Richard AshwellStand with farmers – and our planet
It's time to #StopUPOV
Rather than planting a variety of locally bred, biodiverse seeds, adapted over generations for their #environment, #UPOV91 can push farmers into relying on industrially produced seeds sold by global corporations.
This can lead to single-crop fields which are typically more vulnerable to disease and #climate shocks.
Unlike local varieties, commercial #seeds often can’t be saved for the next season – forcing farmers to buy new #seeds each year, and prioritising profit over people’s need to eat.
These secretive laws are given teeth by being included in #trade deals, which means rich countries can impose sanctions if farmers do not comply.
Right now, the UK has 19 #trade deals covering 68 countries across the world which force them to introduce seed laws in line with UPOV91.
It's time to stand with #farmers and take #SeedLaws out of #TradeDeals.
It's time to #StopUPOV
Rather than planting a variety of locally bred, biodiverse seeds, adapted over generations for their environment, UPOV91 can push farmers into relying on industrially produced seeds sold by global corporations. This can lead to single-crop fields which are typically more vulnerable to disease and climate shocks. Unlike local varieties, commercial seeds often can’t be saved for the next season – forcing farmers to buy new seeds each year, and prioritising profit over people’s need to eat.
GRAIN
