PENAMPANG: Any policy changes must be carefully assessed to ensure the Protection of New Plant Varieties Act (PNPV 2004) with the UPOV 1991 framework so it does not unintentionally affect the livelihoods of small-scale farmers in the State.
Moyog PKDM Chief Coordinator, Mckery Victor
(pic), said the new policy must not limit the rights of indigenous communities who depend on traditional seed practices to pursue their goal in farming, including in Moyog.
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Mckery was commenting on the concerns raised by Pacos Trust, JOAS and various civil society groups regarding the proposed alignment of the Protection of New Plant Varieties Act (PNPV 2004) with the UPOV 1991 framework.
Jaringan Orang Asal SeMalaysia (JOAS) and Partners of Community Organizations (Pacos Trust) together with over 10 NGO entities have sounding the alarm to stop UPOV 1991 from becoming part of the policy in Sabah.
“Based on the feedback I have received from farmers across Moyog, they told me that they have been relied or using their traditional seeds to produce all kinds of plants food all this while.
“For decades, our farmers have relied on the ability to save, share, exchange and replant their own seeds. This is not merely an agricultural activity. It is part of our cultural identity, our food heritage, and the foundation of community resilience.
“My ancestors were farmers and for generations we have been using our own traditional seeds like the padi seeds,” he said when asked about the possibility that the government might adopt the UPOV 1991 framework.
Mckery was the PKDM Moyog candidate to the recent state election but lost to Upko candidate Datuk Donald Mojuntin.
He said, if these rights are restricted, farmers may face higher operating costs, reduced independence and greater vulnerability to market pressures.
Pacos Trust Director Anne Lasimbang spoke about the action that the government might take through the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) which is proposing to amend the (PNPV 2004) to align it with the UPOV Convention 1991 (International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants).
The proposed move risks surrendering control of Sabah’s seeds. This will eventually affect Sabah’s food supply all in the name of corporate interests.
Mckery commended the Federal and State authorities for their continued efforts to strengthen Malaysia’s agriculture sector and ensure national food security, but that they should also listen to farmers’ plight.
He believes that all parties share the same goal to uplift farmers, reduce rural hardship and protect their food supply for future generations.
Therefore, he proposed the Government to conduct a full and transparent impact assessment on how the proposed amendments may affect small farmers, rural communities, and indigenous land users in Sabah.
“The government also must engage directly with local experts, NGOs, seed custodians and community leaders before finalising any alignment with international frameworks.
“This he said id to ensure that existing safeguards under Section 12 of the PNPV Act remain intact, especially protections involving traditional knowledge, indigenous genetic resources and compliance with the Sabah Biodiversity Enactment 2000.
“They should also guarantee that the rights of farmers to save, exchange and sell farm-saved seeds continue to be protected in line with Sabah’s unique cultural and agricultural landscape,” he added.
Mckery said this issue is not political but about food sovereignty, heritage and the well-being of more than 40,000 farmers across Sabah.
“We must ensure that future policies empower Sabahans, not limit them. Sabah’s seeds are a legacy. Sabah’s farmers are our pride. And together, we must safeguard both for the future of our children,” he added.
On this note, he believes the government will listen to the voice of the people and make a decision that protects the interests of all Malaysians, especially Sabah’s rural communities and indigenous farmers who are the true guardians of biodiversity.
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