T&G Global welcomes the Government’s proposed amendments to the Plant Variety Rights (PVR) Act 2022.
T&G Global CEO, Gareth Edgecombe, says the changes will strengthen the horticulture sector’s ability to compete globally and return increased value to New Zealand.
“New Zealand has an enviable global reputation for innovating and developing some of the world’s best plant varieties and growing them into high-value, global premium brands, like T&G’s billion-dollar ENVY™ apple,” says Gareth.
“It takes significant investment and time to create and commercialise new plant varieties.
“Our premium ENVY™ branded apple, which is the Scilate variety, took 20 years of breeding and testing, followed by years of investment by T&G in building an integrated end-to-end value chain and premium global brand. Within this, our network of growers has invested considerably in plantings and building highly productive commercial orchards. Protecting this investment through a strong IP protection regime is essential.
“The Government’s amendments will strengthen the PVR framework and provide New Zealand’s horticulture sector with further confidence to invest in the development of innovative new varieties, expand orchards and businesses, grow exports, and deliver value back to New Zealand’s breeders, research partners, growers, regional communities and economy.
“On behalf of T&G, we thank the Government for their engagement with the sector on this important piece of legislation and we look forward to supporting it as it moves through the Parliamentary process.”
Notes:
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- T&G ENVY™ apple brand surpassed NZD $1 billion in global retail sales this year
- The Government’s proposed amendments to the Plant Variety Rights Act can be found here
