Angers, France, 10 November 2026 - The Community Plant Variety Office (CPVO) officially inaugurated its new headquarters today in the presence of Olivér Várhelyi, European Commissioner for Health and Animal Welfare, and Benjamin Haddad, French Minister Delegate for Europe. The ceremony was hosted by CPVO President Francesco Mattina and attended by Christophe Béchu, Mayor of Angers, alongside representatives of European institutions, national authorities and the plant-breeding sector.
The CPVO administers the EU-wide Community Plant Variety Rights system, providing a unitary system of intellectual property protection for new plant varieties throughout the Union. The Office works closely with the European Commission, Member States, examination offices and breeders to support the effective operation of that system.
Commissioner Várhelyi's participation placed the European dimension of the inauguration at the centre of the event. The presence of Minister Haddad also reflected the relationship between the CPVO and its host country. Based in Angers since 1995, the Office formalised its Headquarters Agreement with the French Government in December 2024.
Speaking at the inauguration, Commissioner Várhelyi underlined the importance of plant variety protection for Europe’s agriculture:
“For innovation to make a difference, new plant varieties must not only be developed. They must also be able to reach farmers and the market. This is why a strong and effective plant variety rights system matters: it supports innovation, strengthens Europe’s competitiveness and helps make our agriculture more resilient and better prepared for the future.”
CPVO President Francesco Mattina drew attention to the changes facing European agriculture and plant breeding:
“Innovation is accelerating, technologies are evolving, and Europe needs institutions that can provide expertise, legal certainty and practical solutions to agricultural development.”
The new premises, at 44 rue François Cevert in the Carré d'Orgemont district, bring CPVO staff together under one roof to manage the Community Plant Variety Rights system, promoting technical exchanges and cooperation with stakeholders across Europe. Guests visited the building before the official ceremony and ribbon-cutting.
The relocation also maintains the CPVO's close links with Angers and the wider Maine-et-Loire region, agricultural hub to research institutions, plant breeders and businesses active in horticulture and plant science.
About the CPVO
The Community Plant Variety Office (CPVO) is the European Union agency responsible for administering the Community Plant Variety Rights system. Based in Angers, France, since 1995, the Office grants intellectual property rights for new plant varieties throughout the European Union.