Thai Party Backs Farmers Against Plant Seed Convention
Pheu Thai Party pledged support for farmers by accepting a petition opposing Thailand's adoption of the UPOV 1991 plant variety convention, citing concerns over restrictions to seed-saving rights during ongoing trade talks with the EU.
The Pheu Thai Party received a letter of objection to the UPOV 1991 plant variety protection convention on September 25, reaffirming its support for farmers and commitment to hear all stakeholder concerns. Party representatives Nattida Thepsutin, Jadesak Chantara, and Thanarach Jongsuthananamni accepted the petition from a student and civil society network opposing Thailand's adoption of UPOV 1991 in ongoing Thailand-EU free trade agreement talks scheduled for September 28 to October 6. Concerns center on potential restrictions to farmers' seed-saving rights and rising living costs for consumers.
Nattida stated that Pheu Thai welcomes input from all groups, including farmers and students, and remains committed to supporting Thai farmers. The Agriculture Ministry seeks to balance protecting rural livelihoods and improving farmers' quality of life while encouraging plant breeders through incentives for agricultural innovation, which serves as an important economic driver. The party will forward the letter to relevant agencies for further consideration.
Jadesak confirmed that Pheu Thai stands with farmers and will conduct a detailed study with academic experts and agricultural councils to assess comprehensive impacts and push for solutions that maximize benefits to farmers and the public. The party promised to update media on any developments in the coming period.
