Naktuinbouw course on "Plant Breeders' Rights for food security and economic development”

For over 25 years, Naktuinbouw has been offering the course ‘Plant Breeders' Rights for food security and economic development’. The course dives into key aspects of the UPOV Plant Variety Protection (PVP) system and is being offered as both an online or a blended version (start date March 2025). Read more below on what you may expect from this course.

 What does this course entail?

The course programme revolves around the UPOV system and covers a variety of topics critical in the PVP system, from the significance and advantages of a harmonized Plant Breeders Rights System to DUS testing and the use of molecular techniques in PVP. In both the online and blended course, there are 7 e-learning modules available covering the outlined topics as well as a potential 8th module to design a roadmap for your country’s PVP system. Every module offers a comprehensive learning experience through a variety of resources, including reading materials, interactive assignments, presentations, and videos from experts all around the world.

What is the difference between the online and blended programme?

The e-modules offered in both programmes are similar, but the online programme can be followed whenever the participant wants, at his or her own space. The programme offers 80 hours of training material and this material will be available for 6 months. For the online programme, a team of professionals is available behind the scenes to answer any questions.

The blended programme lasts for 11 weeks and features 7 modules, 7 online live sessions as well as 5 days on-site training in the Netherlands. The on-site program offers a diverse and inspirational week filled with excursions, case studies, and role-playing activities. All participants have the chance to forge connections with colleagues and companies from around the world and share experiences on their progress and challenges in establishing and enforcing a strong PVP system.

What is the target audience of the course?

The programme is aimed at legal, administrative, policy, or executive professionals who work in the plant variety protection system, either in the public or private sector. In past editions, there were participants from all over the world and with a variety of roles, such as policy advisors, law professionals, plant breeders and researchers as well as commercial professionals.

Why does Naktuinbouw offer this course?

The aim for Naktuinbouw with this course is to share some of their unique expertise and experience on PVP implementation with other countries. They find it important to share some of their knowhow to support other countries in advancing their PVP system and to potentially become a UPOV member. Together with Wageningen University & Research, they developed this course over 25 years ago and they see participants benefit a lot from the programme.

Where can I find more information on the course?

All detailed information on the online and blended courses can be found on the website of Naktuinbouw.

The blended course will take place from March to June 2025; specific dates of the online sessions can be found on the website as well.