International Contradictions on Farmers' Rights

The International Treaty, its Article 9 on Farmers' Rights, and Relevant Instruments of UPOV and WIPO

An Analysis of How UPOV and WIPO affect farmers rights. “Farmers’ rights” is a core component of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (hereafter referred to as “the Treaty”), and as such its full implementation is a prerequisite for achieving the Treaty’s objectives. It is enshrined in the Treaty’s Article 9. However, there is much concern that the activities of UPOV and WIPO are not supportive of farmers’ rights, and even undermine those rights, thereby hindering the implementation of the Treaty’s provisions.