Advocacy Guide Against The Draft Law Regulating the Trade of Seeds, Seedlings, and Propagation Material in Lebanon
1. General Introduction & Objectives
This document comes at a critical moment as Lebanon debates the draft law regulating the trade of seeds, seedlings, and propagation materials. This project has deep implications for the future of agriculture and farmers’ rights.
The Agricultural Movement in Lebanon launches this guide as a practical tool to defend heirloom seeds.
Objectives of the Guide
- Unify understanding within the campaign regarding the risks.
- Provide practical advocacy tools.
- Organize work and empower farmers.
2. Problem Definition & Legislative Context
Presented by: Ministry of Agriculture.
Nature of Project: Regulating seed trade with a preference for registered varieties.
The Risks
Farmers’ Rights: Restricts the right to save and exchange seeds.
Genetic Diversity: Threatens heirloom varieties with erosion.
Food Sovereignty: Increases dependency on corporations.
Our Demands
We do not reject regulation; we reject regulation used against us. We demand the protection of heirloom varieties and farmers’ rights to seeds.
3. Vision, Goals & Messages
Our Vision: A seed system that protects heirloom varieties, guarantees farmers’ rights, and treats seeds as a common heritage, not just a commercial commodity.
Key Messages
- Seeds are heritage and a right… not just a commodity.
- The current law threatens farmers’ rights.
- Food sovereignty starts with seed sovereignty.
4. Stakeholder Analysis
- Allies: Small farmers, cooperatives, civil society.
- Opponents (Commercial Interests): Seed import companies, hybrid companies.
- Decision Makers: Ministry of Agriculture, Parliamentary committees.
5. Campaign Structure
- Coordination Team: Decision making.
- Grassroots Committee: Connecting with farmers.
- Advocacy Committee: Connecting with MPs.
- Media Committee: Public opinion.
- Research Committee: Studies and data.
6. Strategies
- Field Work: Town halls, collecting signatures, Seed Days.
- Political Pressure: Meetings with MPs, legal memos.
- Media: Official statements + “Your Seed Shall Not Pass” campaign.
7. Practical Tools & Templates
A) Letter Template to MP
Subject: Rejection of the current Seed Law draft Honorable MP, We write to express our concern regarding the draft Seed Law, which threatens farmers’ rights to save seeds and promotes monopoly. We ask you to reject this law and protect food sovereignty.
B) Social Media Post
Heirloom seeds are thousands of years old… The law was written in a rush!
#SeedSovereignty #YourSeedShallNotPass
8. Timeline
| Phase | Time | Goal |
|---|---|---|
| Prep | 1-2 Weeks | Form Committees |
| Launch | Month 1 | Build Alliance |
| Pressure | 2 Months | Meetings & Petitions |
9. Key Terms
Food Sovereignty
The right of peoples to define their own food systems.
Seed Sovereignty
The farmer’s right to save and develop seeds freely.
Genetic Erosion
The loss of genetic diversity and local varieties.
