July 14, 2020
Growers and breeders of ornamental plants and flowers are being called upon to show fairness and understanding as the time comes for growers to pay their royalty payments to breeders.
International industry organisations, AIPH (International Association of Horticultural Producers), CIOPORA (International Community of Breeders of Asexually Reproduced Horticultural Plants) and Union Fleurs are united in a call to growers and breeders to recognise the extreme financial challenges both groups are facing and to recognise that royalty payments are imperative for the sustainability of ornamentals breeding and for stimulating the innovation we need as we recover from the crisis.
Some growers, especially of cut flowers, saw huge sales losses in some markets as the retail supply chain shut down in response to rules imposed worldwide to control the COVID-19 pandemic. Many flower growers had to destroy flowers, for which a royalty payment was due, and businesses throughout the chain have suffered and are working hard to recover. In contrast, some growers have had a good year, and in some countries, ornamentals sales have remained strong. Several breeders, particularly those of cut-flower varieties, suffered from a complete stoppage of royalty payments by growers in the peak time of the crisis, and still, a significant amount of royalties remains open.
President of the Association of Colombian Flower Exporters (Asocolflores), Augusto Solano, commenting on the situation said “The industry in Colombia has faced a very difficult season with some growers having to destroy flowers. And there are much higher transport costs for flowers that are sold. We recognise the importance of paying royalties to maintain a strong supply of plant material, but we also call on breeders to recognise the unique challenges faced by growers this year”.
Secretary General of CIOPORA, Edgar Krieger, said “It is concerning that breeders are often the last to be paid within a crop production cycle, because like any supplier they will suffer if contracts are not honoured. Breeders want to maintain good relationships with their customers, whether they are large or small growers, but they depend on the payment of their royalties for the continuation of their businesses”.
Secretary General of AIPH, Tim Briercliffe, said “Some growers have had to bear the costs of extreme losses this year and many are facing significant financial challenges. It is clear that growers will rely on a sympathetic and understanding approach from their suppliers to keep them going through this difficult year.”
Secretary General of Union Fleurs, Sylvie Mamias, said “All players in the global floriculture supply chain need to recognise the challenges that the COVID-19 pandemic has created in the industry. By working together to reach mutually acceptable business arrangements, the industry will be well placed to move forward to better times.”
In conclusion, AIPH, CIOPORA and Union Fleurs recognise the exceptional circumstances of this year, bringing challenges to both links in the supply chain. The organisations urge an attitude of increased understanding and fairness from both sides to ensure the rebuilding of a strong ornamentals supply chain for the future.
CIOPORA: Uniting Breeders, Protecting Innovation. www.ciopora.org
CIOPORA is the International Association of Breeders of Asexually Reproduced Horticultural Varieties. Breeders of such varieties account for two-thirds of all Plant Variety Rights (PVR) titles in the world. For more than 50 years, CIOPORA has represented these breeders in all matters of Intellectual Property (IP) protection and aims to foster an environment in which the innovation of these breeders can flourish. CIOPORA is a member-based, non-profit organization.
The CIOPORA Academy is a specialized international education program on IP for plants tailored to the needs of the green sector. The formats include small-group workshops and live webinars. Our learner community consists of plant breeders and other participants of the green value chain, as well as IP lawyers and patent attorneys. Program’s workshops and webinars tackle topics surrounding IP for plant innovations and are taught by world’s leading IP experts. With its international workshops and webinars attracting hundreds of learners from over 20 countries, the CIOPORA Academy aspires to be a global reference program on IP for the green business. www.ciopora-academy.org
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