As of 1 July 2017, it’s not just cows that have a right of way on Norfolk Island, the Plant Breeder’s Rights Act 1994 (PBR Act) now applies. As part of the Government’s commitment to providing the residents of the island with the same rights and responsibilities as people in the rest of Australia, PBR joins Australia’s other IP systems that have long applied in Norfolk Island. Although the 34 km2 island is home to only 1357 residents, the extension of PBR rights is likely to be welcomed as there are around 40 unique plant species on the Island including the famous Norfolk pine. Almost all the fresh produce consumed on the island is grown locally with the Island’s unique and tropical foods giving rise to a thriving food industry where food miles are measured in metres.
Captain Cook’s paradise on earth gets PBR protection
