b'Its a question of fairness. If companies provide non-monetary benefits for most of their products, they shouldnt be penalized for having one thats restricted in another market, Pris argues.Euroseeds proposes to apply the same differentiation logic to subscriptions as to single access, based on actual product availabil-ity. This consistency would encourage more companies to subscribe rather than opt out.MAKING TRACEABILITY WORKABLETraceability is another critical aspect of the MLS. Under the current system, tracking the origin of genetic material through multiple breeding cycles can be extremely burdensome. Euroseeds supports simplifying these obligations through a dilution threshold: beyond a certain point, the original material no longer needs to be traced, unless a specific trait of commercial value is involved.This would significantly reduce administrative hurdles and encourage more companies to use the MLS. Similarly, Euroseeds recommends against introducing any new obligation to declare MLS material in varietal protection filings, beyond what is already required under patent rules.Breeding is a long and complex process. We need practical traceability rules that dont discourage innovation, says Mertens.A BROADER BASE, NOT HIGHER RATESEuroseeds is clear that rates and thresholds must be realistic. Setting benefit-sharing rates too high would only push companies away from using the system. A better approach is to broaden the base of contributors by making the system attractive to more users.Small companies should also be considered. Here, the key challenge is often administrative rather than financial. Adopting thresholds aligned with EU definitions of small enterprises (10 to 50 employees) could help lower these barriers.The proposal also clarifies how affiliates can be included within Andrea Mertens is the lead of expert hub legal at KWS and vice-chair of thea subscription agreement, ensuring consistent application of ben-Euroseeds Committee on Plant Genetic Resources. efit-sharing while allowing flexibility for companies that operate internationally.A STRONGER, MORE EFFECTIVE MLSThe changes proposed by Euroseeds are designed to make the MLS Euroseeds also calls for restraint in how countries use themore inclusive, coherent and practical. By offering flexible payment negative list. Overuse of exemptions would risk undermining theoptions, aligning DSI treatment with CBD mechanisms, expanding goal of wider access. In cases where not enough countries ratifyAnnex I, ensuring fair differentiation and simplifying traceability, the expanded scope within the transition period, Pisani suggests athe system could reach many more users.careful, evidence-based review before any decisions are made. IfThis isnt just about improving administration. Its about uptake is low, lets first understand why. We shouldnt rush intounlocking the full potential of the Treaty to support plant breed-rolling back an important step forward. ing and food security. The more accessible the system is, the more companies will use it, and the more benefits can be shared globally.THE IMPORTANCE OF CONSISTENCY ANDWe believe in this system, says Pisani. If its modernized in FAIRNESS a smart and inclusive way, it can work for companies of all sizes, One of the technical but important points in Euroseeds proposalsupport public breeding efforts, and strengthen global food security. concerns differentiated payment rates. Today, companies only payThats a win for everyone.monetary benefit-sharing when the products they commercialize are not available for further breeding and research. Products thatFor more information, you can read the original Euroseeds position papers remain accessible to other breeders already provide non-monetaryon the enhancement of the MLS, DSI, and the expansion of Annex I:benefits. https://euroseeds.eu/app/uploads/2025/07/25.0288.3-Euros-In the current co-chairs proposal for subscription, however,eeds-position_Enhancing-the-Functioning-of-the-MLS.pdf differentiation would not be applied product by product. Instead, ifhttps://euroseeds.eu/app/uploads/2025/07/25.0287.1-Euroseeds-po-just one product is restricted, the higher payment rate would applysition_DSI.pdf to the entire portfolio. Euroseeds sees this as a major disincentivehttps://euroseeds.eu/app/uploads/2025/07/25.0286.2-Euros-to subscription. eeds-position_Annex-I.pdf6ISEED WORLD EUROPEISEEDWORLD.COM/EUROPE | NOVEMBER 2025'