Respecting licensing requirements is crucial in the industry of sweet potatoes this is the reason NativaLand strives to provide access to these well-known, licensed varieties, according to Pat Fitzgerald: “We’re dedicated to helping farmers throughout Europe as well as other regions to boost the production of their crops, as well as quality and variety in their sweet potato harvests. We have access to the most licensed sweet potato varieties around the world, developed by world-renowned Louisiana State University (LSU) in the USA We provide farmers with premium varieties like Bellevue, Orleans, Evangeline, Evangeline, Vermillion and Burgundy. The varieties we offer are backed with our robust Clean Stock Program, which ensures an environmentally sustainable, high-quality and long-lasting production.”

It’s more than a matter that protects growers it also helps those who import and export the varieties in ensuring that the product reaches its final destination with no EU customs or excise problems, Fitzgerald explains. “As part of our work We strive to create consciousness about the laws that govern export and resale of our varieties that are protected. It is an important issue that is of particular importance to Egyptian exporters: that is the requirement for proper licenses to prevent problems with importers’ legal requirements and make sure that the entry is smooth for sweet potato varieties like Bellevue in the European Union.”

The EU has strict regulations to safeguard intellectual property rights of breeders which includes the Plant Breeders’ Rights (PBR), Fitzgerald explains: “There are laws in place to protect the intellectual property rights of varieties of sweet potatoes, such as Bellevue and ensure that breeders get paid for their efforts. Exporting protected varieties without the proper license violates the rights of breeders and can expose shipments to substantial risks, which include confiscation of the goods at point of delivery, severe penalty fines, legal sanctions as well as damage to one’s brand’s reputation, and even trade restrictions in an EU marketplace.”

According to Fitzgerald that licensing is more than an obligation under the law, but additionally a testimony to an exporter’s determination to sustain and fair trade. “Proper licensing permits exporters to shield their businesses from possible legal consequences and increase their credibility to European clients and suppliers and also establish relationships with companies such as NativaLand and other clients from around the world. To Egyptian exporters, conforming to the legal requirements isn’t just mandatory, it’s as well a smart move in order to increase their position throughout Europe.”

Fitzgerald says Fitzgerald states that NativaLand will assist local European producers as well as Egyptian exporters get towards fair and legal sweet potato exports towards the European market “We would like to develop partnerships with Egyptian exporters in order to make sure the sweet potato exports legally protected, respectful towards our local European licensees and profitable to everyone involved within the value chain. As an example for example, the Bellevue variety has been gaining momentum and is protected under PBR within the EU. In order to export Bellevue legally, Egyptian exporters into EU require a permit.”

“To make sure that your exports of sweet potato and especially Bellevue are in compliance with EU guidelines, we recommend you to begin the licensing process as quickly as is possible since not all growers or exporters are granted the right to operate under a licence. We’re thrilled to work with well-known Egyptian exporters, such as Belco, Dakahlia, Green Egypt, Agro Green, Agricana as well as Al Bostaneya and other players. Here at NativaLand We’re ready to assist you in every aspect of this process with our representative in Egypt “MABA”. We urge you to get added to the whitelist of sweet potato varieties, and to export in a legal manner to the EU,” Fitzgerald continues.

Risques of not complying

In the absence of a valid license trade shipments are at a greater risk of being stopped or confiscated. possibility of being turned back or confiscated at the point of entry into the EU. These incidents could result in economic losses, cause disruption to supply chains and damage the reputation of exporters in highly competitive European market. Fitzgerald states “By having a licence that you do not just protect your company from legal risk as well as demonstrate your dedication to transparent and ethical trading methods. This helps build confidence with EU buyers, and can open the doors for long-term relationships as well as market expansion. NativaLand will serve as your trustworthy partner when it comes to navigating the complex process of importing sweet potato products to Europe. Through collaboration to ensure your products meet the legal requirements and allow the focus to be on delivering top-quality goods to consumers. Don’t let licensing barriers hinder your success. Contact us today to begin the process of obtaining a license and join the elite group of exporters that contribute to the worldwide sweet potato industry.” the author concluding.

More details:

Pat Fitzgerald

NativaLand

Email: [email protected]

www.nativaland.com