Registration follows successful launch of its Laos blueberry farm earlier this year
Costa’s international berry operations have reached another significant milestone after successfully registering patents for five new blueberry varieties in Laos.
This occasion was marked by a Certificate Handover Ceremony at the Ministry of Industry and Commerce on 9 September.
Attending the event were Kikeo Singnavong, deputy minister of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, and Manothong Vongxay, the deputy minister of the Ministry of Industry and Commerce.
The Certificates of Registration were presented to Costa Berry Laos general manager, Martin Glenister, by director general of the Laos Department of Intellectual Property Xaysomphet Norasingh.
Xaysomphet highlighted that the certificates were a testament to the hard work and achievements of researchers, analysts, and plant breeders in advancing Laos’ socio-economic development.
In March this year, Costa officially launched its blueberry farm in Paksong, on the Bolaven Plateau in Laos. The initial farm is 17ha, with plans to expand to 200ha over the next five years.
Costa is recognised as both a global leading blueberry grower and developer of unique blueberry varieties, through its blueberry variety improvement programme, which has now been successfully operating for 30 years.
Costa has been able to develop blueberry varieties and agronomic practices that are suitable for growing blueberries in the southern and northern hemisphere, including in temperate and sub-tropical climates, which can be grown under protective cover and out of the soil in substrate.
Costa varieties are licenced in regions including North and South America, Africa, Asia and Australia.
Xaysomphet said its recognition in Laos not only affirms legal rights but also encourages researchers and breeders to acknowledge the significance of registering new plant varieties, inspiring them to continue producing innovative research in the future.
“This registration will enhance production quality, increase income for rights holders, and contribute to national food security,” he said.
