Thai farmer rights at centre of EU trade talks
More than 100 Thai farmers and campaigners marched through Bangkok on September 23 to oppose proposed seed protection rules being discussed in the Thailand-EU trade talks. The protesters fear the changes could restrict their ability to save and replant seeds, although the government maintains that no agreement has been reached. The demonstration came ahead of … The story Thai farmer rights at…
In Bangkok, over 100 Thai farmers and activists marched on September 23 to protest proposed seed protection rules under discussion in the Thailand-EU trade negotiations. The protesters worry the changes could limit their ability to save and replant seeds, although the government insists no agreement has been reached. The protest occurred ahead of the upcoming free trade talks between Thailand and the European Union, set to take place in Phuket from September 28 to October 6.
The main issue is UPOV 1991, an international agreement that enhances intellectual property protection for newly developed plant varieties. Farmers are concerned that adopting this agreement could lead to increased dependence on commercial seed producers, affect Thailand's agricultural biodiversity, and restrict traditional seed-saving practices.
Written by urgent.news from The Thaiger's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
