Asociación Argentina de Semillas apoya el Acta UPOV 91 como un paso estratégico para la competitividad

The Argentine Seed Association (ASA) has strongly supported the decision of President Javier Milei to prioritize the modernization of vegetable intellectual property laws and to push for Argentina's accession to the 1991 UPOV Act. ASA argues that strengthening the rights of plant breeders, including essentially derived varieties, will provide legal certainty, promote innovation, attract investments, and improve yields and exports. The reform will also strike a balance between private use and align regulations with technological advancements.

ASA celebrated and endorsed President Milei's commitment to making the modernization of vegetable intellectual property laws a strategic priority for the state. The push for Argentina's adhesion to the 1991 UPOV Act was described as a decisive step to reverse a process that, over decades, has eroded the competitiveness and productivity of the Argentine agricultural sector due to outdated regulations and the lack of clear, technology-aligned norms. As President Milei highlighted in his speech, "In crops like cotton, where genetic development is crucial for improving yields and quality, we cannot continue without clear norms that protect innovation. If we do not adopt the 1991 UPOV Act, we will continue to penalize those who invest and bet on backwardness."

ASA shares the President's belief that sustainable growth cannot occur without legal certainty. The association noted that the 1991 Act, adopted by 63 countries, represents the international standard for protecting plant breeders' rights, while Argentina remains under a 1978 scheme that keeps it out of this framework. According to ASA, updating the legislation is a necessary condition to compete on equal terms and strengthen the country's export capacity, as stated in a press release.

ASA believes that incorporating the concept of essentially derived varieties and ensuring effective protection of breeders' rights will provide predictability and transparency along the value chain. At the same time, it emphasized that the state will preserve tools to regulate farmers' private use in a balanced manner, ensuring a clear and sustainable system.

The association argued that the reform will strengthen economic freedom and create conditions for companies, small and medium-sized enterprises, and research centers to develop new plant varieties, fostering innovation and competitiveness in the global market. By aligning with international standards, Argentina can attract foreign investments and position itself as a leader in the agricultural sector, benefiting both domestic producers and consumers.

In conclusion, the Argentine Seed Association's support for the 1991 UPOV Act reflects a shared vision of modernizing the agricultural sector, ensuring legal certainty, and promoting sustainable growth. The reform aims to strike a balance between protecting intellectual property and allowing for private use, while aligning regulations with technological advancements. This strategic move is expected to enhance Argentina's agricultural competitiveness, boost exports, and drive innovation, positioning the country as a global player in the agricultural industry.