IPRs [intellectual property rights] are accused of interfering with traditional farming and cultural practices, disempowering women and making farmers more vulnerable to market fluctuations. IPRs on seeds are said to contribute to loss of genetic and cultural diversity and to increased corporate concentration, which could result in environmental degradation and undermine long-term sustainability of food supplies. This Backgrounder focuses on the human rights effects of IPRs on seeds and indicates how human rights advocates can help to ensure that intellectual property (IP) protection in agriculture is consistent with human rights and sustainable agriculture. [includes table on Human rights affected by IPRs on seeds] [refers to Monsanto, Mahyco]