Checking in with Francesca Garbato, after one year at Euroseeds.A little over a year ago, Francesca Garbato joined Euroseeds as their Intellectual Property and Legal Affairs Manager. Intellectual property is a heavily debated topic in Europe, and Seed World Europe checked in with Francesca, to see
Seed World Europe (SWE): You are now one year underway at Euroseeds. How do you look back, and what were your biggest surprises?
Francesca Garbato (FG): Reflecting on my first year at Euroseeds, it has truly been an exciting year filled with a lot to learn.
Coming from a different sector, I was initially unsure of what to expect, but I was pleasantly surprised by the depth and complexity of the work involved in breeding. The amount of dedication and enthusiasm that people in this sector have is truly inspiring.
One of the biggest surprises for me was realizing just how much effort and expertise go into the breeding process.
It’s a meticulous and highly collaborative endeavour and witnessing the passion and commitment of our members has been incredibly motivating.
I am grateful for the opportunity to grow and contribute to such an innovative and impactful field. I look forward to continuing this journey and embracing the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
SWE: What makes it interesting to work in the seed sector?
FG: Working in the seed sector is incredibly interesting for several reasons.
Firstly, it is a very technical field, but what makes it truly special is the people. Everyone involved is deeply passionate about what they do, and there is a wealth of knowledge embedded in every process. This combination of expertise and enthusiasm creates a dynamic and inspiring work environment.
Another fascinating aspect is the intersection of new technologies with traditional methods. I observe constant innovation, the use of cutting-edge technology to enhance and complement traditional breeding techniques. This blend of old and new keeps the work both challenging and exciting.
The diversity of needs and challenges depending on the crops and country we work with adds another layer of interest. Each crop and each country present its own unique set of challenges and obstacles, making every situation different.
Moreover, the seed sector is a unique and fundamental industry that is not always well-known to the public. The work we do is crucial for global food security and sustainability. The challenges we face and the decisions we make can have a real and lasting impact on the world.
Overall, the combination of technical complexity, passionate people, innovative technologies, diverse challenges, and the fundamental importance of our work makes the seed sector an incredibly rewarding sector to be a part of.
SWE: IP has been a controversial topic for the past decades, including in the EU. What is your take on the current IP situation and where do you see room for improvement?
FG: Intellectual Property (IP) is indeed a controversial but fascinating topic, especially in the plant breeding and seed sector in Europe. It’s crucial to find a balance and recognize that as the world evolves, so too must our approach to IP. The two existing IP systems—plant variety protection and patents—can coexist and facilitate innovation while respecting traditional methods. This coexistence is essential for fostering a dynamic and progressive industry.
Our adopted IP position at Euroseeds demonstrates that a balance is possible. By adopting new solutions and maintaining an open mind, we can achieve significant improvements. The interaction between plant variety protection and patents has evolved, showing that these systems can complement each other effectively.
However, there is certainly room for improvement, particularly in achieving a more harmonized national implementation of certain measures. This harmonization should be realized while ensuring that the European legislative framework is sufficiently robust. A stronger legal framework will ensure that all member states are aligned, promoting consistency and fairness across the sector.
In summary, I believe that while the current IP situation presents challenges, it also offers opportunities for growth and innovation. By embracing change and working towards a more unified approach, we can enhance the effectiveness of IP protection in the plant breeding and seed sector.
SWE: Which other challenges are you facing at the moment?
FG: At the moment, I am focused on continuing to learn while doing the best for our members and the sector in general.
A significant challenge is making sure that the interests of our sector, including intellectual property (IP) rights, remain high on the agenda in all discussions. It’s crucial that the breeders’ voice is heard and considered in policymaking and industry dialogues. This requires constant advocacy and communication, especially in promoting the implementation of the Euroseeds’ IP position.
I’m also focused on continuing to engage with all stakeholders and institutions, particularly regarding IP matters. Building and maintaining strong relationships with these entities is essential for fostering collaboration and achieving our goals. It’s about creating a network of support and understanding, especially in the realm of IP. Advocating for the solutions in Euroseeds’ IP position, such as the effective use of the UPOV Convention and balancing CPVR and patents, is a key part of this effort.
Lastly, a big challenge is to ensure that an effective IP system is reached in Europe. Finding the right balance between CPVR (Community Plant Variety Rights) and patents is vital. It’s about protecting innovations while promoting fair competition and access. This includes advocating for Euroseeds’ position on maintaining a robust IP framework that supports innovation and access
