September 10, 2025 | Rti News |
Taiwan’s Agriculture Ministry announced that two lychee varieties, “Colorful Lychee” (Tainong No. 6) and “Early Big” (Tainong No. 7), have received Australian Plant Breeder Rights (PBR), marking a key milestone in international recognition. These join two earlier Taiwanese lychee varieties with PBR status in Australia.
The Taiwan Agricultural Research Institute (TARI), responsible for developing these cultivars, emphasized that securing PBR is critical for legal market entry, long-term success, and research and development. TARI highlighted Australia’s “Pink Lady” apple as a model of how branding and licensing can create significant value for breeders and farmers.
With climate change increasingly affecting lychee production, TARI aims to use variety development strategically, including extending production seasons by coordinating harvests across Northern and Southern hemispheres. This approach not only stabilizes supply but also enhances Taiwan’s global competitiveness in fruit exports.
The ministry confirmed plans to collaborate with the Australian government, academia, and industries to build a comprehensive licensing system, expand international partnerships, and find potential licensees. By doing so, Taiwan hopes to generate added value from its plant varieties domestically and globally, ensuring sustainability and resilience for its lychee industry while strengthening international agricultural ties.
