Mar 18 • 17:57 UTC 🇦🇷 Argentina La Nacion (ES)

Seed Law: What changes from the current scheme, according to the final proposal of the Mesa de Enlace

Argentina's new seed law proposal by Mesa de Enlace includes a paid use for personal seed use above 500 hectares, limits on royalties, and a stronger role for rural entities in control.

The Argentine government is pushing for the country to adopt the UPOV-91 international convention as part of its agreement with the United States, while the agricultural sector is advocating for its own updated seed law proposal. The comprehensive proposal, developed by the Mesa de Enlace, introduces significant changes to the current seed law, redefining the concept of 'ownership' in seed use. Under the new terms, farmers must pay for the use of seeds unless they are managing land that is 500 hectares or less, addressing concerns regarding seed royalty payments and farmer rights.

This updated proposal also sets specific limits on seed royalties by capping the number of seed multiplications that farmers can use at a price set through a contractual agreement. The revised law aims to prevent additional charges based on biotechnology, with the provision stating that the cost of the seed will effectively encompass the intellectual property rights associated with it. These changes are seen as necessary steps for modernizing seed legislation in Argentina, ensuring that the agricultural sector can thrive while maintaining fair compensation for seed producers.

Additionally, the proposal emphasizes the enhanced role of rural entities in monitoring and controlling the seed distribution system, which could lead to a more organized agricultural framework. The interaction between governmental policy and agricultural interests highlights a critical issue in Argentine agriculture, especially in light of international agreements, as it balances national interests with compliance to external standards. This scenario presents potential shifts in the agricultural landscape of Argentina, reflecting broader trends in global agricultural practices and the complexities involved in intellectual property rights within the sector.

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