DOOR COUNTY, Wis. (WTAQ) - A Door County apple orchard is wrapping up its first full season in producing a new type of apple that’s become the subject of a federal lawsuit.
The Wood Orchard of Egg Harbor is the only Wisconsin grower of the SweeTango – an early season apple created by researchers at the University of Minnesota. Wood Orchard is part of a larger cooperative that was formed by a Minnesota orchard to sell the SweeTango exclusively to stores.
But two dozen other growers in the Gopher State and 2 in Wisconsin have filed a federal antitrust suit. They cite unfair competition which could drive some growers out of business.
The university said the exclusive licensing was needed to protect the quality of the SweeTango, and create royalties which the school can use for future studies. University officials say it’s their first such agreement for apples.
Madison patent lawyer Grady Frenchick says universities make such deals all the time – and they’re totally proper. Other growers in Minnesota can produce and sell the SweeTango, but only in small quantities through direct sales like farmers’ markets.
