Dutch breeding innovation continues to be recognized in China. The latest list of granted plant variety rights reflects the rapid development of China's domestic breeding capacity. For breeders in the Netherlands, the announcement reinforces two important messages: China remains an attractive market for innovative genetics, and early protection of intellectual property is becoming an essential component of a successful long-term business strategy.
China’s National Forestry and Grassland Administration (NFGA) has published its first batch of Plant Variety Rights granted in 2026, awarding protection to 307 new plant varieties. The announcement offers an encouraging signal for innovative breeders seeking long-term opportunities in one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing horticultural markets. The granted rights cover a wide range of forestry and ornamental species, including roses, rhododendrons, camellias, orchids, bougainvillea, holly, eucalyptus and osmanthus, reflecting both China’s rich plant diversity and its growing investment in breeding innovation.
Exhibiting flowers in the NL booth during the Kunming Flower Show
Dutch innovation continues to be recognized
Among this year’s successful applicants are two Dutch ornamental breeding companies. Together, the two companies secured four newly protected Dutch rose varieties, once again demonstrating the international competitiveness of Dutch ornamental breeding.
Although the number may appear modest, it represents an important achievement. Of the 307 newly granted Plant Variety Rights from 40 plant genera, 30 varieties (approximately 10%) were granted to overseas applicants, including German, Australian and Dutch, while the remaining were awarded to Chinese breeders.
More importantly, international grants are concentrated almost exclusively in high-value ornamental crops, where breeding innovation and intellectual property create the greatest commercial value. This demonstrates that Dutch genetics continue to occupy a strong position in China’s premium ornamental market.
China is becoming a source of breeding innovation
The list also illustrates how China’s breeding ecosystem is evolving. Alongside internationally recognized breeders, successful applicants include Chinese universities, provincial academies of agricultural sciences, research institutes and private breeding companies. China is therefore no longer only a major producer of flowers—it is increasingly becoming a source of breeding innovation itself.
For Dutch companies, this presents both opportunities and challenges. China remains a highly attractive market for innovative genetics, while domestic breeding capacity is developing rapidly. Continued investment in research, innovation and intellectual property protection will therefore be essential to maintaining a competitive advantage.
Intellectual property is becoming an essential business strategy
As China continues to modernize, intellectual property is becoming an integral part of commercial success. A granted Plant Variety Right provides breeders with stronger legal protection for licensing, commercialization and enforcement against infringement, while also increasing confidence among business partners and investors. At the same time, implementation of China’s seed law and regulations on the protection of new plant varieties faces challenges in enforcement and aligning the awareness of all stakeholders in the sector. Companies are for example experiencing difficulties in collaborating with the authorities responsible for collecting royalties.
Erik Smidt, Counsellor for Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature at the Embassy of the Netherlands in China explains: “companies planning for long-term business development in China should be aware of both opportunities and challenges in protecting varieties’ innovation. Intellectual property agreements are an integral part of market entry, rather than an administrative step after commercialization has begun.”
A long-term investment that rewards early planning
The four Dutch rose varieties granted this year were originally filed between 2020 and 2024, indicating examination periods ranging from approximately two to six years. Similar timelines can be observed across the broader list, where successful applications span several years before rights are granted. This reflects the time required for technical examination and Distinctness, Uniformity and Stability (DUS) testing.
This serves as an important reminder that Plant Variety Rights should be viewed as a strategic, long-term investment. Companies intending to introduce new varieties into China are well advised to submit applications as early as possible, ideally before commercialization begins. So that legal protection is already in place when market demand accelerates.
Continued innovation remains the key to success
The latest NFGA announcement reflects more than another list of granted rights. It highlights the continued maturation of China’s plant variety protection system and demonstrates that innovative foreign breeders continue to receive recognition alongside China’s rapidly growing domestic breeding sector.
Dutch breeding expertise continues to be valued in China, particularly in premium ornamental crops such as roses. At the same time, China’s innovation ecosystem is becoming increasingly sophisticated, making early intellectual property protection more important than ever. It also takes time to get acquainted with applicable laws and regulations as well as with the authorities relevant for implementation.
Innovation has long been one of the defining strengths of the Dutch horticultural sector. As China’s market continues to grow and evolve, innovation will remain one of the most valuable investments for achieving sustainable commercial success.
Later this year in September, the LVVN China Team will organize round table discussions inviting Dutch entrepreneurs, relevant Chinese authorities and other stakeholders to discuss challenges in market access, including protection of breeders’ rights.
For more information and insights: pek-lvvn@minbuza.nl