Commentary on the registration of traditional varieties in Benin

In 2011, the government of Benin published the first version of the Catalogue Beninois des Espèces et Variétés Végétales (CaBEV; MAEP, 2011). The CaBEV includes three lists of varieties. The first list is for newly bred varieties that are distinct, uniform and stable (DUS) and have demonstrable value for cultivation and use (VCU) over other existing, registered varieties. The seeds of these varieties can be produced and commercialized in any of the member states that subscribe to the regional harmonization law.