Dr Mohammed Mansi, head of the Egyptian Central Administration of Plant Quarantine (CAPQ), recently received Duncan Macintyre, president of The Breeders Alliance, together with representatives of the leading table grape breeding companies, at a meeting.
During the meeting, the two sides acknowledged the importance of grapes as a strategic export crop, especially in light of the increasing demand for Egyptian grapes and the opening of new markets.
© BloomFreshDuring the meeting, the two sides acknowledged the importance of grapes as a strategic export crop.
In recent years, the breeders have introduced many new varieties of high-performance table grapes to Egypt, which are now being successfully cultivated by Egyptian growers. These new varieties offer enhancements such as improved productivity and quality, disease resistance, flavor, and texture – all the attributes demanded by today's international markets.
All these new varieties are protected under the Egyptian Plant Variety Rights legislation, and once again, the CAPQ has confirmed its intention to revoke the export codes from any farms or exporters who violate these rights.
Both sides agreed that it was far better to prevent the export from Egypt of illegal fruit rather than to intercept it at the destination market. Nevertheless, Macintyre confirmed that The Breeders' Alliance will increase its market surveillance activities and also that it will work closely with customs authorities in Europe and the UK to prevent the importation of illegal fruit.
The system of export coding is administered by CAPQ under a decree by His Excellency the Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation. CAPQ staff will take samples from farms that are suspected of producing these new varieties without a valid license from the breeders. These samples will be DNA tested at the newly established CAPQ laboratory.
© BloomFreshBoth sides agreed that it was far better to prevent the export from Egypt of illegal fruit rather than to intercept it at the destination market.
The delegation also visited the laboratory, situated at Cairo International Airport, and spent some time discussing DNA testing technology with the CAPQ lab staff.
During the visit, it was agreed that The Breeders Alliance would facilitate further training for the laboratory staff on both the genetic and morphological characteristics of the new varieties.
"The Breeders Alliance applauds the CAPQ and the Egyptian authorities in general for their positive and proactive action to uphold breeders' rights," said Macintyre. "This will guarantee that Egypt continues to be a very favorable country for the breeders to promote their new varieties. The approach taken by Egypt to protect these intellectual property rights is a great example to other countries."
For more information:
Marie-Anne de Béjarry
Bloom Fresh
communications@bloomfreshglobal.com
www.bloomfreshglobal.com