AIGN® attends CIOPORA Meeting

On September 25, 2025, industry leaders and breeders gathered in Madrid, Spain, for the CIOPORA Crop Section Fruit Meeting—a dynamic forum focused on the future of fruit breeding and genetic innovation. Erin Wallich, Intellectual Property Manager at Summerland Varieties Corp., kicked off the day with a comprehensive update on cutting-edge developments in blackberry and raspberry breeding, emphasizing the transformative role of gene editing technologies.

Other agenda items included a discussion with the CPVO about the future of DUS testing. Jean Maison’s presentation proposed a strategic framework to address major challenges in DUS testing within the EU, centered on three main axes: cost-effectiveness, potential involvement of breeders in DUS testing, and revision of the Quality Audit System. Three working groups have been established to address these topics.

Matthew Edwards of Pairwise presented on integrating new breeding technologies into modern plant breeding. Pairwise, a pioneer in gene editing, has developed proprietary plant gene-editing technology that applies CRISPR to agriculture by targeting high-value traits. Their achievements to date include: a 72% success rate in creating targeted crop improvements, 81 potential products developed, 14 crops edited, and 11 million transformations performed.

Wendy Cashmore, President of CIOPORA and Director of Trajectory 762, provided an overview of the Trajectory 762 apple breeding program. The initiative focuses on flavor, texture, storage, and agronomic performance to develop varieties suited to diverse production regions and market demands.

Travis Bliss of Panitch Schwarze IP Law delivered a presentation on the general theory of competition law and limited monopolies, exploring horizontal versus vertical restraints and collusion, with specific application to fruit “club” systems.

The day concluded with an update from the working group on building bridges with Global GAP, presented by Micaela Filippo of CIOPORA and Antonio Villarroel of Anové.

The meeting reaffirmed the sector’s commitment to innovation, collaboration, and transparency as it navigates the evolving landscape of fruit genetics and breeding.

AIGN® is proud to be a member of CIOPORA and fully supports the organization’s mission and values.