CP Ram Clarifies New Basil Patent Scope, Confirms Traditional Varieties Remain Unaffected

Key summary

CP Ram Managing Director Wiset Visitsitwinyu addressed concerns regarding the registration of four new basil varieties named 'Kaeo Juri' (01-04). The company confirmed that the patent covers only these specific new breeds developed with Kasetsart University over more than 10 years for use as raw materials in ready-to-eat food production, not for general seed sales. Traditional Thai basils and over 300 local varieties remain available for farmers to grow and sell. The company operates under a 'Farmer Partner' model where seeds are grown on demonstration plots or by partner networks rather than sold commercially to the public. Wiset explained that pollen cross-breeding concerns require case-by-case legal and biological evaluation, noting that hybrid offspring may differ from original strains. The development aims to improve harvest frequency (up to 20 cuts versus 8-9 for traditional types) and leaf stability during cooking.