1694View
5m 35sLenght
5Rating

Protesters all over Thailand have expressed opposition to a proposed free trade agreement (FTA) between Thailand and the European Union. Proponents of the FTA believe liberalizing trade will bolster both economies. But activists are worried about the future livelihood of rural farmers. The key issue involved in these negotiations is the strengthening of intellectual property rights. Strict international property right (IPR) laws allow international companies to own strains of seeds. As owners of the seed patents, corporations can impose prices. They can also sue farmers if evidence of unauthorized seed strains are found in their fields. This could decrease seed biodiversity and increase production costs for farmers. For farmers from Thailand's poorest region of the Northeast, known as the Isaan region, rice varieties are an important part of the culture. Therefore, if traditional seeds can't be used, these farmers lose an important part of their way of life. Lack of biodiversity may jeopardize Thailand's food security as the promotion of monoculture agriculture makes yields more vulnerable to disease and famine that may become even more prevalent in the midst of global climate change. It is necessary that people besides those being affected realize that impacts of the strengthening of intellectual property rights will impact the lives of thousands. Citizens need to remember that these rights won't benefit anyone in Europe except major corporations. Thailand and the European Union need to work together to make all parties benefit. It is probably that the FTA will pass, but these IPR provisions are not necessary. If letters are written, activist groups talk to their government, and people are informed of the danger that is faced, there is still time to help the movement. Maggie Adams Indiana University Zoe Swartz Tulane University