Dec.
11, 2009 – Tens of thousands of New Guinea impatiens cuttings that had been
propagated without permission were discovered earlier this year by the Canadian
Ornamental Plant Foundation (COPF).
Dec.
11, 2009 – Tens of thousands of New Guinea impatiens cuttings that had been
propagated without permission were discovered earlier this year by the Canadian
Ornamental Plant Foundation (COPF). The Most-Effective Monitoring
Program™, started by COPF in 2007, conducts monitoring visits to growers within
a specific time frame based on the shipping date and plant format.
Several
Canadian growers were fined for illegal propagation, including one Ontario
grower who had 70,000 “extra” cuttings. The result is that this grower has
stopped the illegal propagation and placed a significant cutting order with a
participating breeding company for this season. The value of the order is
higher than the cost to the breeder for two years of the monitoring program.
“The
goal of this program is to ensure a level playing field. We believe this is how
our industry will develop strong and equitable market prices. When you play the
right way, it’s a win-win all around,” says COPF president Philip Thompson.
Greenhouse
growers are reminded that many annuals are not allowed to be propagated without
permission, even sticking tip cuttings. The best way to keep informed on what
you can and cannot propagate is to be a member of COPF® in Canada or
Plant Watch® in the U.S. For as little as $25 per year, you can be
well informed and avoid fines for illegal cuttings.
Established
in 1964, COPF is a non-profit organization operating “to provide
effective solutions in the management of propagation rights to growers and
breeders for the benefit of the horticulture industry.”
For more information on the Most-Effective Monitoring Program™,
go to www.copf.org, and click on “News.”
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