CP Group Clarifies New Holy Basil Varieties, Rejecting Claims of Nationwide Rights
CP Group says CPRAM, a CP ALL subsidiary, sought protection for four new varieties, and farmers remain free to grow and trade 300-plus traditional types
- CP Group has issued a clarification to deny claims that it has registered rights over all holy basil nationwide.
- The registration application was filed by its subsidiary, CPRAM, and is only for four specific new varieties it developed.
- The company stressed that farmers remain free to grow and trade the more than 300 traditional varieties of holy basil without needing permission.
- CP Group stated that developing new plant varieties supports agricultural innovation and is not an attempt at monopolisation.
CP Group says CPRAM, a CP ALL subsidiary, sought protection for four new varieties, and farmers remain free to grow and trade 300-plus traditional types.
Charoen Pokphand Group (CP Group) has issued a formal statement to correct what it describes as misleading information circulating in the media and on social media about the registration of new holy basil varieties.
The Group stressed that it has not claimed rights over holy basil nationwide and that farmers and villagers do not need its permission to grow or sell the plant.
The statement, released on Saturday evening (October 24), responds to allegations involving CP Group and its senior chairman, Dhanin Chearavanont.
The allegations concern an application by CPRAM Co., Ltd. (CPRAM) to protect four new holy basil varieties. According to the Group, the claims gave many people the mistaken impression that CP Group had registered rights over holy basil as a whole.
The Group said this led to alarm among the public and damaged the reputation of the Group and the individuals named.
Registration handled by CPRAM
CP Group said the initiative to research and develop the four new varieties, the decision to seek protection for them, and the filing of the application were all carried out by CPRAM.
It added that neither Dhanin nor CP Group undertook any of these steps. Nor is either the holder of rights in the varieties concerned. CPRAM is part of CP ALL Public Company Limited, which is listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand.
The Group said CPRAM's management, oversight and decision-making follow good corporate governance principles and comply fully with the law.
As a shareholder, CP Group has no authority to instruct or take decisions in place of the boards and management teams of CP ALL and its subsidiaries in the running of their day-to-day business.
Support for innovation, with traditional rights protected
CP Group said it places great importance on research, science, technology and innovation. It believes that developing new plant varieties helps to raise the capability of Thailand's agriculture and food industries and can benefit farmers, consumers and society as a whole.
The Group added that new varieties give farmers more choices when planting, can improve yields and can bring greater profits to farmers. It said this is not monopolisation and instead supports the development of the agricultural sector, farmers and consumers.
It also emphasised that such work must not affect farmers' rightful freedom to cultivate and use traditional plant varieties. In the case of holy basil, it noted, there are more than 300 such varieties.
Right to take legal action reserved
CP Group said it respects the right of all parties to express opinions and to scrutinise matters in good faith.
However, it cannot accept the spread of false information, distortion of facts, or accusations against individuals and organisations that lack factual basis and damage reputation and public confidence.
The Group therefore reserves the right to take legal action against anyone who knowingly disseminates false or distorted information or makes improper accusations that cause damage. It said the aim is to protect the rightful interests and reputations of the organisation and the people involved.
