The European landscape of community plant variety rights for cherry trees

26 Jun 2024
1088

The Importance of protecting varietal innovations

Cherry tree cultivation has been a fundamental part of European agriculture for centuries. The protection of new plant varieties through Community Plant Variety Rights (CPVR) is vital for advancing agriculture, protecting breeders' economic interests, and enhancing biodiversity.

The CPVR system, administered by the Community Plant Variety Office (CPVO), grants exclusive rights to breeders, encouraging them to invest in developing new varieties, ultimately benefiting consumers with higher-quality produce.

These protected varieties are covered by specific intellectual property rights, ensuring that breeders have exclusive commercial rights to their new plant varieties for a set period. This protection promotes innovation and research within the agricultural sector.

Current trends in cherry tree CPVR applications

Data from the CPVO reveals a strong interest from breeders in developing new cherry varieties. This interest is driven by increasing consumer demand for high-quality cherries, advancements in breeding techniques, and the economic potential of improved varieties. While apple and pear varieties dominate the landscape, cherry varieties also hold a significant portion of the market.

Image 1: 

In Italy, Prunus avium (sweet cherry) has seen 24 CPVR applications over the years. Prunus avium ranks third in the number of applications within the Prunus family, following Prunus persica (122 applications) and Prunus armeniaca (38 applications).

Top Countries for Prunus avium applications:

France leads with 46 applications, indicating a robust interest in cherry variety protection. Germany and Italy also show significant engagement. Overall, 108 CPVRs have been granted for Prunus avium, with 90 still active.

Investment in cherry varieties: leading the charge

Investment in cherry CPVR comes from a diverse range of stakeholders, including private breeders, research institutions, and agricultural companies. These groups recognize the commercial potential of developing superior cherry varieties.

Private Breeders and Breeding Companies: These entities are pivotal in cherry breeding, often collaborating with research institutions to commercialize successful varieties. Research Institutions: Institutions like the Julius Kühn-Institut in Germany and the University of Bologna in Italy play a significant role in cherry breeding.

Agricultural Corporations: Large agricultural companies invest heavily in CPVR for cherries to secure exclusive rights to new varieties, gaining a competitive market edge.

Conclusion

The protection of varietal innovations through CPVR is essential for the advancement of agriculture and the economic viability of breeders. The rise in CPVR applications for cherry varieties highlights the growing importance of this fruit in Europe. Private breeders, research institutions, and agricultural corporations are driving this trend.

As the demand for high-quality cherries increases, CPVR's role in protecting innovations becomes increasingly crucial. Encouraging the development of new cherry varieties not only benefits breeders but also enhances produce quality and diversity for consumers. The future of cherry cultivation in Europe looks promising, supported by ongoing investments and a strong CPVR system.

Francesco Mattina
President of CPVO


Cherry Times - All rights reserved

What to read next

Stone Fruit Day (WSU): the link between quality and changing climatic conditions in focus

Events

11 Mar 2025

Cherries and quality, also in relation to the increasingly challenging climatic conditions for cherry growing: these topics were developed among others during the latest 'Stone Fruit Day' organised by Washington State University (WSU).

Improving the quality of self-fertile “Sweet Heart” cherries through blossom thinning

Tech management

13 Dec 2024

In a recent study from India, researchers evaluated the efficacy of different chemical thinning agents applied during flowering, 80% of full flowering, on the cultivar ‘Sweet Heart’. The results showed a negative correlation between fruit number and quality.

In evidenza

Cherry standards reform stalled in US: uncertainty grows for growers

Quality

28 Jul 2025

The Washington Cherry Marketing Committee proposes updates to cherry sizing and packaging standards, but USDA approval is stalled. Political pressure and regulatory gridlock hinder innovation, crop insurance protection, and the competitiveness of the cherry sector.

German cherries as superheroes: sustainability meets mindful consumption

Consumption

28 Jul 2025

On July 16, Germany honors cherries as a symbol of sustainability and local pride. With 45,000 tons harvested in 2024, this fruit faces climate and global challenges but relies on local supply chains, innovation, and mindful consumption.

Tag Popolari