United Beet Seeds reaffirms commitment to innovation and growers via legal dispute
United Beet Seeds is committed to advancing innovation in the sugar beet industry, offering growers cutting-edge solutions and a range of choices to support their success. With over 200 years of combined experience from its founding companies, United Beet Seeds is focused on delivering high-performing beet and chicory varieties and ensuring the future sustainability of the industry.
CEO Lilian Escalon stated, “At United Beet Seeds, we remain dedicated to innovation, integrity, and providing our partners with the freedom of choice and bringing state-of-the art solutions for the sugar beet industry. Our legacy of expertise drives us to support beet and chicory growers, helping them thrive in a changing and challenging market.”
Addressing legal dispute with KWS
United Beet Seeds acknowledges the ongoing legal dispute with KWS over the Cercospora-resistance trait in sugar beet seeds. Despite repeated efforts to resolve the matter constructively, legal proceedings have been initiated to clarify the company’s position and protect its operations. A declaratory judgment has been filed in the United States and in Italy, this is a court ruling that clarifies the legal rights and obligations of parties without awarding damages or injunctions. We are confident this will bring the required clarity on the market. The company remains committed to offering growers alternatives and solutions while ensuring access to essential genetic resources.
“We are focused on maintaining transparency and fairness as we navigate this dispute, and we remain confident in our commitment to the industry,” said Escalon. United Beet Seeds strongly defends the breeder’s exemption, which ensures breeders have access to genetic materials necessary for innovation. Escalon emphasized, “We believe a balanced system between innovation and access to resources is critical for advancing the agricultural industry.”
Commitment to stakeholders and sustainability
The company’s foundation is built on integrity, humility, and a strong commitment to its stakeholders. United Beet Seeds is focused on providing transparent communication and sustainable solutions to its growers, partners, and the agricultural community. “We will continue to lead with integrity, offering tailored solutions that support the success of our growers and partners,” Escalon concluded.
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About United Beet Seeds
United Beet Seeds (UBS) is a joint venture, launched in September 2024, between Groupe Florimond Desprez and DLF Seeds A/S and is specialising in all aspects of sugar beet seed research, production, processing and commercialisation. We leverage our combined strengths, extensive expertise and shared passion to expand opportunities for growers and industry in the global beet and chicory seed markets. UBS has a strong focus on innovation and quality, resulting in high performing and sustainable varieties. Headquartered in Belgium, the company employs over 900 people worldwide.