Accra:A silent threat looms for Thai farmers concerning the risks surrounding seed rights and the potential adoption of UPOV 1991 regulations.
According to Thai News Agency, the International Convention for the Protection of New Plant Varieties, or UPOV 1991, has become a focal point of concern amidst ongoing international trade negotiations. This European regulation is designed to protect the rights of plant breeders, but its adoption in Thailand could lead to significant changes in seed rights and practices.
Prakchon Uthasap, director of the BioThai Foundation, warns that joining UPOV 1991 could require Thailand to strengthen its laws, potentially creating more harm than benefits. He asserts that the country's current laws from 1999 are balanced, ensuring protection for researchers while allowing farmers to save seeds for future plantings. These laws also consider community interests and biodiversity.
The adoption of UPOV 1991 rules would curtail farmers' basic rights to save seeds, forcing them to seek permission for each planting cycle. This could increase production costs by 2-6 times, leading to higher food prices. Additionally, the broadened definition of "plant breeder" could facilitate biopiracy, allowing multinational corporations to patent native or wild plants with minimal development for monopolistic control.
Uthasap emphasizes that any potential profits from seed exports should not undermine food sovereignty and the well-being of small-scale farmers. It is essential for all concerned sectors to assert their opposition to the government, drawing a "red line" to protect sustainable food security and the livelihood of Thai farmers.