290 organisations from 52 countries are calling on the FAO, the ITPGRFA Secretariat, and national governments to REJECT the proposed MLS/DSI amendments at #GB11 in Lima. This is one of the strongest global civil society mobilisations ever assembled on seeds, farmers’ rights, biodiversity, and sovereignty. Across continents and cultures, the message is clear and unified: 🌍 Why 290 organisations are calling for a NO VOTE The current draft package: • fails to prohibit patents and other IPRs on MLS-shared genetic resources, components, derivative varieties, and derived information — including DSI — with no strict, verifiable enforcement to prevent this misuse • seeks expansion to ALL PGRFA and DSI-sharing before any safeguards, transparency, or accountability systems are in place • has no SMTA transparency (no disclosure of who takes what plant genetic resources) • has no binding benefit-sharing (companies can profit without paying provider countries or farmers) • has no FPIC (Free, Prior & Informed Consent) for farmers & Indigenous peoples • allows biopiracy through DSI • inserts new confidentiality clauses protecting commercial secrecy • undermines national sovereignty over genetic resources • omits protections for Farmers’ Rights (Article 9) • was advanced without consensus • and is heavily shaped by corporate influence This is not a reform. This is a setback — one that weakens rights, strengthens corporate capture, and denies basic transparency. 🌾 What the Global South and Global Civil Society Demand 1. Strict, verifiable enforcement to prohibit IPRs No patents on MLS-shared seeds, traits, derivatives, or DNA information — including DSI — with strong oversight to prevent misuse. 2. No expansion to ALL PGRFA or DSI inclusion Not until transparency, benefit-sharing mechanisms, and safeguards are real. Not until patent-prohibition and IPR safeguards are secured and enforceable. 3. Full SMTA transparency Publish ALL transfers — providers, recipients, accession numbers, research outcomes — as required under the Treaty. 4. Legally binding monetary benefit-sharing Not voluntary. Not symbolic. Every commercial use must contribute. 5. FPIC for farmers & Indigenous peoples No use or commercialisation of seeds or genetic sequences without explicit consent. 6. A NEW, fair, inclusive global process With farmers, Indigenous communities, and civil society — not just breeders and corporate observers. 🇮🇳 India's Role is Critical As a major biodiversity provider nation, India must: • vote NO at #GB11 • defend national sovereignty over India’s plant genetic resources • uphold Farmers’ Rights under Article 9 • ensure the Seeds Bill protects the right to save/use/exchange/sell seed • oppose DSI access without binding global benefit-sharing • stand with the Global South against corporate capture 📜 Full global letter & signatories: seedtreaty.org We call on the following leaders to act: @FAODG @planttreaty @kentnnadozie @MichaelFakhri @PMOIndia @ChouhanShivraj @AgriGoI @oxfamnovib @SwedBio @FIANista @FAOPeru Seeds are our bio-cultural living heritage — not corporate property. Seeds are life. Seeds are freedom. Stand with farmers, seed keepers, Indigenous communities, and biodiversity defenders. Reject the MLS/DSI amendments at #GB11. #SeedSovereignty #FarmersRights #NoBiopiracy #Biodiversity #FoodSovereignty