ETHICAL AND REGULATORY IMPLICATIONS OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY IN ADVANCED SEED TECHNOLOGIES

Abstract

The swift progress in agricultural biotechnology, genetics and high-throughput phenotyping has completely transformed the process of creating enhanced seed varieties. Nevertheless, the convergence of these technologies with intellectual property (IP) rights gives rise to intricate ethical and legal issues that need to be resolved in order to establish an all-encompassing and enduring agricultural system. This review article examines the function of intellectual property rights in motivating research and development, while simultaneously emphasizing the possible restrictions on accessing genetic resources and the necessity for fair distribution of benefits. The delicate equilibrium between the rights of breeders and the needs of farmers is a crucial matter, especially when considering the rights of farmers to save, utilize, trade and vend seeds which they have conserved from their own farms. The discussion also encompasses ethical concerns related to advanced seed technology, including perceived hazards to human health and the environment, as well as moral and ethical objections. In order to tackle these concerns, other regulatory frameworks have been established, such as biosafety standards and intellectual property rights (IPR) regulations. Nevertheless, there is a requirement for agricultural policies that are more comprehensive and sustainable in order to encourage transparency, involvement of all parties concerned and the establishment of alternative intellectual property models that strike a balance between innovation and accessibility. Stronger farmers’ rights, fair sharing of gains and safeguards for health and ecosystems can be the foundation for a creative and equitable farming system. The evaluation concludes with a call for cooperation between politicians, scientists and other stakeholders on the road to a sustainable and food-secure future.