dear all
yesterday we had direct exchange with Dutch officials which deal with patent law and innovation. Johanna, Nout, Bram, Francois and me participated. They took our concerns with interest, however they also noted that industry is not very active yet (which is decisive for them).
Bram suggested to organise a round table with the Dutch officials and Dutch breeders. This was taken up as a good proposal. We also should consider the idea of Arche Noah, to come up with a letter from breeders (and farmers and maybe Copa/Cogeca). We would need 'mainstream breeders' but, of course, also organic breeders should show up. It might be a god idea to start with breeders from one country such as Austria. These breeders then could help us to spread the network.
I will ask Bingenheim about their idea. In case, please make suggestion whom to contact.
We also should agree on a text that can be signed as a letter. maybe Dagmar could provide us with a first draft. This letter could also be used to make further contacts with KWS.
In addition, we were in contact with Salvia. It looks like all technicalities regarding the report on the old project and the application of the new project were successfully solved by Johanna. So now let us keep fingers crossed.
we also will send out a new round of letters to remind the experts of the EPO states to come back to us because of the petition.
Cheers
Christoph