Angers, 27 January 2026
Shaping the Future of Plant Innovation: Public Consultation on the CPVR System Now Open
The European Commission has officially launched a comprehensive public consultation to evaluate the Community Plant Variety Rights (CPVR) system and the functioning of the Community Plant Variety Office (CPVO).
Since its inception in 1995, the CPVR system has provided a robust framework for intellectual property protection, fostering innovation in the development of new plant varieties across the European Union. By granting a single intellectual property title valid throughout all 27 Member States, the system has provided legal certainty to breeders and stimulated the introduction of improved varieties to the market. However, as the agricultural and horticultural landscapes undergo significant transformations—driven by climate change, digital evolution, and the necessity for enhanced food security—it is imperative to ensure that our regulatory framework remains fit for purpose.
The Objectives of the Evaluation
This evaluation is a critical exercise in transparency and accountability. It aims to assess the current legislation—specifically Council Regulation (EC) No 2100/94—and the operational performance of the CPVO against five key criteria established by the European Commission’s Better Regulation guidelines:
‣ Effectiveness: Assessing whether the system successfully protects breeders' rights, encourages the creation of new varieties, and ensures a high level of environmental and consumer benefit.
‣ Efficiency: Examining the administrative costs for both the Office and its users, with a focus on streamlining application and technical examination processes.
‣ Relevance: Evaluating how well the system responds to modern challenges, such as the EU Green Deal objectives, the Farm to Fork strategy, and the urgent need for varieties adapted to volatile climatic conditions.
‣ Coherence: Ensuring the CPVR regime is consistent with other EU policies, international standards (such as the UPOV Convention), and the evolving landscape of biotechnological innovation.
‣ EU Added Value: Quantifying the benefits of a unified EU-wide right compared to fragmented national protection systems, particularly regarding market access and legal enforcement.
A Call for Stakeholder Expertise
The CPVO is a self-financed EU agency that exists to serve the breeding community and the public interest. To maintain a high-quality, stable, and enforceable system, we require evidence-based feedback from those who interact with it daily.
This consultation serves as an open channel for those who rely on plant variety protection to voice their experiences. Your insights will provide the empirical data necessary to identify potential administrative burdens, technical gaps, or areas where digital integration—such as the further expansion of e-services and electronic proceedings—can further enhance the user experience.
We strongly encourage participation from a broad range of stakeholders, including:
• Breeders (ranging from SMEs to large-scale international enterprises);
• Farmers and growers;
• Researchers and Academic Institutions specializing in plant science;
• Public Authorities and National Examination Offices;
• NGOs and Civil Society representatives focused on biodiversity and agriculture.
How to Participate
The consultation is open for a period of 12 weeks. We invite all interested parties to share their views through the official "Have Your Say" portal of the European Commission. The questionnaire is available in all official EU languages to ensure the widest possible participation across the Union.
Launch Date: 26 January 2026
Closing Date: 20 April 2026 (Midnight Brussels time)
Format: Online questionnaire
The results of this consultation will be carefully analyzed and will inform a final evaluation report. This report will serve as a foundational document for the European Commission in determining whether legislative updates are required to modernize the system. By contributing your expertise today, you help ensure that the CPVR system remains a world-class standard for plant variety protection.