Hortgro’s principled stance on IP rights

The ongoing dispute in the blueberry industry relating to intellectual property (IP) and related Plant Breeders’ Rights (PBR), is noted with concern. This is a private commercial matter and should be handled as such.

Given the potential negative impact on other industries with regard to continued access to the latest global genetics and plant material by the South African fruit industries, Hortgro was requested to express its principled stance on IP and related PBR as such material forms the backbone of our continued relevant and internationally competitive industry.

Therefore, the negative impact such public disputes could have on the broader standing of South Africa as a respected and trustworthy global partner is being regretted.

Hortgro wishes to state its stance on IP and related PBR as follows:

• Re-confirm its principled support to and recognition of international conventions and legislation which guides all matters relating to the protection of IP/PBR;
• Assure international breeders, owners and license holders that the South African Pome and Stone fruit industries fully subscribes to and respects IP and related PBR aligned with conventions and legislation;
• Respects the right to control and regulate the marketing and trading conditions of produce, including the charging of royalties, on condition that such arrangements are fair, clear and formally agreed to prior to the planting of related plant material;
• Encourage South African producers and other industry stakeholders to continue to respect and comply with legal agreements and international convention governing IP and related issues; and for
• Global IP/PBR owners to continue to trust the South African industry that it will respect their rights and welcomes the continued access to the latest technology, genetics, innovation and plant material available from global sources.

*Hortgro is the national umbrella commodity body for the South African pome (apple and pear) and stone fruit (plum/prune, peach/nectarine, apricot and cherry) industries.

For queries: Nicholas Dicey (Chairman – ndicey@laplaisante.co.za / 083 235 7235) or Anton Rabe (Executive Director – anton@hortgro.co.za / 083 453 3422)