Piracy (infringement of Plant Breeders’ Rights) is also a major problem in the seed potato sector. Something that is successful will always run the risk of being unwantedly copied. Plant breeders lose out on a portion of their income that way, by not being paid for the use of their exclusive legal property and through disruption of the market due to the illegal trade in non-certified propagation of seed potatoes). The plant breeder does have the option, though, of legally protecting his new variety against this form of piracy. Legally protected seed potato varieties fall under the so-called Plant Breeders’ Rights (PBR) act. In the EU, a variety can be protected under the PBR act for a period of 30 years.
Piracy is stealing from the breeder who direly needs the licensing fees to recoup his made investments, in order to be able to continue to focus on the development of new plant varieties. Breeders Trust takes firm action against breeders and traders who make profit this way, people who are fully aware that they are violating the rights of other plant breeders.
You can report piracy (infringement of Plant Breeders’ Rights) by clicking here or by contacting the secretariat of Breeders Trust in Brussels by letter, email or telephone. You can be assured that Breeders Trust will fully respect your privacy at all times.