Scheemda – Brussels, July 4 2019: Vandinter Semo in Scheemda has joined the Brussels-based Breeders Trust as an associate grass seed member as of July 1 2019. Vandinter Semo is specialised in the production and worldwide trade of mainly grass, mustard and fodder radish seeds and fully endorses the importance of fair production and trade and respecting Plant Breeders’ Rights by becoming a member of Breeders Trust.
Breeders Trust was founded in 2008 by six European potato breeding companies to supervise the enforcement of the Plant Breeders’ Rights and to combat against illegal production. In 2012, six European grass seed breeding and trading companies also joined and the field of activity of Breeders Trust was expanded. The idea behind this is that together the breeders can act more forcefully against unfair production and commercial practices adopted by globally operating rogue companies that discredit the entire sector.
Breeders Trust is regularly in the news to raise the issue of infringement of Plant Breeders’ Rights and illegal production and trade but also to promote the importance of the use of certified propagation material.
Bert-Jan van Dinter, director of Vandinter Semo is pleased with the membership with Breeders Trust. ‘We invest a great deal in developing our varieties and testing research and attach great importance to bundling our strengths in the international fight against illegal trade. We are confident that Breeders Trust will be able to represent our interests in a proper manner’, says Mr van Dinter.
Corné van Beers, project manager of Breeders Trust, is also delighted with the arrival of Vandinter Semo as ‘Associate grass seeds member. ‘It confirms to us that we are doing well in the fight against illegal activities in the global seed business. Criminals simply do not stop at national borders so only with a good international network we can achieve things’.
Geert Staring, general director of Breeders Trust concludes: ‘It is nice to see that the Dutch company Vandinter Semo is so ambitious with its international breeding programme which it emphasises as well by entering into membership with the international operating company Breeders Trust’.
