A snapshot of illegal practices in the trade in seeds and associated challenges

Seed is the most important input in crop production. Reliable, high-quality seeds are vital to agriculture and the food supply chain. High-quality seeds enable farmers to boost crop productivity, improve livelihoods and feed a growing world population. In recent years, there has been an increase in illegal seed practices. Many of these practices constitute a violation of intellectual property rights, such as trademark infringements, including the production of counterfeit seeds, the illegal reproduction of seeds in violation of a plant breeder’s right (PBR) and the theft of proprietary material. This chapter demonstrates through three case studies the impact of illegal practices on breeders, farmers, consumers, the seed value chain and the entire agricultural production process. It highlights the need for cooperation among all actors involved in the global seed supply chain, emphasizing the crucial role that must be played by regulatory authorities at the national, regional and international levels and the actions required to better combat illegal seed practices in future.