Dear Bram,
thanks for the info. KWS seems to follow the line of the German breeding association (BDP) which have a similar position. This does not hinder them from trying to get own patents - might be similar like Rijk.
As soon as we know if Rijk as agreed or not agreed to our proposal for quote, we can take a decision if we want to include the statement from KWS website or not.
thanks again!
Christoph
-------- Weitergeleitete Nachricht -------- Betreff: [Npos_2018] Response KWS Datum: Thu, 16 Apr 2020 06:51:03 +0000 Von: Bram de Jonge Bram.de.Jonge@oxfamnovib.nl An: npos_2018@testbiotech.de npos_2018@testbiotech.de, Christoph Then christoph.then@testbiotech.org, francois.meienberg@prospecierara.ch francois.meienberg@prospecierara.ch
Dear all,
There will be no call with KWS. In an email they write: “best will be for “No Patents on Seeds” to carefully check the facts on their own using the public record. They may thereby realize that for both patent applications, highly reputable academic institutions are co-applicants. Depending on the final version of the published report, KWS reserves its right to comment publicly or not.
To better understand the KWS position related to this topic, you may find this link https://eur01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.kws.com%2Fcorp%2Fen%2Fpress-dialogue%2Fpress%2Fkws-believes-the-epo%25E2%2580%2599s-patent-decision-weakens-the-breeder%25E2%2580%2599s-exemption%2F&data=02%7C01%7CBram.de.Jonge%40oxfamnovib.nl%7C0878e8a73cf64819dac408d7e15d6dc0%7Cc42c6655bda0417590bab6e48cacd561%7C0%7C0%7C637225663709900444&sdata=%2F27%2B0n6a1%2FzesAR1g8ETZnfs4lwOweSfXjkCCKpOTGU%3D&reserved=0 informative.”
The link contains some interesting information stating that “Patenting of such plants[i.e. conventionally bred]will make access to biological material for breeding more difficult,” said Léon Broers, the member of KWS’ Executive Board responsible for research, in Einbeck. “Yet breeders depend on having as much biodiversity as possible to breed new varieties with improved traits such as drought tolerance, resistance to pests, or higher yield.”
These statements seem to be in opposition with their patent applications as included in the report. If you want, I can ask for some extra information and explanation on this?
I also expect to receive Bayer’s comments today
Best regards,
Bram
Bram de Jonge | Seed Policy Advisor
Sowing Diversity=Harvesting Security (SD=HS) Program
Oxfam Novib | The Hague, The Netherlands | +31 (0)70 342 1 717
skype: BramDeJonge | http://www.sdhsprogram.org/