In 1998, Yemen enacted 'The Seed and Agriculture Fertilizer Law' (Law No 20 of 1998) with the main objective to improve and increase the production and productivity of the agricultural sector. The law aims at enabling farmers to have better access and use of agricultural inputs and includes the following elements:
· Organization, registration, production and marketing of certified seed and seedlings of new varieties
· Protection of property rights for the breeders of new varieties
· Monitor the distribution of agricultural fertilizers and its direct or indirect impacts on humans, animals and the environment
· Encourage private sector to enter distribution of agricultural inputs including seeds

        The law makes provisions for the establishment of a 'Consultative Council for Seeds and Seedlings' under the chairmanship of the Minster of Agriculture and Water Resources. The members of the Council will be representatives of respective institutions with activities related to seeds, agricultural faculties, cooperatives and private sector. Tle law requires the establishment of a national registry for seeds and seedlings. Plant variety protection will be made available to breeders for varieties registered in 'the protected plant varieties registry'.