Thanks to the combined efforts of Plant Research International and the Dutch bulb growers association, Irivetta, a million illegal iris bulbs of the Casablanca variety have been taken out of circulation. On 27 February, 2002, a start was made with destroying these bulbs at the BolleNoord Agrarian Business Centre in 't Zand, The Netherlands. The trade value of the whole batch is estimated to be some 50,000 euros.
The bulbs, which were being traded without permission from the owner of the variety, Plant Research International, were confiscated last November. Although they were being traded under a false name, the identity of this white flowering variety was easy to establish.
The Plant Breeders Rights for the Casablanca variety are owned by Plant Research International and it can only be grown and traded under license by Irivetta. Growers associations protect the interests of cultivators and consumers alike by preventing a surplus appearing on the market. With the destruction of this batch of illegal bulbs, Plant Research International and Irivetta have avoided potential market disruption.
To prevent illegal production and black market trading in the future, Plant Research International and Irivetta have agreed to further intensify their joint efforts with regard to inspections and other activities.
List of press releases for 2002