Egypt's Central Administration for Plant Quarantine (CAPQ) is preparing to introduce DNA testing for the 2024 grape season, aiming to detect and prevent illegal shipments at their origin. This move marks a shift from previous practices where detection relied on European Customs Authorities. The initiative aligns with Egypt's adherence to the UPOV 91 treaty, underlining a commitment to combating Plant Breeders' Rights violations. Following Ministerial Decree No. 387 in 2021, farms and packhouses must now obtain official approval and a unique code for grape exports, with a recent decree reinforcing penalties for unauthorized dealings in protected varieties, including potential export prohibitions.
Duncan Macintyre, President of The Breeders Alliance, highlighted Egypt's efforts in addressing intellectual property infringements, stating, "Egypt has proved that it is serious about stamping out IP infringements and preventing the export of unlicensed fruit." The Alliance, representing leading table grape breeders, has been instrumental in this regulatory evolution. Discussions with Egyptian officials have focused on setting up a new DNA Laboratory and training for grape DNA fingerprinting, with Macintyre commending CAPQ's stringent measures. The DNA testing regimen will involve a reference database of DNA samples from registered protected varieties, facilitating swift verification of exports' authenticity.
Source: freshproducemea.com