-----Original Message-----
From: Biotech-Mod2
Sent: 10 May 2001 08:41
To: 'biotech-room2@mailserv.fao.org'
Subject: PBR's negative impact??

A study on the impact of plant breeders rights (PBRs) in the UK can be found on ActionAid's website (www.actionaid.org/campaigns/pbr.html ). [The study was previously discussed by Ruchi Tripathi, 2 May...Moderator]

Conclusion:
"On all three issues, investments, number of varieties introduced and monopoly power, one finds limited theoretical proof for the positive role of PBRs. One defining feature of the results reiterated above is the general fact that older breeding firms, now consolidated within TNCs [transnational companies], have been the primary beneficiary of the availability of protection. Further, the study establishes the influence of a range of other factors that have compelling impact. Based on this analysis it would be difficult to recommend the generalisation and harmonisation of PBRs (the UPOV system) across developing countries. Equally, there is no theoretical support for further expanding the scope of PBRs."

Comments on this study may be discussed in this conference, especially by those from UK.

Sunil Archak
Scientist
National Research Centre on DNA Fingerprinting
National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources
New Delhi
110 012
INDIA
sarchak@nbpgr.delhi.nic.in

[To contribute to this conference, send your message to biotech-room2@mailserv.fao.org - the last day for receiving messages is Sunday 13 May. For further information on the FAO Electronic Forum on Biotechnology in Food and Agriculture see http://www.fao.org/biotech/forum.asp ]