Favourable news for breeders: this extension allows for more time to recoup the investment made in breeding, setting up production and marketing the new variety. In doing so, the European Union hopes to stimulate innovation within the sector. The duration of the EU plant breeder’s rights for a number of varieties has been extended from 25 to a maximum of 30 years. 

 

This extension also applies to varieties that already have EU plant breeder’s rights. This means that the EU PBR of, among others, Weigela florida 'Alexandra'PBR and Cotinus coggygria 'Young Lady' PBR, are now valid until the end of 2027.