September 13, 2013

Mediation to resolve a commercial dispute between the largest companies in the Australian peanut industry has commenced.

The dispute between the Peanut Company of Australia on one side and Crumptons Interstate and Clifton Trading on the other involves licensing issues, Plant Breeders Rights and access to different seed varieties.

The mediation, which followed intervention by Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington and Agriculture Minister John McVeigh, commenced yesterday.

A spokesman for Crumptons Interstate confirmed they attended the session but said they were bound by confidentiality/mediation agreements and were unable to comment at this stage.

UPDATE September 17: A media release from the three parties today noted that “the parties are able to announce that significant steps were made and negotiations will continue towards a commercial resolution. Further updates will be provided upon the finalisation of these negotiations.