Spanish raspberry production is set for a boost after growers struck a deal with a British plant breeder.
With legal action hanging over their heads, the largest growers have agreed to stop illegally propagating plants developed by Dundee-based Mylnefield Research Services. Many had not bought new plants since the mid-1990s, costing MRS hundreds of thousands a year in royalties.
Now MRS is working with Eurosemillas, which supplies 80% of the Spanish raspberry growers who ship to the UK in the winter and spring. They will get clean stock, raising the quality, and start paying royalties again. "UK supermarkets took a very responsible attitude by only offering buying programmes to those growers who had paid for their plants," said MD Nigel Kerby. "Now they can start picking up their industry."
Spain would now be able to benefit from Glen Doll, he added, which has longer shelf-life and later fruiting.
With legal action hanging over their heads, the largest growers have agreed to stop illegally propagating plants developed by Dundee-based Mylnefield Research Services. Many had not bought new plants since the mid-1990s, costing MRS hundreds of thousands a year in royalties.
Now MRS is working with Eurosemillas, which supplies 80% of the Spanish raspberry growers who ship to the UK in the winter and spring. They will get clean stock, raising the quality, and start paying royalties again. "UK supermarkets took a very responsible attitude by only offering buying programmes to those growers who had paid for their plants," said MD Nigel Kerby. "Now they can start picking up their industry."
Spain would now be able to benefit from Glen Doll, he added, which has longer shelf-life and later fruiting.
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