NativaLand is the exclusive licensing partner in Europe for LSU-developed sweet potato varieties such as Bellevue, Evangeline, Orleans, and Burgundy. These premium varieties are protected under Plant Breeders' Rights (PBR), which means that they cannot be propagated, distributed, or exported without a valid license. "By managing licensing and compliance, we protect the rights of breeders while ensuring that Egyptian exporters can access European markets legally and sustainably. We also work closely with our appointed representatives in Egypt to provide exporters with clear licensing frameworks and to publish annual whitelists that guarantee transparency for importers and inspection," says Pat Fitzgerald, CEO of NativaLand.
© NativaLand Ireland
According to Fitzgerald, Egypt has rapidly grown into one of Europe's leading suppliers of sweet potatoes, with strong demand across the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany. "Much of this growth has been driven by high-value varieties like Bellevue, which are increasingly preferred by retailers and consumers. Yet, with this success comes greater responsibility. Unauthorized use or export of protected varieties carries serious risks. European Union authorities strictly enforce PBR regulations, and non-compliance can result in seized shipments, heavy financial penalties, legal disputes, and long-term damage."
To safeguard the sector, Egyptian exporters of protected varieties must be Whitelisted, as mentioned on the website of NativaLand. It includes only authorized Egyptian exporters of the subject sweet potato varieties. "NativaLand's role in this process is crucial," Fitzgerald explains. "By enforcing compliance and managing the whitelist, the company provides structure and stability to Egypt's fast-growing sweet potato industry. This system not only protects breeders' rights but also ensures that Egyptian exporters maintain their hard-earned reputation as reliable and responsible suppliers."
Fitzgerald states that the future of Egypt's sweet potato exports depends on collective responsibility and adherence to this legal framework. "Compliance is not optional; it's the foundation for sustainable growth, secure trade, and continued access to Europe's most valuable markets. By working through authorized and whitelisted exporters under the oversight of NativaLand, Egypt can continue to build on its success and ensure that premium varieties like Bellevue, Evangeline, Orleans, and Burgundy reach European consumers."
"Therefore, we strongly urge all importers in Europe to verify the licensing status of their Egyptian suppliers before confirming any shipments. Likewise, Egyptian exporters who intend to ship sweet potato varieties protected by Plant Breeders' Rights must immediately engage with NativaLand to initiate or renew their licenses and secure their position on the official whitelist," Fitzgerald concludes.
For more information:
Pat Fitzgerald
NativaLand
Mob: +353 87 260 3473
Email: [email protected]
www.nativaland.com