In an effort to develop, commercialize and promote new tree fruit varieties, the Associated International Group of Nurseries (AIGN®) was established in the 1980s. "With members located all over the globe, we want to create a great consumer experience, ensuring the best long-term return to the variety owners and stakeholders," says Kevin Brandt with Brandt's Fruit Trees, North America member of AIGN®.
AIGN annual member meeting in France in 2024.
Emerging countries
AIGN members are spread throughout different growing climates of the world with some participating in citrus, some in nuts and others in apples, pears, stone fruit, or cherries. The organization is being represented by 12 members that are based in Argentina, Chile, North America (the U.S., Canada and Mexico), the EU, South Africa, South Korea, New Zealand, and Australia. China, India, and Turkey are the most recent additions. "We want to capitalize on the opportunities in these emerging countries and want to do our part in protecting the varieties on behalf of the breeders," Brandt shared.
Taking Turkey as an example, AIGN doesn't have an established connection with the Muslim community. However, it's an important and growing demographic. "Bringing on a Turkish partner not only gives us access to growers and consumers in the Muslim community, but also adds new varieties to our portfolio," shared Brandt. "Our Turkish partner owns their own breeding program and is currently breeding fire blight tolerant pears, which we can share throughout the world." In addition to pears, cherries and apples are offered. Also, a new license was obtained from Vineland Research and Innovation Center out of Canada for apricots. "This is an opportunity AIGN's member in Turkey would like to explore," Brandt commented.
In China, the main focus is on cherries and apples while in India, it is a little bit of everything. India has a lot of different growing districts and is currently in the process of exploring which tree fruit varieties perform best in the different districts. "Tree fruit production in India offers a big opportunity and we are trying many different varieties," added Brandt.
Apricot variety from Vineland Research and Innovation Center.
Respecting intellectual property
Opportunities with potential new members continue to present themselves. At last week's Fruit Logistica event in Berlin, AIGN had a meeting with a company from Azerbaijan. "We've never worked in the region, but we want to look at all possibilities throughout the world. The first conversation was positive as they are very interested in proprietary selections and are very respectful of intellectual property, which is of key importance to us. We are looking for partners who will go above and beyond to protect the selections and do what's right."
The protection of intellectual property, trademarks, and showing respect for the varieties have changed since AIGN was established four decades ago. "At AIGN, we are experts in the protection of intellectual property and help our members navigate the complex process of keeping their investment secure." Just recently, AIGN's member in China had to take action with the courts to invalidate trademarks. The trademark was taken out and the other party took possession of it. "Fortunately, we were successful and won the case, but it is very time consuming. On a positive note, however, mentality for the respect of intellectual property is changing, also in emerging countries like China. There have been cases where growers had to pull their trees as they were found to be infringing on somebody else's property."
John Morton, co-owner of SVM and AIGN's Chinese partner, is standing in a newly planted field in China.
For more information:
Kevin Brandt
Brandt's Fruit Trees
Tel: (+1) 509-248-4315
kevin@brandtsfruittrees.com
www.aign.org