Introducing a Plant Variety Protection (PVP) system is a critical step for any country aiming to foster agricultural innovation, improve food security and nutrition, and drive economic growth. A well-functioning PVP system provides legal protection for plant breeders by granting them exclusive rights over their new plant varieties.
This incentive encourages investment in research and development, leading to the creation of improved varieties that are better suited to farmers’ needs and aspirations. In turn, this benefits the entire agricultural sector, enhances livelihoods, and strengthens the country’s capacity to compete in regional and global markets.
“One of the key areas I have prioritized in my work is intellectual property, with particular focus on UPOV-related matters. These UPOV sessions provide a valuable platform for members, including Ghana—one of the newest UPOV members—to exchange experiences and expertise. The overarching goal is to ensure robust protection for new plant varieties, empowering breeders with exclusive rights while fostering innovation incentive and research.”
Mrs Diana Dapaah, Former Deputy Attorney-General and Minister for Justice of Ghana
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Videos
One New Variety, One New Beginning: Fanny's Story From the Dominican Countryside
Fanny grew up in the Dominican countryside among banana harvests and plantain rows. When table grape cultivation arrived in her community, it opened the door to higher income, new expertise, and a pride she had never expected — proof that access to a single protected plant variety can quietly change everything for a farming community.
Reino's Story: Small-Scale Farming and the Transition to Table Grapes in the Dominican Republic
After 18 years in agriculture, Dominican farmer Reino chose to transition from banana farming to table grapes — a shift that demanded new skills, new knowledge, and access to improved plant varieties. His story shows how plant variety protection enables not just innovation, but inclusion, resilience, and gradual transformation for small-scale farming communities.
Dominican Republic Table Grape Family Success Story
What began at a family table in the Dominican Republic became the country's first table grape export to the United States. Driven by the Almonte family's vision, new protected grape varieties adapted to local conditions, and a shared commitment to innovation, this is the story of how agricultural ambition creates markets, livelihoods, and lasting change.
Peru's Blueberry Success Story: Plant Variety Protection Driving Agricultural Growth
A decade ago, much of Peru's coast was considered too warm for blueberries. As of ,2025, 147 protected varieties grow there year-round. Discover how new plant varieties, a strong protection framework led by INDECOPI and INIA, and the commitment of Peru's growers turned an unlikely crop into a national export success story.