Arrested in Lleida for growing protected nectarines without authorization

A seemingly innocent plantation turns into a court case for industrial property infringement

In June 2025, a man was arrested in Lleida after it was discovered that he was growing nectarines without complying with industrial property regulations. What began as a common agricultural project ended up generating a legal process that points to crimes against the property of protected plant varieties.

The investigation began in February 2025, when the Civil Guard began control work on a plantation located in the Segri region. Inspections revealed that the nectarines grown matched the protected variety “Nectadiva”, owned by the French company Agreo Selections Fruit.

Officers located three plots with a total of 5,000 trees. According to the authorities, the trees had been treated using grafting and vegetative multiplication techniques without the permission of the patent holders, violating current legislation on industrial and plant property.

After his arrest and statement, the man was released. However, he faces a fine of around 288,000 euros and a possible sentence of between one and three years in prison. This case shows the legal complexity surrounding the unauthorized reproduction of protected plant varieties, as well as the surveillance exercised by the Spanish authorities over agricultural production.

The procedure carried out by the Civil Guard included taking samples of the trees and their genetic analysis. The results confirmed that the DNA of the nectarines matched exactly with the “Nectadiva” variety, which supported the accusation of industrial property infringement.

The illegal cultivation of protected plant varieties not only has legal implications, but also economic and commercial ones. Unauthorized reproduction can affect the rights of patent holders and compromise the market for agricultural products, especially those that are distinguished by their quality and certification.

The case has generated debate in the agricultural community about the importance of respecting plant patents and the need to obtain licenses for the reproduction of protected varieties. In addition, it highlights the control work of the authorities to guarantee that production complies with current regulations.

Experts point out that the multiplication of fruit trees by grafting is a common practice, but must be carried out with authorization if the variety is protected. Violation can result in significant financial penalties and, in some cases, prison sentences.

The detainee has indicated that he was unaware of the protection of the variety and that his intention was only to market nectarines in local markets. However, the law establishes that ignorance does not exempt from liability when it comes to plant patents.

The French company Agreo Selections Fruit has expressed its satisfaction with the intervention of the Civil Guard, stressing that protecting its varieties is essential to maintain innovation and quality in fruit production.

The Lleida case serves as a warning for farmers and companies that want to reproduce plant varieties without the corresponding permit. The authorities have made it clear that any reproduction, sale or commercialization of protected plants without authorization will be legally prosecuted.

Currently, the Plant Varieties Law protects both the intellectual property of developers of new species and the right to commercial exploitation. This legal framework seeks to promote agricultural research and ensure that producers can benefit from its developments.

The judicial process remains open and is expected to serve as a reference in future cases of unauthorized reproduction of plant varieties. Specialists remind that farmers should find out about the necessary licenses before planting new protected varieties.

The investigation has highlighted the collaboration between local authorities and companies that own plant varieties, a joint effort to prevent fraud and ensure the traceability of products in the market.

The fine and possible prison sentence show the seriousness with which Spanish legislation treats industrial property infringements in the agricultural field. Cases of this type are rare, but their legal and economic impact is significant.

The case has sparked interest in media specialized in agriculture and law, generating debates about the protection of plant patents and ethics in food production.

The authorities recommend that farmers consult with legal experts and official organizations before starting to grow protected varieties, to avoid sanctions and judicial problems.

In summary, the arrest in Lleida highlights the importance of legality in the reproduction of plant varieties and the role of the Civil Guard in monitoring agricultural industrial property. History serves as a lesson about the risks of ignoring current regulations.

FAQ

Why was the farmer arrested in Lleida?: He was arrested for growing nectarines of the protected variety “Nectadiva” without authorization, which constitutes a crime against industrial property.
What is a protected plant variety?: It is a species of plant whose cultivation and reproduction are legally protected by patents, preventing its reproduction without the permission of the owner.
How many trees were involved in the violation?: Three plots were found with a total of 5,000 trees grown without authorization.
What sanctions does the detainee face?: You could receive a fine of approximately 288,000 euros and a prison sentence of one to three years.
What is the company that owns the variety?: The French company Agreo Selections Fruit holds the patent for the “Nectadiva” nectarine.
What techniques were used to reproduce the trees?: Grafts and inoculations were used to multiply the protected variety without permission.
Does the farmer's ignorance exempt him from responsibility?: No, the law establishes that ignoring the protection of a variety does not exempt you from legal sanctions.
How does the Civil Guard confirm the DNA match?: Samples are taken from the trees and comparative genetic analyzes are carried out with the protected variety.
How important is this case for the agricultural sector?: It highlights the need to respect industrial property and the regulation of plant patents to avoid sanctions and protect innovation.
Where can I follow updates on this and other similar cases?: It is recommended to follow specialized channels and join our Telegram: https://t.me/casino_gurus