International Convention for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants

The International Convention for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV) is an agreement that helps protect the rights of plant breeders who develop new, distinct plant varieties. It ensures breeders can control how their new plants are used and sold, encouraging innovation in agriculture and horticulture. Countries that join the convention agree to recognize breeders' rights, making it easier to share and commercialize new plant varieties internationally, while also providing legal remedies if those rights are infringed. Overall, UPOV promotes the development of better, more diverse plant varieties for farmers, horticulturists, and consumers.