Argentina establishes protocol to protect seed intellectual property

Argentina's government has launched a new protocol designed to safeguard the intellectual property rights associated with the seeds cultivated within the country. This initiative is particularly significant given Argentina's status as a major global producer and exporter of grains and their derivatives.

The protocol, detailed in a resolution published in the Official Bulletin, establishes a system for identifying seed varieties. It involves analyzing samples taken at the initial point of grain delivery, such as a collection or milling center. This process will determine if the harvested crops originate from genetically modified seeds developed and patented by specific companies or other 'breeders,' a term used for developers of plant varieties.

The Secretariat of Agriculture stated that the protocol's objective is to "guarantee the correct use of protected varieties, transparency in the seed market, protect the rights of breeders, and above all, constitute a key incentive to foster investment in the development of new varieties and the increase in productivity of the agro-industrial sector." The new measures will apply to seed varieties registered from now on in the National Registry of Cultivar Property and the National Registry of Cultivars.

This protocol seeks to resolve decades-long conflicts between seed development companies and farmer associations regarding the use of seeds and royalty payments. While farmers acknowledge the need to recognize intellectual property rights for plant breeding, disputes persist over royalty collection, especially concerning 'self-use' – when farmers reserve part of their harvest for replanting. The government argues that the lack of a clear resolution has hindered the availability of improved, higher-yield seeds in Argentina.