Under the arrangement, Taiwanese breeders applying for plant variety rights in the EU for Phalaenopsis and Oncidium may use DUS examination reports issued by Taiwan’s Ministry of Agriculture, avoiding the need for a further round of DUS testing in the EU. This will enable breeders to obtain protection more quickly, help the industry expand into the European market, and mark a new high point in Taiwan–EU economic and trade relations.
A Decade of Taiwan–EU Cooperation Strengthens Taiwan’s Global Orchid Position
The Ministry of Agriculture noted that Taiwan began cooperation with the EU on plant variety rights in 2016. In 2019, the two sides signed an administrative arrangement on the take-over of DUS reports for Phalaenopsis, which was renewed in 2023. The arrangement has significantly reduced the time and cost of applying for plant variety rights, with notable results.
To further deepen engagement with the European market and respond to strong demand from Taiwan’s Oncidium industry, the Ministry actively promoted an expansion of the cooperation framework. After multiple rounds of consultation and technical harmonization, the two sides reached consensus to include Oncidium within the scope of the arrangement.
The signing of this arrangement not only builds on the successful experience of Taiwan–EU cooperation on Phalaenopsis plant variety rights, but also opens a new export pathway for the Oncidium industry. Going forward, high-quality Taiwanese Phalaenopsis and Oncidium varieties entering the EU market will be able to obtain plant variety rights protection more quickly, helping to secure Taiwan’s core position in the global orchid supply chain.
The Ministry of Agriculture emphasized that it will continue to build on Taiwan–EU cooperation as a model and extend this experience to other crops with export potential. Through a robust plant variety rights protection framework, Taiwan aims to ensure that the efforts of its breeders receive the protection and returns they deserve in global markets, while creating broader and more sustainable business opportunities for Taiwan’s agriculture.
