CP Group denies role in CPRAM’s holy basil protection applications

The Charoen Pokphand Group (CP Group) has denied involvement in decisions by CPRAM to research and develop four holy basil varieties and apply for plant variety protection, following widespread media reports on the issue.

In a statement issued yesterday, CP Group said CPRAM is part of CP ALL, a subsidiary listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand, and operates under its own management structure, corporate governance framework and decision-making processes.

CP Group said some media reports had mentioned the group and its senior chairman, Dhanin Chearavanont, in ways that could give the impression that CP Group had secured protection over all holy basil varieties in Thailand, preventing farmers and others from growing or selling the plants.

The statement said these reports were inaccurate and had caused unnecessary public alarm and misunderstanding, while damaging the reputations of the group and the individuals mentioned.

According to the statement, CPRAM has the authority to make its own decisions on research and development and to apply for protection for the four holy basil varieties it developed, without authorisation from CP Group or Dhanin.

CP Group said that, as a shareholder, it had no authority to direct or make day-to-day operational decisions on behalf of CP ALL’s board and management or those of its subsidiaries.

The group said it attached great importance to research, science, technology and innovation, adding that the development of new plant varieties could give farmers more options and help improve crop yields. However, it said such efforts must not infringe on farmers’ rights to cultivate and use native plant varieties.

CP Group said it respected freedom of expression and the right of all sectors to scrutinise its activities in good faith. However, it said it would not accept false information, distortion of facts or allegations against the organisation and individuals, and vowed to take legal action against those it considers to have acted with malicious intent.