The African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO) has reached a significant milestone. On 24 November 2024, the Arusha Protocol for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants entered into force, marking a transformative step for the region's agricultural and horticultural sectors.
The Protocol was adopted during a Diplomatic Conference in Arusha, Tanzania, on July 6, 2015, and its implementing Regulations were adopted by the ARIPO Administrative Council in Lilongwe, Malawi, on November 22, 2017. The coming into force follows Ghana's deposit of its instrument of ratification on November 24, 2023, making it the fourth Member State to ratify the Protocol. The current Contracting States to the Protocol are Cape Verde, Ghana, Rwanda, and São Tomé and Príncipe.
A New Era for Plant Breeders in Africa
With the Protocol now in force, plant breeders can, for the first time, apply for plant breeders' rights with ARIPO, which is empowered to grant these rights on behalf of Contracting States. This development offers plant breeders enhanced legal protection and the recognition they deserve for their innovation and efforts.
The Protocol is designed to foster innovation in plant breeding, encouraging the development of high-yielding, resilient, and disease-resistant plant varieties. Ensuring breeders are rewarded for their contributions sets the stage for significant advancements in agricultural productivity and food security across the region.
Benefits for Farmers, Consumers, and the Agricultural Sector
The registration of new plant varieties under the Protocol promises a host of benefits:
- Improved Yields: Farmers can access plant varieties that deliver higher productivity, reducing resource dependency and costs.
- Resilience to Climate Change: Enhanced adaptability to changing environmental conditions ensures sustainability in farming practices.
- Enhanced Disease Resistance: New plant varieties offer improved resistance to pests and diseases, safeguarding crops and reducing the need for chemical interventions.
These developments empower breeders and create ripple effects throughout the agricultural value chain, benefiting farmers, consumers, and entire economies.
Unlocking Agricultural Potential Across ARIPO Member States
The enforcement of the Arusha Protocol is a testament to ARIPO's commitment to fostering intellectual property frameworks that drive innovation and sustainable development. By providing a robust legal mechanism for plant variety protection, ARIPO is paving the way for a more prosperous and food-secure Africa.
For more information about the Arusha Protocol and how to apply for plant breeders' rights, click here.