Shikmim, Israel
November 12, 2008
In a widespread, first of its kind
operation conducted over the past few days, hundreds of tons of
wheat seeds, that were offered for sale as
Hazera Genetics' Galil
variety seeds, were confiscated.
Hazera Genetics company, considered Israel's leading seed
developer and distributor, developed the Galil wheat seed
through a process of breeding over many years, and was
registered as the owner of the variety's cultivation rights. The
company began to receive multiple reports indicating a wide
ranging phenomenon in Israel - the existence of a parallel
market for the unauthorized sale of Galil variety seeds.
Hazera Genetics, using a private investigation firm, tracked
various parties in the wheat growing and marketing sector who
were allegedly involved in this illegal market. Based on the
evidence collected, Hazera Genetics submitted, via attorney
Gilad Waxman of the Herzog, Fox & Neeman law office, to the
Petach Tikva District Court, an application for a seizure order
for wheat seeds, as well as an injunction against the holders of
the wheat seeds prohibiting their sale or distribution. The
court granted the order and a hearing will be held in several
days, in the presence of both parties.
It is hypothesized that these are seeds that were bred
illegally, in order to sell them as seeds for replanting at
prices that are significantly lower than the prices of
legitimate wheat seeds. This constitutes a violation of Hazera
Genetics' rights and an illegal act. As said, over the past two
days, raids were conducted and seeds suspected of being
unauthorized were seized, under the supervision of attorney Dror
Yehudai who was appointed for this purpose by the Court.
Hazera Genetics is one of the world's leading companies in
the field of breeding, production and marketing of hybrid seeds
for vegetables and field crops, specializing in advanced
bio-technological research and development, worldwide
distribution and agro-technical support. The company,
established seven decades ago, is constantly developing new
products that address market demands, including improved health
and nutritional benefits, quality, especially high yields, year
round availability, resistance to diseases and longer shelf
life. |
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