Our governance

Governance and decision-making for the granting of UK Plant Breeders’ Rights and the registration of new plant varieties.

You can find detailed information in the provisional Plant Varieties and Seeds Common Framework.

National Lists and Seeds Committee (NLSC)  

The National Lists and Seeds Committee (NLSC) has responsibility for:  

  • supporting the UK Plant Variety Rights Office (PVRO) and Controller of UK Plant Breeders’ Rights, for the delivery of legislation for UK Plant Breeders’ Rights (PBR) 
  • delivery of legislation for Variety Registration 
  • coordinating the delivery of legislation for marketing seed and other propagating material of all species except forest reproductive material 
  • official supervision for variety testing and supporting certification 

Membership includes representatives with a technical background and knowledge from: 

  • AFBI for DAERA 
  • APHA for Defra  
  • Scottish Government 
  • Welsh Government 

Recommendations are made in agreement by representatives from all 4 governments. The NLSC may ask any other persons to attend meetings when the need for additional expertise is required. Members of the NLSC have no commercial interest in variety registration, plant breeders’ rights, marketing, or official control of plant reproductive material. 

The NLSC meets at least 4 times a year to make variety registration decisions. Annual meetings are held with the Plant Variety and Seeds Committee (PVSC) and the UK’s DUS Test Centres, who report to the NLSC. 

Meetings for variety registration decisions are usually held in:  

  • February (herbage, maize and sugar beet) 
  • June (potatoes) 
  • September (winter barley) 
  • November (all other cereals, oilseeds, pulses and vegetables)  

Plant Varieties and Seeds Committee (PVSC) 

The Plant Varieties and Seeds Committee (PVSC) has responsibility for:  

  • the development of policy - coordinating and providing oversight on variety registration, plant breeders’ rights, and the marketing of seed and other propagating material 
  • overseeing the delivery of plant breeders’ rights 
  • developing and maintaining legislation for variety registration, plant breeders’ rights and marketing seed and other propagating material of all species except forest reproductive material 
  • maintaining the internal market for seed and other propagating material, in so far as possible, while respecting the devolution settlements 
  • establishing common policy objectives and positions in representation within international organisations, in line with international obligations  

The PVSC meets at least 4 times a year, with an annual review meeting with the NLSC and the UK DUS test centres.  

Membership includes officials from: 

  • DAERA 
  • Defra 
  • Scottish Government 
  • Welsh Government 

The PVSC may ask any expert or other persons to attend meetings when the need for additional expertise is required. The PVSC will engage the Crown Dependencies on areas of mutual interest, particularly on proposed legislative changes, proposed temporary experiments and on issues concerned with trade. 

The PVSC acts on behalf of the National Authorities, making decisions through agreement by all 4 governments. 

Controller of UK Plant Breeders’ Rights (UK PBR) 

UK PBR decisions and the process are the responsibility of the Controller of UK Plant Breeders’ Rights. The UK Controller is appointed jointly by Ministers from all 4 governments and is responsible for the operation of the Plant Variety Rights Office (PVRO).   

UK Plant Variety Rights Office (PVRO) 

The PVRO administers UK PBR. It comprises the Controller of UK Plant Breeders’ Rights, UK Deputy Controller and members of the APHA team responsible for the administration and delivery of UK Plant Breeders’ Rights. The NLSC advises the PVRO and makes recommendations to it.

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