The University of California, Davis, (UCD) has appointed Global Plant Genetics (GPG) as Master Licence Holder in Australia for new releases from the world-renowned strawberry breeder.
The license agreement is the latest expansion in the partnership between GPG and UC Davis, formed in 2018, which saw GPG become a sublicensee for new strawberry varieties developed by the institution in selection countries within Europe, the Mediterranean and South America.
GPG works with UC Davis researchers, plant nurseries and fruit producers to test the commercial potential of new strawberry varieties.
“We are extremely excited with what we have seen so far of the new Short Day and Day Neutral selections from this program”, said Rupert Hargreaves, Global Plant Genetics.
“The Australian market is focusing on improved flavour, yield and disease resistance so this portfolio of varieties will be exciting for the industry.”
Co-owned by Jamie Petchell and Rupert Hargreaves, GPG specialises in asparagus, berry and grape rootstock crops, offering new varieties and selections for licensing.
During his time as commercial director, Petchell oversaw the growth in export revenue from 10 per cent to 55 per cent of overall company turnover.