News

GERBERAS SEIZED - Article in Flower TECH Vol 10, #3, 2007

"The Netherlands - At the request of Dutch gerbera breeder Florist DE Kwakel BV the customs authorities Amsterdam's Schiphol airport security recently confiscated a shipment of gerberas from Israel. The Florist gerbera varieties in question are protected both in Israel and in the EU under the European Plant Breeders' rights. Florist De Kwakel BV acted to protect growers who legally export to the Netherlands and to protect its rights of ownership. A group of Israeli growers had been cultivating gerberas without observing Plant Breeders' rights and will now be confronted with the legal recourse."

This case is a typical example of action that can be taken.   

By the use of the RAI (Royalty Administration International) Breeders' have an independent policing body to help take care of these types of issues.   Key points of the RAI facility are:

-       Collating annual royalty reports 

Florist De Kwakel BV has been proactive in insuring themselves with the necessary means of policing their protected varieties and keeping them protected for the benefit of their own growers and themselves.