On October 30, 2015, the BIOVEGEN Day “Innovation and Economic Impact of Plant Varieties” was held. The event, part of the International FRUIT ATTRACTION Fair (IFEMA Madrid), brought together more than 120 stakeholders from the agri-food sector engaged in R&D activities, from the research, business, and administration sectors.
- 40 companies (improvement, production, marketing, agrobiotechnology, nutrition, plant health and protection, R&D management, etc)
- 21 research organizations (Universities, OPIs)
- Administration (CDTI, MAGRAMA…)
The purpose of the event was to highlight the importance of innovation in increasing the competitiveness of the Spanish agricultural sector, as well as to stimulate collaboration between companies and research centers. During the event, renowned speakers (see CV summaries) analyzed the technological and economic impact of varietal innovation, as well as various legal aspects of protecting these intellectual assets and public support for R&D.
In the words of José Pellicer, President of BIOVEGEN, “throughout our journey as a Technological Platform for Plant Biotechnology, we have observed a significant need in the agricultural sector to establish connections between Science and Business, to leverage existing research and generate business opportunities. We have an agricultural sector that is strategic and powerful at both national and international levels, which also faces challenges that threaten its competitiveness; we also possess very good science in quantity and quality, but this is not reflected in innovation within the agricultural sector. The opportunities that Science offers to Business are not being utilized. Therefore, with this event, we aim to contribute to a greater connection between Technological Supply and Demand, to make the investment in research profitable and to develop collaboration and business opportunities. We make our capabilities available to the sector to ensure that Science and Business work together to improve the competitiveness of the agricultural sector in Spain. To make our country’s R&D profitable. This is the goal of BIOVEGEN and this event.”
The opening of the event was led by the former Director of Agriculture and Innovation of the European Commission, José Manuel Silva Rodríguez, who provided an overview of the current landscape of the agri-food sector. His presentation concluded with an open dialogue, where interested attendees could interact with the speaker by asking various questions.
Secondly, the importance of varietal innovation within the framework of R&D was presented, where Manuel Talón from IVIA provided a comprehensive view of the development of agriculture and plant breeding, as well as its future prospects focusing especially on the citrus sector.
Subsequently, experts from relevant Spanish research organizations explained the current and future situation of four emerging crops of interest in the field of varietal innovation (almond, apricot, ornamentals, and pistachio).
Next, Esther Esteban, director of the Spanish Office of Plant Varieties (OEVV-MAGRAMA) explained to the attendees the legal framework for the protection and defense of plant breeding rights existing in Spain, highlighting the importance of registering the results obtained in research processes. In this context, Marta Conde from the Center for Technological Development and Industrial Innovation (CDTI) and Manuel Lainez, director of the National Institute for Agricultural and Food Research and Technology (INIA), presented the public framework supporting varietal innovation existing at both the European and national levels.
The last presentation was given by the Manager of BIOVEGEN, Gonzaga Ruiz de Gauna, who focused in his discussion on the ideas and concerns that arose during the event. He also explained the dynamic role of BIOVEGEN in the development of R&D projects and described the tools that are used from the Platform to create business opportunities in the sector.
José Ignacio Cubero Salmerón (emeritus professor at the University of Córdoba and National Genetics Award 2012) closed the event by offering his perspective on the current and future landscape of the sector based on his extensive professional experience. Professor Cubero highlighted BIOVEGEN’s dynamic role and encouraged all R&D stakeholders present in the room to continue their important innovative work.
Program and presentations of the event
10:30 AM. Opening
10:40 AM. Agricultural Economy and Innovation
- Jose Manuel Silva. Former Director General of Agriculture. Former Director General of Research. European Commission
11:10 AM. Importance of Variety Innovation
- Manuel Talón. Valencian Institute of Agricultural Research (IVIA).
11:40 AM. Innovation in Emerging Crops
- ALMOND – María José Rubio-Cabetas. Food Research and Technology Center of Aragon (CITA).
- APRICOT – David Ruiz. Soil Science and Applied Biology Center of Segura (CEBAS CSIC Murcia).
- ORNAMENTALS – José Manuel Pérez-Pérez. Miguel Hernández University of Elche (UMH).
- PISTACHIO – Esaú Martínez.Research Center for Agroenvironmental Studies “El Chaparrillo” (IRIAF – Castilla La Mancha).
12:40 h. Protection and defense of plant breeding
- Esther Esteban Rodrigo. Spanish Office of Plant Varieties (OEVV)
13:00 h. Public framework for supporting variety innovation
- EUROPE: H2020 – Marta Conde. Center for Industrial Technological Development (CDTI).
- SPAIN: SPANISH STRATEGY FOR BIOECONOMY – Manuel Lainez. National Institute for Agricultural and Food Research and Technology (INIA).
13:20 h. BIOVEGEN as a catalyst for project development
- Gonzaga Ruiz de Gauna. Technological Platform for Plant Biotechnology BIOVEGEN.
13:30 h. Closing