The Australian Nurserymen’s Fruit Improvement Company ( ANFIC ) has undertaken the removal of certain rootstocks from one of its sub-licensed nurseries following the identification of serious breaches of the sub-license agreement.

These breaches involved the unauthorised propagation and offer for sale of ANFIC managed and plant breeder’s rights (PBR) protected rootstocks to third-party growers outside the approved distribution framework.

The company says the action taken reflects ANFIC’s continuing commitment to upholding its licensing conditions, maintaining integrity across the propagation network, and protecting the intellectual property of plant breeders.

The rootstock material removed will be accounted for and managed in accordance with ANFIC’s biosecurity and compliance protocols.

ANFIC says it is working closely with industry partners to ensure continuity of supply to growers through compliant, sublicensed nurseries.

Growers are reminded the sale, propagation, or marketing of ANFIC-managed or PBR-protected plant material without a current license constitutes a breach of Australian intellectual property law, and may result in civil or criminal enforcement action.

Further details at info@anfic.com.au or www.anfic.com.au