TAIEX mission in Guatemala: steps toward modern Plant Breeders’ Rights and UPOV membership

Publicationdate: 3 april 2026

From 16 to 20 March, the TAIEX INTPA expert mission on Plant Variety Protection (PVP) and the UPOV system took place in Guatemala. Together with partners from the Netherlands and the EU, Naktuinbouw contributed expertise in discussions with government, research and the private sector on the importance of strong varieties, healthy production systems and a modern Plant Breeders’ Rights framework.

TAIEX (Technical Assistance and Information Exchange) is a European Union instrument that supports countries in improving legislation, policy and technical expertise.

Programme and visits

The mission included workshops and site visits, for example to Bejo Zaden and Planesa, and to the research institute ICTA (including the national genebank). A visit to AGRITRADE—AGEXPORT’s major agricultural and export trade fair in Antigua Guatemala—was also part of the programme. The delegation met with ministries, exporters, seed and plant companies, and farmer representatives to discuss the role of variety innovation in productivity, resilience and market access.

Why this matters

Guatemala has a strong need for improved, climate-resilient varieties. In several sectors, varieties are outdated, putting yields, quality and resilience under pressure. Particular attention was drawn to vulnerable sectors such as berries/soft fruit and bananas. A modern Plant Variety Protection (PVP) system enables safe and transparent authorisations, allowing breeders to make their latest genetics available more quickly and giving growers access to better planting material.

Collaboration and quality programmes

Naktuinbouw already works with participants in Guatemala at specific locations, including through ASLN, Naktuinbouw Elite and GSPP. During the mission, discussions also highlighted the importance of practical implementation: not only legislation, but also capacity building, quality assurance and clear processes throughout the chain.

Next steps

Later this year, Naktuinbouw will welcome a delegation from Guatemala to the Netherlands. The mission’s final report highlights next steps such as further capacity building (training), developing a clear roadmap and strengthening dialogue with stakeholders to achieve a broadly supported, future-proof PVP system.

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