10 I EUROPEAN SEED I EUROPEAN-SEED.COM 5. Capacity building and international cooperation Membership to UPOV has resulted in international cooperation with other UPOV member countries, who have wide experience in plant variety protection. Kenya has benefited from this coop- eration in terms of training and sharing of experiences. The provision for international cooperation in DUS testing among UPOV members has made it possible for Kenya to acquire DUS reports from other UPOV members, thus shortening the period for processing of grants for PVP. Participation in UPOV meetings enables Kenyan experts to play a role in the process of development of harmonized technical guidelines. As a result, Kenyan examiners have access to readily available UPOV Test Guidelines for DUS testing. 6. Increased level of awareness of PVP service This has been achieved through elaborate outreach pro- grammes to sensitize stakeholders on the objectives, benefits and processes of PVP. Awareness creation efforts have also been strengthened by availability of resource persons provided by the UPOV Secretariat and member countries. A critical indicator of this is the development of institutional IP policies by most institutions doing research in plant sciences. 7. Mutual exchange of information Membership to UPOV has enabled Kenya access to data on PVP, exchange of journals on PVP and exchange of training materials. 8. Development of the Seed Sector PVP has contributed significantly to the development of the formal seed sector, where farmers have access to high qual- ity seeds. A functional PVP system affords breeders the confi- dence to market their varieties, without fear of infringements. Requirements for varietal distinctness, uniformity and stabil- ity facilitate the availability of varieties with clear descriptors, a very important aspect for a formal seed system. Currently, there are over 130 registered seed companies, 70 of which are actively involved in production/importation and marketing of diverse kinds of seeds. A formal seed sector cushions farmer’s from receiving seeds that are not varietal pure. The seed sector provides great opportunities for growth and is an important vehicle towards achieving food and nutritional security and wealth creation in agriculture. An internationally recognised plant variety protection system is key to driving a thriving seed sector. It is imperative for African countries to consider establishment of plant variety protection systems and UPOV membership. Editor’s Note: Dr. Esther Kimani is Managing Director, Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service STRONGER PROTECTION FOR NEW VARIETIES “Kenya, whose floriculture today is worth $500 million and employs over 500,000 people, has established a firm position as a leading flower supplier to the EU and other countries such as Russia, China, Japan, etc. The October 28 launch of a daily direct flight from Nairobi to New York could indicate that the country is also exploring opportunities on the US market. These positive developments are results of a comprehensive strategy successfully realized by the Kenyan government, with the accession to the 1991 Act of UPOV playing an important role in the process. As a breeders’ organization, we are pleased with Kenya’s efforts to provide a stronger protection for new and innovative plant varieties, availability of which plays a key role in Kenya’s competitiveness. For many years, Kenya Flower Council, now a CIOPORA’s supporter, has been a reliable partner of CIOPORA and IRBA and has been taking effective actions to protect innovation. CIOPORA’s rose and flower breeders are prepared to support Kenya in the further development of its PBR regime, including effective enforcement tools, to ensure a level playing field and to benefit all parts of the flower production chain.” —Bruno Etavard, CIOPORA Board & Chairman of IRBA KEPHIS inspectors conducting inspections on flowers for export in green houses.