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FH USU PUBLIC RELATIONS: On Friday (September 4, 2026), the Faculty of Law, Universitas Sumatera Utara (FH USU), together with the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), held a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) as part of the 2026 OR IPSH BRIN House Program Research Scheme, themed “Strengthening the Registration Model for Local Horticultural Varieties by Local Governments as an Intellectual Property Rights Legal Instrument to Support Food Security.”
This activity was part of the collaboration between BRIN and Universitas Sumatera Utara to examine the strengthening of legal protection for local horticultural varieties, particularly through variety registration involving local governments. This discussion is important considering that local varieties are among the regional assets with economic value and the potential to support food security.
The FGD was attended by the Dean of the Faculty of Law, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Dr. Mahmul Siregar, S.H., M.Hum. The activity also featured resource persons: Ir. Beti Sumarni Saragih, M.Si., from the Agricultural and Food Security Office, TPH Seed Certification Technical Implementation Unit of North Sumatra Province, and Devi Yulida, S.H., M.H., from the Faculty of Law, Universitas Sumatera Utara.
Also in attendance were the research team from the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), namely Dr. Maurice, Dedi Siagian, Ph.D., Ir. Imelda, Rizky, S.H., M.H., and Dr. Vita Cita, as well as the participants of the Focus Group Discussion.
During the discussion, the speakers and participants addressed various issues related to the registration of local horticultural varieties, including the role of local governments, legal protection mechanisms, and challenges in documenting and registering varieties that have developed within communities.
Local varieties have value not only in agricultural aspects, but also in relation to the economic interests of communities and regional assets. Therefore, a registration model is needed that can provide legal protection while encouraging the optimal utilization of local varieties.
Through this FGD, FH USU and BRIN are expected to produce studies and recommendations regarding a more effective model for registering local horticultural varieties that is aligned with regional needs. The research findings are expected to contribute to strengthening legal protection in the field of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) while supporting national food security.
This activity represents a form of synergy among higher education institutions, research agencies, local governments, and stakeholders in promoting the protection and utilization of Indonesia’s local varietal resources.