Plant Varieties
| Ecuador’s unique location and the existence of different production environments make it an attractive market for plant varieties. The Ecuadorian economy is agriculturally oriented with about 30% of the export revenues coming from agricultural products. Agriculture directly and indirectly contributes with 30% of the economy meaning Ecuador is principally an agriculture country. |
The main produce is bananas, coffee, cacao, rice, corn, palm, flowers, beans and broccoli. Agricultural businesses are always looking to increase their productivity and introduce new varieties to their fields.
Ecuador grants protection to Plant varieties based on The International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV), and Decision 345 of the Andean Community. The term for the protection is as follows, starting from the date of application:
- 25 years for vineyards, forestry trees, fruit trees, including grafts;
- 20 years for the other species;
- For those varieties that have not been marketed in Ecuador, the developer’s certificate will be granted only for the remaining period of their original registration in the home country.