Genesis Fresh and The Enforcement Organization (TEO) remind the sector that the grace period for illegal Sigal plantations that was publicly announced in December 2024 ends on May 1, 2025. Both entities have committed not to take legal action against unauthorized producers during this phase, but they continue to detect and monitor unauthorized Sigal-protected mandarin farms. This period has allowed producers to regularize their situation without facing legal consequences. Starting May 1, a rigorous legal action plan will be implemented to protect plant breeders' rights and safeguard the investments of duly licensed producers.
© Genesis Fresh
TEO deploys its full capacity and experience to defend Sigal
TEO, which has a long history of defending plant breeders' rights and has successfully protected the Orri mandarin, will launch on May 1 the operation to safeguard the legitimate rights of the Sigal mandarin. Sigal is a protected plant variety according to the title granted by the Community Plant Variety Office (CPVO) until December 31, 2054. To this end, TEO possesses all the necessary capabilities, tools, and control systems to preserve plant breeders' rights and protect growers who have legitimately acquired Sigal licenses. This includes implementing the latest varietal identification through molecular marker technologies, endorsed by the esteemed Valencian Institute for Agricultural Research (IVIA). This technology enables them to unequivocally identify the Sigal variety from any other mandarin on the market. Additionally, TEO utilizes advanced satellite vision systems for monitoring farms and has an extensive network of field auditors and informers, who have been provided with the WatchSAT geolocation software tool to easily report the exact location of unauthorized farms. They also have a legal team highly specialized in plant intellectual property, with proven experience in this type of legal action.
© Genesis Fresh
Detailed registration of unauthorized plantations
The systematic detection, monitoring, and comprehensive analysis carried out over the last few years have allowed Genesis Fresh and TEO to have a detailed record of the more than 30 farms growing the Sigal variety in approximately 135 hectares with no license to do so. This record is based on detailed expert reports, annual production records, and genetic analyses that unequivocally confirm varietal identity. The farms identified are geographically distributed throughout the country's citrus-growing areas, with the Valencian Community having the largest number of illegal farms and Andalusia having the largest surface area.
Unlicensed producers are not only violating the current legislation on plant variety protection and plant breeders' rights but also pose unfair competition to duly licensed producers.
Producers who persist in the illegal exploitation of Sigal will face the same legal and economic consequences that have already been applied in previous campaigns with other protected varieties. This includes substantial financial compensation, the forced uprooting of illegal plantations, and the publication in the press of convictions at the offender's expense. Infringement of the breeder's intellectual property rights is a serious crime with significant legal and financial implications.
© Genesis Fresh
The licensing process remains open until the planting target is reached
Although the grace period ends on May 1, Sigal's process of granting new licenses continues until the 1,000-hectare target is met.
Sigal, developed by the Volcani Institute (Israel), is a new reference in the premium mandarin varietal catalog. It is an intense orange and reddish-colored mandarin that does not require degreening. This easy-peeling variety offers excellent flavor and high juice content. The vast majority of the fruits it produces are seedless. Additionally, it has strong commercial acceptance and genetic resistance to Alternaria. Its harvest season spans from December to February, covering a critical period in the Spanish citrus season and providing a far superior alternative to traditional varieties available during the same timeframe.
The Volcani Project, promoted by Genesis Fresh and TEO, aims to transform the citrus sector's varietal model by investing in sustainable, innovative varieties with full legal backing. Complying with regulations is not just a legal obligation; it is a vital condition for maintaining the value of innovation and ensuring the future of the entire supply chain.
For more information:
Patricia Sagarmínaga
AMFRESH Group
Tel: +34 669161941
Email: patricia.sagarminaga@amfresh.com
www.amfresh.com