The sweet potato is getting more and more of a foothold on the European market, says Pat Fitzgerald, CEO of NativaLand Ireland: "Imports of sweet potato into the European Union continue to increase every year, in recent years there has been an increased focus on Egyptian and South African supply into the EU providing year-round options for European buyers. As we approach the 2025 export season, it is essential for Egyptian suppliers into the EU market to understand the legal status of registered varieties, and for Egypt Nativaland is the authorised contact point in the EU. Sweet potato varieties, just like strawberry, blueberry, apple, and grapes, include varieties that have been developed by breeders and registered for EU plant breeders' rights. These varieties require payment of EU Plant Breeders Rights fees to the breeder before selling on the EU market."
A whitelist is available for buyers to ensure that they are legally buying their protected varieties, Fitzgerald states. "Exporters and importers are legally obliged to ensure that these fees or royalties have been paid to the breeders. In the case of Louisiana State University AgCenter (LSUAC) varieties, these fees are collected by NativaLand Ireland on behalf of LSUAC. Licensing agreements between Nativaland and its authorised licensees for the protected varieties, Bellevue, Evangeline, Orleans and other varieties listed at www.nativaland.com in particular, are issued on an annual basis and in 2025 a whitelist of approved licensees will be available to buyers, showing sellers complying with EU Plant Breeders' Rights (PBR) regulations."
These are busy times for NativaLand, as this is the time where licenses for sweet potato varieties get renewed, he explains: "NativaLand is now in the process of renewing licenses for key sweet potato varieties, which is critical for maintaining smooth and legal operations. Timely renewal is essential to avoid disruptions in the export and import process and ensure continued access to European markets, which are highly regulated and demand strict compliance."
Fitzgerald emphasizes that failure to renew the licenses could lead to shipment confiscations, among other restrictions. "Maintaining an active and updated license is not merely a legal obligation, it is a vital strategic move for the long-term success of any business exporting into the EU. A valid license grants exporters into the EU continuous market access, allowing their shipments to clear customs without encountering legal importation obstacles or delays. Failure to renew the license on time could result in consequences, such as shipment confiscation, substantial fines under EU Plant Breeders' rights law, and potential restrictions on trade movement in the European Union. Beyond ensuring compliance with legal requirements, renewing the license provides exporters with continued access to new premium sweet potato varieties. These varieties are in high demand in the European market, and having a license to export them guarantees that exporters can meet European market standards and specific requirements, giving them a competitive edge."
"We kindly request exporters to provide detailed information about their production and export plans for the 2025 season. This includes data on the total cultivated area dedicated to each licensed variety and the estimated export volume for the upcoming season. Having this information will allow us to proceed with the renewal efficiently and ensure that you are fully prepared for the 2025 season, preventing delays or complications. We recommend submitting this information as soon as possible to avoid any last-minute issues. Timely submission helps ensure the smooth continuation of your business operations without interruption."
"We are eager to assist with licensing renewals and ensure a successful 2025 export season for sweet potatoes. Renewing your licensing agreement on time is crucial to maintaining your competitive edge in the European market and sustaining your business growth. We look forward to working with importers in the EU and exporters in Egypt to make the renewal process as seamless as possible," Fitzgerald concludes.
For more information:
Pat Fitzgerald
NativaLand
Mob: +353 87 260 3473
Email: [email protected]
www.nativaland.com