Adhering to licensing is a very important factor for the sweet potato industry, which is why NativaLand works hard to offer access to these popular, licensed varieties, says Pat Fitzgerald: "We're dedicated to empowering farmers across Europe and other regions to improve the productivity, quality, and diversity of their sweet potato crops. Through our exclusive access to some of the best-licensed sweet potato varieties globally, developed by the renowned Louisiana State University (LSU) in the USA, we provide farmers with top-tier varieties such as Bellevue, Orleans, Evangeline, Evangeline, Vermillion and Burgundy. These varieties are supported by our robust clean stock program, ensuring sustainable and high-quality production."
It's not just a fact of protecting the growers, but also to help the importers and exporters of these varieties to ensure their product gets to its destination without any EU customs and excise inspection issues, Fitzgerald explains. "As part of our mission, we strive to raise awareness about the legal requirements for importation and resale of our protected varieties. There is a critical issue for Egyptian exporters: the need for proper licensing to avoid legal complications for importers and ensure the smooth entry of sweet potato varieties, like Bellevue, into the European Union."
The EU enforces strict laws to protect plant breeders' intellectual property, including the Plant Breeders' Rights (PBR), Fitzgerald explains: "There are laws which safeguard the intellectual property of sweet potato varieties, like Bellevue, ensuring that breeders are compensated for their work. Exporting a protected variety without proper licensing violates these rights and exposes shipments to significant risks, including confiscation of goods at the destination, heavy fines or legal penalties, damage to ones' business reputation or even potential trade bans in the EU market."
According to Fitzgerald, licensing isn't just a legal requirement, it's also a testament to an exporter's commitment to sustainable and transparent trade. "Proper licensing allows exporters to protect their business from potential legal repercussions, enhance their market credibility with European buyers and partners as well as build long-term cooperation with organizations, like NativaLand and other global clients. For Egyptian exporters, complying with these legal requirements is not only mandatory, but also a strategic move to secure and grow their market presence in Europe."
Fitzgerald states that NativaLand can help local European producers and Egyptian exporters on their way to legal and fair sweet potato exports to the European market: "We are keen to establish cooperative relationships with Egyptian exporters, to ensure that sweet potato exports are legally secured, respectful to our local European licensees and successful for everyone in the value chain. For example, the Bellevue variety, which is gaining popularity, is protected by PBR in the EU. To export Bellevue legally, Egyptian exporters into EU must obtain a license."
"To ensure your sweet potato exports, especially Bellevue, comply with EU regulations, we encourage you to start the licensing process as soon as possible, as not all producers and exporters will be granted a license. We're delighted to collaborate with reputable Egyptian exporters like Belco, Dakahlia, Green Egypt, Agro Green, Agricana, and Al Bostaneya and other players. At NativaLand, we're here to guide you through every step of this process along with our agent in Egypt 'MABA'. We encourage you to be included into the whitelist of sweet potato varieties and export legally to EU," Fitzgerald continues.
Risks of non-compliance
Without the proper licensing, shipments face a high risk of being stopped or confiscated upon arrival in the EU. Such incidents can cause financial losses, disrupt supply chains, and tarnish an exporter's reputation in competitive European markets, Fitzgerald emphasizes: "By securing licensing, you not only protect your business from legal risks but also demonstrate a commitment to ethical and transparent trade practices. This builds trust with EU buyers and opens doors to long-term partnerships and market growth. NativaLand is here to be your trusted partner in navigating the complexities of exporting sweet potatoes to Europe. By working together, we can ensure that your exports comply with all legal requirements, allowing you to focus on delivering high-quality products to the market. Don't let licensing barriers hinder your success. Contact us to start the licensing process and join the ranks of trusted exporters contributing to the global sweet potato industry," he concludes.
For more information:
Pat Fitzgerald
NativaLand
Email: [email protected]
www.nativaland.com