Holy basil variety registrations lawful, agriculture officials confirm

Thailand's Department of Agriculture confirmed that CPRAM Co Ltd, a CP Group subsidiary, registered four holy basil varieties in full compliance with the law, following public concern over potential impacts on local farmers. The department verified the registrations against legal criteria, finding the Kaewjuree varieties distinct from similar local strains after two cropping seasons of breeding investigations. Protection applies only to registered strains, not indigenous or common varieties, and no petitions were filed within the 90-day legal period. Registration under the Plant Varieties Protection Act is open to any qualifying developer, not just private companies. Farmers can freely use common varieties and grow protected ones for personal consumption or commercial sale of leaves, but need permission to propagate them for sale as planting materials.