February 12, 2026
The companies signing this letter, leaders in the development of new rose varieties and represented through CIOPORA and the Cut Rose Crop Section, IRBA, are issuing an open call to unpackers, importers, and traders to strengthen their efforts to ensure they work only with legally propagated varieties.
In a sector undergoing significant change and facing increasing challenges, cooperation and adherence to established regulations are essential. This is not only a matter of respect for the companies investing in the development of new varieties; it also enables all of us to continue our activities and to receive fair compensation for the products we bring to the market.
In recent years, rose breeders have seen a rise in cases where protected varieties are propagated without the breeder’s or titleholder’s authorization. Although these infringements often occur at the production level, their impact is felt across the entire supply chain, including unpackers, importers, and traders.
We remind all actors involved in the handling and trade of cut-rose varieties that Plant Breeder’s Rights (PBR) grant breeders the exclusive right to propagate, sell, and commercialize their protected varieties.
Any harvested cut flower originating from plants propagated without the breeder’s authorization is illegal.
This constitutes a violation of Plant Breeders’ Rights in the country of production as well as in any country where the flowers are imported, marketed, or sold.
Such flowers may face serious consequences, including:
- stopped by Customs or other enforcement authorities at border points,
- seized at points of sale, trade, or storage,
- subject to legal action for PBR infringement and/or trademark misuse.
To avoid unintentionally becoming involved in an infringement, we encourage all unpackers,
importers, and traders to verify the origin of the flowers they handle. Before engaging in the trade of
any variety that may be protected, please ensure the flowers come from an authorized grower who has obtained licensed planting material and the proper authorization from the breeder.
Doing so not only protects your business by confirming you are selling the authentic variety you are
promoting, but it also strengthens our collective effort to deliver the best roses to the millions of consumers who appreciate them around the world.
If there is any doubt about the authorization status of a grower or a specific variety, we strongly encourage you to contact the relevant breeder directly for confirmation. Any of the rose breeders who signed this letter will be happy to assist and confirm the authorization status of their protected varieties.
Breeder Signatories – Members of CIOPORA and the CIOPORA Crop Section IRBA/Cut Rose:
David Austin Roses, Danziger “DAN” Flower Farm, DeRuiter Innovations B.V., Dümmen Orange The
Netherlands, E.G. Hill Co. Inc., Interplant Roses B.V., W. Kordes’ Söhne Rosenschulen GmbH & Co. KG,
Meilland International, NIRP International S.A.S., Plantas Continental S.A., Rosen Tantau KG, Schreurs
Holland B.V., United Selections B.V.
Dr. Edgar Krieger,
Secretary General, CIOPORA
Jelle Posthumus,
Chair, CIOPORA Crop Section Cut Rose/IRBA