27 September 2024, 13.30 – 16.00 Creative Space, Student Christian Center in Bangkok, Thailand

Mr. Charito Medina from MASIPAG, Philippines (Farmer-Scientist Partnership for Development) conferred seed regulations and farmers’ rights in the Mekong and Southeast Asia. Traditionally, farmers have been the original breeders of seeds through careful selection. However, the rise of agribusiness has allowed corporations to dominate seed development and distribution, eroding farmers’ rights to save, exchange, and use seeds freely. International agreements like the Convention on Biological Diversity aim to protect these rights, but challenges remain, including corporate control and the protection of traditional knowledge. Alternative models, such as community seed registries and open-source seeds, promote collective ownership and decision-making, empowering farmers and preserving seed diversity for future generations.

Mr. Witoon Lianchamroon from Bio-Thai, Bangkok, highlighted the growing threat of corporate control over the global seed supply, mainly through the push for seed patents. This control, driven by multinational corporations, undermines farmers’ rights, erodes biodiversity, and threatens food security. The discussion emphasizes the importance of learning from the experiences of countries like Thailand, which has successfully resisted the adoption of stringent seed patent regimes. Key strategies for success include raising public awareness, building strong coalitions among farmers and civil society, and actively engaging with policymakers to advocate for policies that protect farmers’ rights and promote sustainable seed systems. By prioritizing the conservation of traditional seeds, supporting farmer autonomy, and fostering a resilient food system, countries like Timor-Leste can safeguard their agricultural heritage and ensure food security for future generations.

Ms. Sangeeta Shashikant from the Third World Network (TWN) discussed her concerns about a specific legal framework for protecting plant varieties, UPOV 1991. This framework, originally designed for Europe, is being promoted in Southeast Asia. She argues that UPOV 1991 is unsuitable for developing countries because it grants excessive control to corporations and restricts farmers’ rights. She recommends that Southeast Asian countries create their own plant variety protection systems that consider the needs of farmers and prioritize food security, as developing their own systems would be more beneficial for farmers.

Mr. Peter Rosset, a visiting professor at CUSRI/TU in Thailand, deliberated La Vía Campesina, a global movement for peasant rights that supports peasant seed systems. These systems are essential for food sovereignty and sustainable agriculture, emphasizing traditional seed-saving practices and community seed banks. They focus on collaboration, promote diverse crops, and advocate for social justice and environmental protection while opposing seed commodification. Despite challenges like restrictive laws and commercial competition, La Vía Campesina supports collective action and political advocacy to strengthen these vital systems, which are key to achieving a just and sustainable food system.

Mr. Ubon Yoowah from the Alternative Agriculture Network (AAN) emphasized the escalating struggle between multinational corporations and small-scale farmers to control seeds. Corporations dominate the market through technological advancements, aggressive patent laws, and strategic land acquisitions. However, many Thai farmers actively resist this dominance by preserving and developing local crop varieties. Through collaborative research, seed exchange, and skill-building initiatives, these farmers aim to maintain control over their seeds and ensure the long-term sustainability of their livelihoods. This struggle highlights the importance of supporting farmers in safeguarding local seed diversity, ensuring food security, and preserving unique agricultural identities.

Ms. Kingkorn Narintarakul from Food for Changeunderscored the need for a balanced approach to seed control. She highlighted the importance of resisting corporate dominance while maintaining our genetic resources and leveraging technology to our advantage. To counter corporate strategies, we should develop our tools and networks. She also called for a shift in mindset and new management practices to ensure the sustainable and equitable use of seeds, aiming to harness technology to benefit communities and farmers while protecting our seed sovereignty.