FAO: Renewed efforts for Plant Genetic Resources

The 2nd Global Plan of Action for Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (PGRFA) has been adopted by the Council of the Food and Agriculture Organization, to accelerate the implementation of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGR); and strengthen conservation and sustainable use of plants and seed systems through:
-  better management of crop diversity in farmers’ fields;
-  developing strategies to protect, collect and conserve crop wild relatives and wild food plants that are under threat,
- support use of a wider range of traits for plant breeding, and
- strengthen seed systems especially of locally adapted varieties.

Publication: Second Global Plan of Action for Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture

EFSA: GM Post-market Monitoring

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has released an updated version of its guidance document on post-market environmental monitoring (PMEM) of genetically modified (GM) plants, which is a key element of the EU legislative policy framework on genetically modified organisms (GMOs), complementing the elements of risk assessment and risk management. Under EU legislation, applications for the cultivation of GM plants must contain a detailed PMEM plan, demonstrating how the GM plant will be monitored for possible adverse effects on human health and the environment.

FAO/CGRFA-13: Outcomes

The 13th regular session of FAO's Commission on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (CGRFA-13) has: adopted the Second Global Plan of Action for Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (PGRFA); established an Ad hoc Technical Working Group on Access and Benefit-sharing (ABS) for genetic resources for food and agriculture (GRFA); and developed a roadmap for climate change and GRFA.

IISD-RS Coverage

ITPGR: Training Materials

The Secretariat of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGR) has produced the first in a series of five comprehensive educational modules on the operation of the Treaty.
Subsequent modules will provide details about the Treaty’s main components: conservation and sustainable use, farmers’ rights, the Multilateral System and the Funding Strategy.

Module 1

ITPGR/GB-4: Ministerial Conference

On 11 March, ministers and high-level officials from 48 states adopted the Bali Ministerial Declaration on the Role of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGR) on Biodiversity, Climate Change and Food Security.The Declaration reflects participants’ commitment to engage in further enhancing implementation of the Treaty, in order to help meet the challenges of agricultural biodiversity erosion, food insecurity, extreme poverty and the effects of climate change. Press Release

ITPGR/GB-4: Outcomes

The 4th Governing Body of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture(ITPGR) convening from 14-18 March adopted procedures and mechanisms on compliance, and reached consensus on the long-standing item of the financial rules. It also adopted a work programme and budget for the 2012-2013 biennium, including a moderate budget increase, and resolutions on a number of items, including farmers’ rights, sustainable use and implementation of the Funding Strategy. Website

FAO/ITPGR: 4th Session of Governing Body

A webpage cotaining meeting documents has been launched in preparation for the 4th session of the Governing Body of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGR) to be  held from 14-18 March 2011, in Bali (Indonesia). It will be preceded by two days of regional consultations, from 12-13 March 2011. In addition, the Government of Indonesia has called for a high-level ministerial conference, to be held on 11 March 2011.