Farmer, marketer at odds over sales of white nectarines

5 hours ago

California farmer Cesar Mora gives away over 100,000 pounds of nectarines due to a legal dispute preventing him from selling them.
The lawsuit involves Giumarra Brothers Fruit Co., which claims exclusive rights to the 'Monalise' white nectarine variety, alleging Mora breached contracts by selling to other packers.
Fruit patents are increasingly common, allowing breeders to collect royalties, exemplified by past cases like the SweeTango apple.
Mora accuses Giumarra of unfair practices, including discarding fruit and violating contract terms by selling to Taiwan, while Giumarra disputes these claims.
The legal battle has cost Mora a quarter of his income and highlights tensions between farmers and companies over plant variety rights and contracts.
Despite the dispute, Mora's free nectarines have attracted thousands of visitors, raising over $17,000 in donations and community support.

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