Changing the Role of Farmers to becoming a Seed Seller Challenges of Learning and Understanding Relevant Laws

Abstract

Plants Act, B.E. 2518 (1975) and the additional amendment in 1992 and 2007 is a law governing seed trade business. The law is intended to protect farmers who buy seeds to use good quality seeds. Regardless of whether a seed trader is an agricultural entrepreneurs or a small-scale farmer who produce seeds for sale, must also comply with the same criteria. However, the conditions of many practices in accordance with this law are still the obstacles for farmer. The cause is due to ignorance or the lack of understanding the law, funds, materials, equipment and technological knowledge, as well as access to resources and government assistance. A measure relating to seed producer’s liability in case of situation that may lead to damage by grower or it is a source of unfairness to these farmers. In addition, the sale of seeds must also comply with the law on movable property trading under the Civil and Commercial Code that although has no special criteria for the seed, but contains elaborate detail of practices that farmers need to understand in order to protect their rights under the law.