According to a press release, Plant Breeders Rights (PBR) protections, which ensure quality and more importantly genetic purity and consumer protection, have expired on Sir Walter.
Joe Rogers, LSA Technical Manager, says this means unlicensed growers can now use the Sir Walter name on non-genuine Sir Walter, sub-par turf, or even other grasses such as Kikuyu.
"Obviously, Sir Walter is famous across Australia, and the end of PBR protections is likely to see an increase in the number of unlicensed operators take advantage of its good name," Rogers said.
"What this really means is that growers don’t need a licence to sell Australia’s most popular turf – and without a breeder guarantee, consumers can’t be sure what they are actually buying.
Anyone looking to purchase Sir Walter should be aware that only a select group of growers can offer the original - DNA Certified and Breeder guaranteed Sir Walter.
"Buyers need to know that if you don’t purchase the original you don’t receive the Sir Walter warranty – in fact, there’s no guarantee on what you receive.
"At Lawn Solutions Australia, our growers ensure that the turf you buy is the genuine, original, DNA certified and Breeder guaranteed Sir Walter that’s famous around the country.
All Lawn Solutions Australia members submit samples of their turf for testing.
"Along with the DNA certification of Sir Walter, all Lawn Solutions Australia growers produce their turf under the only national turf accreditation program in Australia, AusGAP.
"AusGAP certification guarantees that your DNA Certified Sir Walter is produced under the strictest quality standards and will perform as intended.
"If your supplier is not listed on www.lawnsolutionsaustralia.com.au and doesn’t list the following real logos, then they are not Sir Walter DNA certified and Breeder guaranteed suppliers and we cannot guarantee the product you receive."
