Plant Genetic Resources For Food And Agriculture Research Articles

What Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture Are Available under the Plant Treaty and Where Is This Information?

Plant genetic resources for food and agriculture (PGRFA) are the building blocks upon which global food and nutrition security depend and are key to plant breeding for more resistant crops, but how available are they? To understand what PGRFA are available under the mechanisms created by the International Plant Treaty’s access and benefit-sharing, we conducted a comparative analysis of the five largest sources of pooled global data concerning PGRFA, including data conserved by and available to users under the Plant Treaty’s access and benefit-sharing (ABS) mechanism. These data sources were the registry of notification letters maintained by the Plant Treaty Secretariat and four international PGRFA databases: Genesys, European Search Catalogue for Plant Genetic Resources (EURISCO), World Information and Early Warning System on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (WIEWS) and Global Information System on PGRFA (GLIS). Our analysis revealed that a comprehensive and consistent overview of the PGRFA available under the Plant Treaty’s ABS conditions is not available. The GLIS is the most logical longer-term candidate to promote the provision of up-to-date and comprehensive snapshots of what PGRFA the Plant Treaty framework make available, primarily because it provides a mechanism (digital objective identifiers) to link together information from a range of information sources, including Genesys, WIEWS and EUEISCO and other online publications, and data sets concerning PGRFA in the multilateral system. Successful adoption of the GLIS could be promoted by creating novel incentives endorsed by the Governing Body to encourage Contracting Parties, Article 15 organizations, and individuals to share information about the materials they are making available under the Plant Treaty, in addition to the capacity-building for some GLIS users that is also necessary. These incentives could be included among the package of measures currently being considered by the Plant Treaty’s Working Group to Enhance the Functioning of the Multilateral System of Access and Benefit-Sharing.

Prioritizing Colombian plant genetic resources for investment in research using indicators about the geographic origin, vulnerability status, economic benefits, and food security importance

Germplasm banks are the most significant repository for plant genetic resources for food and agriculture (PGRFA) worldwide. Despite their strategic importance, national germplasm banks of tropical megadiverse developing countries such as Colombia have extremely limited funds. Therefore, making strategic decisions about research investment is essential. Here, we designed a data-driven approach to build an index that sorts Colombian PGRFA into three groups: high, medium, or low priority, based on four pillars of information from open-access databases and aligned with the sustainable goals of no poverty and zero hunger: Geographic origin, vulnerability status, economic benefits, and food security importance. We analyzed 345 PGRFA using the index, separating them into two groups, 275 already conserved in the Colombian germplasm bank (BGVCOL group) and 70 not currently conserved in the BGVCOL (NCB group). We used fuzzy logic to classify each PGRFA by each pillar and integrate it to obtain a priority index. Missing data for native crops were frequent in the BGVCOL group. Therefore we adopted an imputation strategy to fill the gaps and calculated the uncertainty. After applying the index, PGRFA with higher priority were 24 (8.72%) from the BGVCOL (i.e., 15 potatoes, three tomatoes, two tree tomatoes, pineapple, cocoa, papaya, and yacon) and one from NCB (i.e., coffee). We concluded that this methodology successfully prioritized PGRFA in Colombia and shows the big holes of knowledge for future research and alternatives to improve this index. The versatility of this methodology could be helpful in other genebanks with budget limitations for research investment.

Impact of the European Union’s Seed Legislation and Intellectual Property Rights on Crop Diversity

Crop diversity results from farmers’ selection and exchange of seeds. The crop diversity erosion observed over the last century can be attributed to the transition from traditional to industrial farming practices. Farmers’ seed varieties have been replaced by a few privately owned, high-yielding varieties. The resulting uniformity is jeopardizing food security, further exacerbated by climate change. Both the international framework and the EU legislation perpetuate the root cause of crop diversity erosion. The EU only authorizes on the internal market varieties that are distinct, uniform, stable, and of ‘satisfactory value for cultivation and use’. Non-complying seeds, meaning traditional heterogeneous varieties, are banned. Furthermore, the few authorized varieties are open to privatization through either a Community Plant Variety Right or patents on biotechnological inventions. The exchange, access, and use of these seeds are strictly restricted. Although the EU provides derogations in certain cases, the legal space created is too narrow to ensure the conservation and sustainable use of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture (PGRFA). seed, plant reproductive material, intellectual property, commons, agriculture, food security, EU.

Policies Impacting Access to Plant Genetic Resources in Last Four Decades

A paradigm shift occurred in the international policy environment with respect to biological diversity from “heritage of mankind” to “sovereign rights of a nation”, primarily triggered by the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in 1992. To address the issue of food security, in terms of access to plant genetic resources for food and agriculture (PGRFA) as well as for realization of farmer’s rights, the International Treaty for Plant Genetic Resources (ITPGRFA) was adopted 2001. In 2010 a Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit Sharing (NP-ABS) was developed under CBD to facilitate exchange of biological resources bilatellary between countries, on mutually agreed terms. Both the Treaty and CBD offer regulatory mechanisms for exchange of germplasm and fair and equitable share of benefits and are implemented through national policies in mutually supportive manner. However, practically they have impacted germplasm flow. In the world of plant breeding and crop improvement, these regulations are seen to bring a slow-down in the international exchange of germplasm hampering scientific progress.

Changing patterns in genebank acquisitions of crop genetic materials: An analysis of global policy drivers and potential consequences

During the past two decades, a series of global policy changes affecting genetic resource conservation, use, and exchange have entered into force: the 2004 International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA), and more recently, the 2014 Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit Sharing (NP), a follow-on to the 1993 Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). This paper characterizes the changing policy landscape governing international exchanges of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture (PGRFA). Emphasis is placed on understanding how global and national policy changes associated with the CBD and ITPGRFA are significantly associated with the movement of genetic resources to draw lessons about the potential effects of the NP. We examine crop-specific historical trends in genebank acquisitions, changes in germplasm exchange networks over time, and correlates of such exchanges for seven crops that are important to food security in many developing countries. We observe sharp declines in genebank acquisitions in 1993 (when the CBD came into effect) followed by reductions in germplasm exchange network sizes. These trends and patterns change after 2004 (when the ITPGRFA came into effect), but only for some crops. We also find that a country’s membership in the CBD is closely associated with reductions in genetic resource flows, while ITPGRFA membership has an opposite association. Despite important crop and country variations, results suggest the considerable influence of both the CBD and ITPGRFA, further suggesting that the NP may affect global PGRFA flows in a potentially negative and unintended manner.

Systems of Genetic Resources Exchange in Côte D’Ivoire and its Evolution: Case Study of Food Crops Such as Yam, Cassava, Rice and Plantain

Aims: Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (PGRFA) flow in research and development area inside and outside many countries are not indexed or listed and are insufficiently documented. In Côte d’Ivoire, when implementing the Multilateral System (MLS) project, a survey was realized with different actors as well at national as international levels to collect data dealing with exchanges flow characteristics of main food crops as yam, cassava, rice and plantain. The objectives of the current study are i) to know about internal and external exchange flow of genetic resources of yam, cassava, rice and plantain in Côte d’Ivoire, ii) to assess Côte d’Ivoire dependence regarding external PGRFA, iii) to indentify international research agreements or research network facilitating Plant Genetic Resources (PGR) in Côte d’Ivoire and iv) to determine constraints or opportunities related to access to external PGR in the future.
 Study Design: A questionnaire was submitted to actors managing main consumed food crops in Côte d’Ivoire such as yam, cassava, rice and plantain.
 Place and Duration of Study: Study was conducted in 2019 and sampled data on period starting from 2005 to 2014 about the flow of genetic resources of yam, cassava, rice and plantain inside and outside Côte d’Ivoire located in Western Africa were studied.
 Methodology: This comprised the collection of data using a questionnaire related to characteristics of PGRFA flow inside and outside Côte d’Ivoire, within institutions in charge of PGRFA. A survey was conducted with national and international actors involved in yam, cassava, rice and plantain genetic resources. Moreover, surveys on PGRFA flow data were supplemented by reports from research programs dedicated to these food crops.
 Results: Results revealed that genetic resources of yam, cassava, rice and plantain are exchanged at variable levels within different actors. Contrary to plantain, a growth of vegetal material exchange within actors was observed at national level in yam, cassava and rice. PGRFA exchange flow at international level are positively unbalanced in favor of importation from Groupe Consultatif pour la Recherche Agricole Internationale (CGIAR) creating by this way a relatively marked dependence excepted to yam where ongoing varietal breeding relies on local genetic resources. Very few or no data was given back to national research and development institutions and farmers from Côte d’Ivoire on national PGRFA sent outside for breeding purposes. In the same line, neither any law nor regulations were set up at national level to ensure traceability of plant material exchanges according to international agreements and conventions.
 Conclusion: The consequence of this inventory of fixtures about systems of genetic resources exchange and evolution in Côte d’Ivoire is the lack of regulatory mechanisms allowing populations owning traditional knowledge take profit of an access and a fair sharing of advantages arising from the use of PGRFA as yam, cassava, rice and plantain.

Governing crop genetics in post-Soviet countries: lessons from the biodiversity hotspot Armenia

Armenia is amongst the world’s richest agrobiodiversity hotspots, but rapid genetic erosion is threatening these vital resources of food security. The objective of this study is to investigate how legislation and policies affect the conservation and sustainable use of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture (PGRFA) in Armenia. National gene banks are central actors in this regard. Relevant legislation and policies within the context of international commitments and the institutional structures of Armenia are analysed, as well as their impact on the gene banks’ ability to provide access to PGRFA for farmers. Official documents, legislation and interviews with key stakeholders in Armenia are the primary sources of information. Despite Armenia’s post-Soviet trajectory of institutional collapse, war and lack of political support, national gene banks have managed to store much of Armenia’s plant heritage ex situ, even though under modest conditions. Armenian legislation provides barriers to the marketing and exchange of seeds from most traditional varieties. Nevertheless, informal exchange still continues amongst farmers to some extent. The legislation is a serious obstacle to conservation and sustainable use of PGRFA and thus to the compliance with relevant international agreements that Armenia is party to. As a comprehensive strategy and action plan on PGRFA conservation and sustainable use is still lacking, the gene banks’ promotion of on-farm conservation and sustainable use of PGRFA can be attributed to committed individuals taking responsibility for the country’s international obligations. Political attention and policy coherence are required, as are well-targeted long-term commitments from development agencies.

Germplasm Acquisition and Distribution by CGIAR Genebanks.

The international collections of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture (PGRFA) hosted by 11 CGIAR Centers are important components of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization’s global system of conservation and use of PGRFA. They also play an important supportive role in realizing Target 2.5 of the Sustainable Development Goals. This paper analyzes CGIAR genebanks’ trends in acquiring and distributing PGRFA over the last 35 years, with a particular focus on the last decade. The paper highlights a number of factors influencing the Centers’ acquisition of new PGRFA to include in the international collections, including increased capacity to analyze gaps in those collections and precisely target new collecting missions, availability of financial resources, and the state of international and national access and benefit-sharing laws and phytosanitary regulations. Factors contributing to Centers’ distributions of PGRFA included the extent of accession-level information, users’ capacity to identify the materials they want, and policies. The genebanks’ rates of both acquisition and distribution increased over the last decade. The paper ends on a cautionary note concerning the potential of unresolved tensions regarding access and benefit sharing and digital genomic sequence information to undermine international cooperation to conserve and use PGRFA.

Intellectual property right and farmer protection in accessing genetic resources

Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) in the field of agriculture are regulated under the Patent Law, the Plant Breeder’s Right Act and the Plant Cultivation System Act. The decision Number 99/PUU-X/2012 of the Constitution Court granted the right of farmers to access genetic resources (GR). The study aims to assert an application relevance of the law on the events in concreto complying with the provisions of law or contract. This is normative law research. This study revealed that if the Plant Breeder’s Right Act and the Patent Act are linked to access to GR, they are not adequately regulated of how fair its benefit-sharing from the use of genetic resources, especially to local communities or farmer which had traditional knowledge (TK). The benefits of IPR are, a form of legal protection against the TK of the population over local varieties, it can utilize GR, and as conservation. IPR has progressively been incorporated into agriculture, namely Law Number 4/2006 concerning the Ratification of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (PGRFA) and Law Number 11/2013 on the approval of the Nagoya Protocol on access to GR and the fair and equitable benefit-sharing arising from their utilization to the Convention on Biological Diversity. Based on this, it is essential to consider equal and balancing protection between breeder rights and farmer rights.

PhilRice Genebank: recent developments in managing and sharing the Philippine rice germplasm

The Genetic Resources Division (GRD) of PhilRice collects and conserves rice genetic resources to ensure the future generations of available seeds needed to build better rice plants in facing climate change and growing population. At present, GRD maintains the national collection of rice genetic resources with 7,129 accessions. To effectively manage the germplasm collection, the search for, development of, and implementation of the best conservation strategies and innovation in technology have been the utmost priority of the GRD. Thus, georeference data such as latitude, longitude and elevation of germplasm origin during collecting mission were recorded using a handheld global positioning system (GPS) receiver. The e-Seedfile software was developed to provide virtual access of the reference collection for regenerated germplasm seed verification and valid type confirmation for new and old germplasm collection. Barcoding, on the other hand, facilitated accurate inventory of seed stocks, making the distribution and regeneration of germplasm more efficient. Moreover, paperless data collection using android application was implemented for immediate data validation and accurate data downloading from tablets to workstations, making it an ideal tool for germplasm characterization. Furthermore, the current database system was upgraded and adjusted to adopt the use of digital object identifier (DOI) through registration to the global information system (GLIS) on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (PGRFA). The DOI allows the use of material to be tracked, thus meeting the legal obligations of the SMTA and monitor the impact of genebank collections in utilization in research and breeding programs. These innovative technologies are of great importance to expand the toolbox for the management and conservation of the germplasm collection that will help enhance the long-term conservation of rice diversity and easy access to germplasm and germplasm-related information.

Against the grain? A historical institutional analysis of access governance of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture in Ethiopia

AbstractFarmers' and breeders' access to a genetic diversity is essential for food system sustainability. The implementation of international agreements regulating access to plant genetic resources for food and agriculture (PGRFA) varies substantially between countries. Here, we examine why some countries implement a restrictive access governance regime, taking Ethiopia as a case. Drawing on commons theory and historical institutional analysis, we analyze historical, political, and economic factors that have shaped Ethiopia's access regime. Based on interviews with key actors and stakeholders and document analysis, we identify three overarching ideational and material factors that can explain Ethiopia's current policy: (a) the influence of narratives about Ethiopia as a biodiversity treasure trove on the Ethiopian cultural identity; (b) the economic importance of agriculture based on PGRFA with origin in the country; and (c) the political influence of the genetic resource movement that promotes farmers' rights as a counter measure to stringent intellectual property rights (IPR), and on‐farm PGRFA management as complimentary to ex situ conservation and formal seed system development. The Ethiopian case illustrates that countries' governance of access to PGRFA must be understood in connection with, and not in isolation from, IPR regimes and the historical, political, and cultural role of PGRFA in the country in question.

Genebank Operation in the Arena of Access and Benefit-Sharing Policies.

Since the 1990s, the exchange of genetic resources has been increasingly regulated. The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA) and the Nagoya Protocol recognize that countries have sovereign rights over their genetic resources and provide a framework for domestic legislations on Access and Benefit-Sharing (ABS). However, within the rules of these international agreements, countries can follow their own interpretations and establish their own rules and regulations, resulting in restricted access to genetic resources and limited benefit-sharing, effects that are contrary to the objectives of these agreements. Although the ITPGRFA’s Multilateral System of Access and Benefit-Sharing provides opportunities for easier access to plant genetic resources for food and agriculture (PGRFA), plant genebanks face increasing complexity in their operation. Adding material to genebank collections has become more difficult, not only because collecting missions need to be negotiated with national and local authorities, but also because acquiring material from other collections is only possible if the origin of the material is properly documented and is done in compliance with regulations. Genebanks may only provide access to their own collections if the material that is to be released is distributed in compliance with a) the conditions under which the material was received and b) the national laws of the country where the genebank is located. The only way genebanks can deal with this new complexity, apart from ceasing to add or distribute material, is by setting up proper procedures to document the origin of every accession and the conditions for their use and further distribution. To prevent a further decrease in access to PGRFA, complexity must be fought. Applying the ITPGRFA’s Standard Material Transfer Agreement (SMTA) only, even for material that does not fall under the ITPGRFA, would simplify matters. The scope of the ITPGRFA could be expanded to include all crops. Furthermore, certain ambiguities (e.g. regarding in situ material and wild species) could be resolved. Finally, compliance with the ITPGRFA should be improved and better monitored.

Conservation and Sustainable Use of PGRFA in Indonesia

<p>The high diverse of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture (PGRFA) in Indonesia needs to be conserved for sustainable use to achieve food security despite a still growing population. Therefore, database and information system which could add value to the PGRFA have been developed by many international initiatives and conventions which impact to national level. Two international agreements that Indonesia intensively involved to govern access and share the benefit arising from the use of the valuable PGRFA are the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA) and the Nagoya Protocol of the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity. Agriculture development in Indonesia, however, is still faced many challenges. This review described and discussed the high biodiversity in Indonesia, utilization and conservation of PGRFA, supporting regulation and policy on PGRFA along with the progress of database and information system. Overall, promoting conservation and the sustainable use of PGRFA is a key goal of various national, regional, and global efforts, initiatives, and agreements governing them for human well-being.</p>

The Future of Digital Sequence Information for Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture.

The recent debates on the legal status of “digital sequence information” (DSI) at the international level could have extensive consequences for the future of agriculture and food security. A large majority of recent advances in biology, medicine, or agriculture were achieved by sharing and mining of freely accessible sequencing data. It is most probably because of the tremendous success of modern genomics and advances of synthetic biology that concerns were raised about possible fair and equitable ways of sharing data. The DSI concept is relatively new, and all concerned parties agreed upon the need for a clear definition. For example, the extent to which DSI understanding is limited only to genetic sequence data has to be clarified. In this paper, I focus on a subset of DSI essential to humankind: the DSI originating from plant genetic resources for food and agriculture (PGRFA). Two international agreements shape the conservation and use of plant genetic resources: the Convention on Biodiversity and the International Treaty for Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture. In an attempt to mobilize DSI users and producers involved in research, breeding, and conservation, I describe here how the increasing amount of genomic data, information, and studies interact with the existing legal framework at the global level. Using possible scenarios, I will emphasize the complexity of the issues surrounding DSI for PGRFA and propose potential ways forward for developing an inclusive governance and fair use of these genetic resources.

Botanic Gardens Complement Agricultural Gene Bank in Collecting and Conserving Plant Genetic Diversity.

Originating in Europe in the 16th century, botanic gardens are found in nearly every country in the world. Botanic gardens have had various roles during this time, including as physic gardens, as adaptation centers for commercial crops, as pleasure gardens, and more recently as conservation institutions. The role of botanic gardens in the conservation of Crop Wild Relatives is becoming increasingly important. At least 6000 taxa related to 68 crop genera are maintained by the world's botanic gardens with several gardens having specialist collections. The extent of infra-specific genetic diversity of these Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (PGRFA) being conserved is currently unknown, although based on existing evidence it is likely to be low. However, these PGRFA collections, through display and education, play a significant role in linking the public to important issues, including food security and the need to conserve crop diversity. Today there are some 2700 botanic gardens in existence, and they are visited by over 500 million people every year. The majority of these gardens are found in temperate regions. At least 30% of all known plant species are found in botanic garden collections, including 41% of threatened species. These ex situ collections are conserved in a variety of ways, including as seed bank collections. Around 350 botanic gardens together maintain seed collections of 57,000 taxa. These seed bank collections have a variety of uses, including for research and reintroduction.

PLANT GENETIC RESOURCES AND GASTRONOMIC TOURISM

Plant genetic resources for food and agriculture (PGRFA) came into the worldattention due to their genetic erosion upon the adoption of the International Treatyon Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (Plant Treaty) in 2001.Among these, landraces are recognized for their value when are maintained in thesame agro-ecosystem for more than 50 years. However, food security as a complexand sensitive subject, is acting between national and local levels and depends onsocio-economic attributes of rural societies deeply embedded in the history of theplace grounding the traditional knowledge (TK) related to local communities'lifestyle. In the past 25 years Romania lost more than 75% of its own plant geneticresources based on recorded official data, even its economy depends on the activityof more than 69% small landowners (i.e. over 800,000.00). From economic pointof view, such type of agriculture is not productive. However, 32% of the todayRomania’s territory is declared as protected areas and most of these arable landsare in buffering zones or inside protected areas. Studying the village Ațel, fromSibiu county, Valea Târnavelor (i.e. in the buffering zones of protected areas),reveals that rural areas are rich pools of landraces that have been preserved andcultivated by at least 50% of local householders for more than 50 years (i.e. wheat,corn, rye, barley, oats, peas, cabbage, beans, onions, lettuce, spinach, celery,parsley, garlic, carrot, dills). The poorness of these villages in the today economicterms is counteracted by the richness of biodiversity, TK, PGRFA and localgastronomy. The scope of this article is to envisage original approaches, forconnecting local TK to economy based on gastronomic tourism that may providethese villages the chance to become part of it.

Farmers’ rights, local food systems, and sustainable household dietary diversification: A case of Uttarakhand Himalaya in north-western India

ABSTRACTThe farmers and rural communities, world over, have contributed greatly in management of agrobiodiversity including plant genetic resources for food and agriculture (PGRFA). It is well accepted now that the efforts of farming communities in creation, conservation, exchange, and enhancement of PGR should be recognized and strengthened. Farmers’ access and rights over seeds are considered an essential component of food sovereignty. In the present article, we discuss the aspects of farmers’ rights, the community level seed systems, food sovereignty and the potential of farmer household production and dietary diversification in combating malnutrition and community health promotion with regard to farming communities of Uttarakhand hills in north-western India. Salient findings of two case studies, on farmers’ varieties documentation and registration, and the potential of local food systems in addressing community health and nutrition were used to particularly showcase the nutritional contribution of native foods in the context of sustainable food-based approaches to community health and nutrition. Further, the need of a proactive alliance was suggested between local communities and their key allies collaboratively creating a research and advocacy agenda in support of agrobiodiversity and the revival of local food systems and landscapes within the broader framework of food sovereignty.

Identification of ecogeographical gaps in the Spanish Aegilops collections with potential tolerance to drought and salinity.

Drought, one of the most important abiotic stress factors limiting biomass, significantly reduces crop productivity. Salinization also affects the productivity of both irrigated and rain-fed wheat crops. Species of genus Aegilops can be considered crop wild relatives (CWR) of wheat and have been widely used as gene sources in wheat breeding, especially in providing resistance to pests and diseases. Five species (Ae. biuncialis, Ae. geniculata, Ae. neglecta, Ae. triuncialis and Ae. ventricosa) are included in the Spanish National Inventory of CWRs. This study aimed to identify ecogeographic gaps in the Spanish Network on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (PGRFA) with potential tolerance to drought and salinity. Data on the Spanish populations of the target species collected and conserved in genebanks of the Spanish Network on PGRFA and data on other population occurrences in Spain were compiled and assessed for their geo-referencing quality. The records with the best geo-referencing quality values were used to identify the ecogeographical variables that might be important for Aegilops distribution in Spain. These variables were then used to produce ecogeographic land characterization maps for each species, allowing us to identify populations from low and non-represented ecogeographical categories in ex situ collections. Predictive characterization strategy was used to identify 45 Aegilops populations in these ecogeographical gaps with potential tolerance to drought and salinity conditions. Further efforts are being made to collect and evaluate these populations.

Bottlenecks in the PGRFA use system: stakeholders\u2019 perspectives

An essential component of efforts to mitigate the impacts of climate change on crop production and food security is the production of new varieties of crops which can thrive in more extreme, changeable and uncertain environmental conditions. Humankind is therefore dependent on the continual availability of a wide pool of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture (PGRFA) to sustain our food and economic security, yet despite the vast pool of resources that exists, we face significant hurdles in mobilizing them for effective and sustainable use. The Governing Body of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (the Treaty) has recognized the pivotal role of sustainable use of PGRFA in addressing global challenges—including climate change adaptation, food security and biodiversity loss—and the need to assist countries in designing measures to promote the sustainable use of PGRFA. A global survey was conducted by the Secretariat of the Treaty to gather the views and needs of PGRFA stakeholders, the results of which have allowed a clearer understanding of the ‘bottlenecks’ in the PGRFA use system and a deeper comprehension of the constraints and needs regarding the implementation of the sustainable use provisions of the Treaty. In particular, there is a critical need to address: (a) limitations regarding policy in support of sustainable use activities; (b) capacity building needs in all areas of the PGRFA sustainable use spectrum; and (c) access to plant genetic material and associated information.

Twenty-five years of international exchanges of plant genetic resources facilitated by the CGIAR genebanks: a case study on global interdependence

This article analyses 25 years of data about international movements of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture (PGRFA), facilitated by the gene banks hosted by seven centres of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research. It identifies trends in the movements of PGRFA for use in research and development, and describes the diversity of those resources transferred over time. The paper also presents data on the number of countries involved in the global exchanges, analyses their development status and describes their role as providers and/or recipients, providing a picture of the breadth of these global exchanges. We highlight that it is primarily developing and transition economies that have participated in the flows, and that the transferred germplasm has been largely used within their public agricultural research and development programmes. We conclude that, when provided the opportunity of facilitated access, countries will use a wide diversity of germplasm from many other countries, sub-regions and continents as inputs into their agricultural research and development programmes. We highlight the importance of enabling the continuation of the non-monetary benefits from international access to germplasm. We discuss the implications for the process of development and reform of the multilateral system of access and benefit sharing under International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture.