The main international vegetable seed companies have set up a joint bureau to stop the illegal reproduction of seeds.

The Anti-Infringement Bureau (AIB) will focus on the detection of illegally propagated plant material, its trade and distribution as well as the unauthorised use of registered names of protected varieties.

The AIB will be located in Brussels and will support vegetable seed companies in all European and some neighbouring markets.

The bureau’s work will help to protect the interests of plant breeders and ensure incentives and financing for the development of new varieties with improved quality.

The sector has seen an increase in illegal reproduction and distribution of its genetics, resulting in an uncontrollable number of unauthorised end products on the market.

As a competence centre for vegetable seed variety rights, AIB will provide information and advice to national governments and organisations.

The companies participating in the association are Bejo Zaden, De Ruiter Seeds, Enza Zaden, Vilmorin Cie., Nunhems, Rijk Zwaan, Sakata Seed, Semillas Fito, Seminis, Syngenta Seeds and Takii Seed.

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