Delegates from UPOV’s 80 members, along with observers from governments, international organizations, and stakeholders across the agricultural value chain, are meeting throughout the week of October 20- 24 2025, to discuss key developments and future directions for the protection of new plant varieties.
A central focus of this year’s sessions is how new technologies are transforming plant variety protection and spurring innovation across the agricultural sector. Through digitalization, new technologies, and enhanced cooperation in examination, the UPOV community is streamlining the filing, examination, and protection of new plant varieties - making the process faster, simpler, and more cost-effective.
Discussions will begin with meetings of the UPOV Technical Committee over the first two days, setting the stage for a week of high-level exchanges. The Administrative and Legal Committee will meet on Wednesday, followed by the Consultative Committee on Thursday, and the Council on Friday, October 24.
Another highlight of this year’s session is a public Seminar on Cooperation with Breeders in DUS Examination, taking place on Wednesday October 22, 2025. Open to all interested parties, the event will explore how collaboration with plant breeders contributes to cost-effective and efficient testing.
This public seminar follows a series of preparatory webinars held earlier this year designed to provide insights into various national approaches.
“Rapid technological changes, shifting global trade patterns, increasing sustainability demands, and evolving stakeholder expectations are reshaping the agricultural landscape. In view of these dynamics, we must remain steadfast in our mission: to support breeders, empower farmers, and ensure that plant variety protection (PVP) continues to drive progress in agricultural innovation for food security.”
- UPOV Vice Secretary-General Yolanda Huerta.
The 2025 sessions mark several key milestones. Nigeria will participate for the first time as the newest UPOV member, reflecting the continued growth and global relevance of the PVP system.
A major highlight is the introduction of strategic business discussions dedicated to UPOV’s Horizon Scanning initiative - an exercise launched earlier this year at the request of members to explore the future of the PVP system.
The initiative brought together perspectives from across the plant breeding and intellectual property ecosystem, including representatives from governments, academia, NGOs, IGOs and industry, to examine emerging drivers of change, global trends, challenges, and new opportunities for breeders and farmers alike, reinforcing the role of PVP in fostering sustainable and inclusive growth in agriculture.
The UPOV Council will also provide advice on Malaysia’s legislation, which once adopted, will pave the way for the country to join UPOV – an important step in expanding the reach of the PVP system across Asia.
Participants will also be introduced to UPOV’s newly redesigned website, developed to enhance user experience and improve access to information and resources for all stakeholders. Building on UPOV’s extensive technical catalogue and international standards, the website is being positioned as the leading global hub for information and insight on plant variety protection.
As the UPOV community gathers these important discussions, the week’s deliberations are set to shape a more efficient and forward-looking global PVP framework.
This framework will continue to serve as a key driver of innovation, food security and sustainable social and economic development for all stakeholders across the agricultural value chain.