Seeds of Tomorrow - A CPVO Podcast

𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗘𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝟮 In this final episode of Seeds of Tomorrow – The Next Chapter , we explore a fascinating model of agricultural innovation — where farmers lead the entire value chain, from breeding to global markets. Hosted at the Community Plant Variety Office (CPVO), this conversation with Marleen de Rond-Schouten (Director of Agro & Strategy at Royal Avebe) and Nuria Fernández Urqu...

In this episode of Seeds of Tomorrow – The Next Chapter, Alanna Rennie (Chief Legal Officer at BLOOM FRESH) and Montserrat García - Moncó (Head of Unit Legal and Governance at the Community Plant Variety Office) discuss what it takes to bring new fruit varieties to market, from long-term breeding investment to global licensing and enforcement. From flavour innovation and disease resistance to harv...

In this episode of Seeds of Tomorrow – The Next Chapter , CPVO trainees Sara Juarez (Communication) and Sofia Savoldi (Legal) share their experience of working inside a European agency. The conversation explores daily life as a trainee, the projects they support, the skills they develop, and how communication and legal work contribute to the CPVO’s mission of supporting innovation in plant breedin...

In this episode of Seeds of Tomorrow – The Next Chapter , Dr. Ana Wünsch Blanco (CITA Aragón / EEAD-CSIC), Dr. Afif Hedhly (CITA Aragón / EEAD-CSIC) and Juan Antonio Vives Valles (University of the Balearic Islands, seconded to the CPVO) discuss the discovery of an “ever-growing” sweet cherry that does not enter winter dormancy. The conversation explores the genetic and molecular mechanisms behind...

In this episode of Seeds of Tomorrow – The Next Chapter , Alain Meilland (Meilland International) and Jean Maison from the Community Plant Variety Office discuss how innovation in ornamental plant breeding is supported by long-term investment, creativity and plant variety protection. The conversation explores how new rose varieties are developed from the first breeding idea to international commer...

In this episode of Seeds of Tomorrow – The Next Chapter , Nuria Urquia Fernandez (CPVO Vice-President), Peter Visser (Global Head of Crops R&D at BASF | Nunhems) and Peter Ogg (BASF | Nunhems) discuss how innovation in vegetable breeding is shaped by long-term strategy, market demands, plant variety protection and new genomic techniques. The conversation explores genetic diversity and resilien...

In this new episode of Seeds of Tomorrow – The Next Chapter , CPVO accounting colleagues take us behind the scenes of what accounting really looks like inside a European agency — and why it matters far beyond “just numbers.” The conversation explores how sound financial management supports CPVO’s mission; the role of controls, audits and risk management; how budgets are planned and executed; and h...

In this new episode of Seeds of Tomorrow – The Next Chapter , Annamaria Sideri , Head of the People & Resources Unit, and Tiago Sousa , Head of Human Resources at the CPVO, discuss what HR looks like inside a European agency working at the crossroads of innovation, science and intellectual property. The conversation explores why HR is a strategic function in a specialised EU Office; how the CP...

In this new episode, Dr. Jocelyn Bosse , Intellectual Property expert at Queen’s University Belfast, sits down with Montserrat García-Moncó Fuente , Head of the Legal Unit at the CPVO, to unpack the legal dynamics shaping plant variety protection today. The discussion touches on current legal challenges in enforcing and interpreting plant variety rights; how IP frameworks encourage innovation and...

In today’s episode, Pat Fitzgerald , an Irish ornamental breeder and entrepreneur, shares his journey from the greenhouse to the global market — and how decades of plant breeding experience have shaped his view of innovation and protection. We will explore the following questions: What does it take to bring a new variety to life? What are the challenges that breeders face in a competitive and fast...

In today's episode, we explore how CPVO enables innovation through partnerships with academia and research institutions. Top insights: • How research and CPVR interact in practice• Why scientific partnerships matter for breeders and society• The contribution of innovation to sustainable agricultureWe’re pleased to welcome: François Laurens , Plant Breeding Research Engineer, INRAE Cécile Collonnie...

In honor of the 30th anniversary of the CPVO and the implementation of the important legal framework in the European Union — the European Union Plant Variety Rights System — we will present a historical overview of the CPVO’s founding, its mission, and the development of plant variety protection in Europe. Guests: Mr. Francesco Mattina , President of the CPVO; Ms. Sandra Gallina , Director-General...

We are back with our CPVO Podcast, " Seeds of Tomorrow ". Join us on this exciting new season with fresh stories, voices and perspectives from across the world of plant breeding, innovation and intellectual property.

In the final episode of Seeds of Tomorrow's first season, we are joined by the CPVO president Francesco Mattina and Diana Lenzi, former President of CEJA, the European Council of Young Farmers. This insightful discussion covered many topics, including: 'Climate-Adaptive Breeding' of plant varieties and the role of technology in this field. The state of global cooperation with regards t...

In this episode, we are joined by Philippe de Jong, Partner at Altius and Ignacio Giacchi, Managing Director at the Anti-Infringement Bureau for IP Rights on Plant Material (AIB). Throughout this episode, we discuss: Recent success stories in the enforcement of Community Plant Variety Rights. The legal framework that governs CPVR enforcement within the EU. How technological innovations can be used...

On this episode of Seeds of Tomorrow, we are joined by Nathan Wajsman, Chief Economist at the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO). With Nathan's expertise, this conversation primarily focuses on the economic impact of Plant Variety Rights as an Intellectual Property rights system, touching on: A recent study conducted in collaboration with Wajsman on the Community Plant Variety...

In our 7th episode of Seeds of Tomorrow, Yolanda Huerta, Vice Secretary-General at International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV) joins host Alessio De Laurentiis and CPVO President Francesco Mattina to discuss the synergy between the two international organisations, UPOV's priorities in today's rapidly changing agricultural world and what Yolanda wishes to see in...

In this episode, we are joined by Nuria Urquía, Vice President of the CPVO, Dirk Theobald, Senior Advisor at the CPVO and Petra Jorasch PhD, Manager Plant Breeding Innovation Advocacy at Euroseeds. During the podcast they discuss how Euroseeds supports innovative methods of plant breeding, the economic and environmental challenges of innovative plant breeding and future trends in this area.

In this episode we are joined by Niels Louwaars, Seeds Systems Specialist and Managing Director at Plantum. Our conversation covers a range of topics, including: The work and collaboration between the CPVO and Plantum on projects that benefit plant breeders and farmers. Insights into the present and future of the agricultural and plant breeding sectors, with new challenges and opportunities on the...

Antonio Villarreal, Secretary General of Anove, guide us into the association’s mission and its impressive impact on Spain’s agricultural sector. With members comprising private companies and public research centers, Anove plays a pivotal role in advancing plant breeding and innovation across various crops. Francesco Mattina, President of CPVO, shares insights into the collaborative efforts and in...

On this bonus episode of Seeds of Tomorrow, we are joined by Sara Piva, Legal Officer at the CPVO, to tell us all about the SME Fund, it's application process and how it can benefit Small and Medium sized Enterprises applying for Plant Variety Rights.

Welcome back to "Seeds of Tomorrow," where we explore the intricate world of plant variety protection in Europe. In our second episode, we're excited to welcome Jean Maison, Head of the Plant Variety Experts Unit at the Community Plant Variety Office (CPVO). Learn about the detailed processes behind evaluating and approving new plant varieties, as Jean shares insights into the challe...

Join us on a captivating journey into the heart of plant variety protection in Europe with our podcast, "Seeds of Tomorrow" . In our debut episode, we're thrilled to have the President of the Community Plant Variety Office, Francesco Mattina. This series kicks off with an insider look at the CPVO's crucial role in fostering agricultural development and protecting the intellectual...