On January 20, farmers, Indigenous community members, and activists gathered in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to protest the government’s plan to join the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV). Many saw this move as a threat to national interests.
Under the banner of the Socialist Party of Malaysia (PSM), the crowd raised slogans like “seed is not a commodity, it is the life of a farmer.” They opposed proposed changes to the Protection of New Varieties of Plants Act 2004, which would align Malaysia’s laws with UPOV’s standards.
The amendments would mean that Malaysia must submit its plant variety protection laws to UPOV for approval. Critics argue that this hands over too much control to an external organization. They say it undermines Malaysia’s sovereignty and limits the government’s ability to protect its farmers and biodiversity.
Leaders, including PSM chairperson Michael Jeyakumar Devaraj, voiced concerns about the implications of joining UPOV. They stressed that the code set by UPOV could strip the government of its rights and responsibilities toward local farmers, emphasizing that it could lead to corporate monopolies over seeds.
Joining UPOV would grant plant breeders monopoly rights for 20 to 25 years while severely limiting what farmers can do with their seeds. This includes restrictions on saving, using, or exchanging seeds from their own harvests. The PSM believes this could harm local biodiversity and push up food prices, posing risks to food security in Malaysia.
Bawani KS, PSM’s deputy secretary-general, pointed out that this move would just strengthen agribusiness corporations while denying farmers their rights. She highlighted the dangers of bio-piracy and urged people to stand against commodifying food.
The discourse surrounding seed ownership and agricultural rights isn’t just isolated to Malaysia. Similar issues can be seen globally, as farmers in many countries protest against corporate control over seeds. A 2022 study revealed that over 70% of farmers worldwide feel pressure from corporate seed laws.
In social media, the hashtag #SeedIsLife has trended, showcasing global solidarity among farmers facing similar challenges. The PSM launched a petition urging the government to halt the amendments and engage in consultations with farmers and stakeholders.
Seeds represent much more than just agricultural tools; they are essential to food sovereignty, health, and cultural identity. As the debate intensifies, the way we handle seed ownership will influence the future of global food security.
For further insights into the UPOV’s impact on farmers’ rights, you can check the official UPOV website.
