COPF serves the interests of the industry by helping to provide a financial base for plant breeding. Most growers of ornamental plants realize the high cost of developing and bringing a new plant into the marketplace. Since government funding for plant breeding is practically non- existent in Canada, it is up to the industry itself to support new plant development. In this way the trade has something new to offer to the public, and we will ensure a diversity of rugged plants bred specifically for the uniquely Canadian climate.

COPF enjoys a high level of cooperation from growers of both floral and nursery crops. COPF serves more than 550 members across Canada, 75 in the U.S. and 35 in eight overseas countries. The amount of royalties grower members pay to support the work of breeders is impressive. In 2000, over $1.75 million in royalties were collected.

Members currently report on more than 2,100 COPF registered plants. Among woody ornamentals, Spiraea x japonica 'Goldmound', Buxus 'Green Velvet' and Weigela florida 'Minuet' are our top three cultivars. Trees, shrubs, evergreens, perennials and roses are the plant groups included on our list.

Floral crops we work with are chrysanthemum, pot rose, poinsettia, geranium, kalanchoe, osteospermum, dahlia, petunia and impatiens, verbena, callibrachoa, lobelia and begonia. Your COPF membership ensures that you are among the first to be informed about the newest plant introductions and plant royalties. The COPF office will provide you with plant sources and descriptions and details of licensing and obtaining the right to propagate.

The COPF office sends royalty report forms two to four times a year, depending on the crop grown. These reports list COPF registered plants and the royalty rates per cutting. Members report on the number of cuttings or other propagule, or on sales made for each cultivar. These quantities multiplied by the royalty rate determine the total royalty owing. Members return the royalty report with their cheque to the COPF office. During certain quarters, some members have no sales or propagation to report. In this case, growers return their report marked "no propagation" to confirm their status.

Funds collected in trust for breeders are held until the end of the quarter. COPF retains 12-15% of the total amount earned by each plant to cover administrative costs. The balance is distributed to the breeders. All members complete a one-page application form and sign a contractual agreement. The agreements outline COPF's role as a collection and information agency.

Be among those growing the newest and best plants on the market. Join COPF today!