‘Illegal propagation increasingly serious problem in Ecuador’

Ecuador-based breeder Plantec, together with customs authorities in various European locations, intercepted shipments of Ecuadorian roses destined for Interplant Roses, Kordes Rosen and Rosen Tantau for which no royalties had been paid. Avi Krell of Plantec reports that illegal propagation is an increasingly serious problem in Ecuador.

Please tell us about the actions taken.

“A month ago, together with customs authorities in Europe, we stopped shipments from Ecuador containing roses from three breeders. The roses were destroyed. We did the same thing again ten days ago. We will continue these actions until Valentine's Day, including the UK and the US. These actions are in the interest of the breeders and growers who do pay royalties. We want to achieve a level playing field for growers.”