Changes Suggested To The Seed And Phytogenetic Plant Breeding Law

The Argentinean government recently filed before the Congressional Agriculture committee an official project to amend the Seed and Phytogenetic Plant Breeding Law (Law 20.247), which dates from 1973.

The Seeds Law of 1973 does not take into consideration the new productive realities, as well as technological advances in the fields of research, seed production and genetic improvement. With this project, the Argentinean Government attempts to balance the rights of producers and patent owners and figure out a way to stop the abuse of not only monopolistic practices but also the farmers´ privilege.

This project aims to integrate equitably the needs of all parties, giving certainty to the producer regarding the method of payment and price of the seeds, keeping exempt from payment for the exercise of own use to the vast majority of producers (small producers, family farms and native communities) promoting the development of germplasm, innovation and incorporation