Aprosoja Brasil advocates for updating Plant Cultivar Protection Law

The Brazilian Association of Soybean Producers (Aprosoja Brasil) is pushing for an update to the Plant Cultivar Protection Law (LPC).

During the National Meeting of Soybean Seed Producers (ENSSOJA), Aprosoja Brasil's Executive Director, Fabrício Rosa, emphasized the need to pay royalties to germplasm, even for seeds saved by farmers.

Rosa noted that while the current law has fostered innovation, it has several weaknesses that need addressing. One significant issue is the need for incentives for new companies to enter the market, which could enhance competition and benefit consumers. 

He also highlighted the need to focus research on productivity, particularly improving pest and disease resistance and increasing the protein content in soybeans. Rosa stressed that compensating for germplasm use would encourage current players and attract new ones.

Furthermore, Rosa called for stricter penalties for seed piracy, distinguishing between criminals and those who save seeds for personal use. He emphasized the importance of garnering support from Brazilian lawmakers who advocate for agriculture to create a sense of urgency regarding legislative updates.

Gladir Tomazelli, President of the Brazilian Soybean Seed Association (ABRASS), indicated that the association is working with farmers to find a balanced solution that benefits all parties. Tomazelli argued that there should be fair compensation for companies developing soybean genetics and users should handle this technology responsibly.

Edilene Cambraia Soares, Director of the Department of Plant Health and Agricultural Inputs at the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAPA), spoke about ongoing efforts to update seed regulations. She mentioned that MAPA is revising complementary norms to address gaps identified during inspections, aiming for clearer and more concise texts, more effective regulations, and reduced documentation requirements.

Edilene referenced the recent Portaria nº 538/23, which establishes norms for the production, certification, technical responsibility, processing, repackaging, storage, sampling, analysis, commercialization, and use of seeds. She also highlighted Law 14.515, enacted in December 2022, which covers self-control programs and introduces changes across all areas of agricultural defense, including the seed sector.

One notable provision of the new legislation is the Agricultural Defense Surveillance Program for International Borders, which aims to combat seed piracy and illegal agrochemicals more effectively.

(Editing by Leonardo Gottems, reporter for AgroPages)

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