Farmer's Privilege

Farmers' privilege is provided for in section 23(6)(f) of the Plant Breeders' Rights Act, 1976 (Act No. 15 of 1976). Numerous concerns have been raised by different stakeholders regarding the application of this provision. The Department of Agiculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) undertakes to develop norms and standards with regard to the application of the Farmers' Privilege in South Africa . These will be developed in conjunction with the relevant stakeholders. As the Plant Breeders' Rights Act is currently under review, it is envisaged that these norms and standards will inform the Regulations on the section dealing with the Farmers' Privilege. It is against this background that the request that you submit any comments, experiences, questions, concerns, case studies, etc. you might have with regard to section 23 (6)(f) of the Plant Breeders' Rights Act, 1976.

Please submit your inputs by the 31 July 2011 to: pbr.farmersrights@daff.gov.za

Please include the following information in your submission: