International Results 2025: Strengthening PVP and DUS Systems Worldwide
Publicationdate: 6 februari 2026
In 2025, Naktuinbouw worked extensively with countries around the world to strengthen plant breeders’ rights systems (PVP: Plant Variety Protection) and DUS testing (Distinctness, Uniformity, Stability). Through training programmes, advisory projects and strategic collaborations, we contributed to more reliable seed systems, innovation in the sector and better alignment with international standards. Below is an overview of the key activities.
Targeted support across multiple continents:
Latin America
- Argentina: Study visit to the Netherlands focused on UPOV membership, digitalisation and improved regulatory alignment.
- Guatemala: Preparation of a TAIEX and CPVO mission to strengthen the national PVP system.
- Peru & Dominican Republic: Production of two educational videos about the impact of plant breeders’ rights on economic growth in the fruit sector.
Africa
- Ghana & Nigeria: Extensive joint training to increase DUS capacity and implement digital tools such as UPOV PRISMA.
- Ghana: Advanced training for multiple crops, including development of photo databases and improved trial design.
- Nigeria: Completion of a multi‑year trajectory in which the country became a UPOV member, established a PVP office and introduced a digital application portal.
- Egypt: DUS training for strawberries with emphasis on comparative varieties and DNA support.
- South Africa: Training for the potato sector on light-sprout assessment and variety identification.
- Suriname: Establishment of a Seed Inspection Service and PVP office, plus programmes on legislation, gene banks and capacity building.
Asia
- Armenia: DUS training following UPOV accession, including digital tools and extension to more crops.
- Kazakhstan: Development of a multi‑year roadmap for implementation of UPOV standards.
- Taiwan: Agreement on the exchange of DUS reports for ornamental crops.
- Vietnam: Alignment with government and sector partners on enforcement, awareness and a new cooperation project (starting 2026).
- China: Training on DUS testing and molecular identification of potato.
- India: Launch of the Clean Plant Program for certification and distribution of healthy plant material.
Regional and international cooperation
During the 18th East Asian Plant Variety Protection Forum (EAPVP) in Singapore, strategic plans were discussed, experiences shared and challenges such as climate change and limited test capacity jointly addressed. China expressed interest in hosting the next edition.
Online PBR course
Participants from several countries followed the English‑language online course on Plant Breeders’ Rights. The course received high evaluations and will be further improved in 2026, including updated video material.
Conclusion
2025 was a year of intensive international cooperation and growth. Governments, institutes and companies worldwide strengthened their PVP and DUS systems with support from Naktuinbouw. Together, we contribute to innovation, fairer markets and a strong, sustainable global seed sector.