union level, protection can be applied for through the Community Plant Variety Office (CPVO), which is valid in all member states.

🇪🇪 In Estonia:

To protect a variety, an application is submitted to the Agricultural and Food Board (PTA). The variety is assessed on the basis of its distinctness, uniformity and stability. If the requirements are met, the variety is added to the national plant variety protection register, where protection is valid for 25–30 years.

Examples of well-known protected varieties

🍎 ‘Pink Lady’ apple variety – A sweet and crunchy apple that is loved all over the world.
🌾 ‘KWS Tayo’ rye – A popular winter rye in Estonia, with strong stalks, high yields, good drought tolerance and very good winter hardiness.

🍇 ‘Thompson Seedless’ grape – A seedless grape that is widely used both fresh and for raisin production.

Plant variety protection ensures that innovation in plant breeding continues and that farmers and consumers benefit from it. Have you heard of any protected varieties or thought about creating something new yourself? 🌾 Share your thoughts in the comments! 👇