An international treaty on plant genetic resources for food and agriculture (ITPGRFA)
The ITPGRFA recognizes the importance of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture in meeting the needs of present and future generations, and it establishes a multilateral system for the exchange and distribution of these resources. The treaty also acknowledges the role of farmers, including indigenous and local communities, in the conservation and sustainable use of plant genetic resources.
The ITPGRFA defines a set of objectives and principles for the conservation and sustainable use of plant genetic resources, including the need to conserve and use these resources in an equitable and socially responsible manner. It also establishes a system for the exchange of plant genetic resources between countries, based on the principle of "benefit-sharing."
The treaty establishes the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA) Secretariat, which is responsible for the implementation of the treaty. The Secretariat is based in Rome, Italy and it is responsible for the day-to-day administration of the treaty, including the coordination of the exchange of plant genetic resources and the provision of technical assistance to countries.
The ITPGRFA also established the Multilateral System of Access and Benefit-sharing (MLS) which is a system that facilitates the exchange of plant genetic resources between countries, while ensuring that the benefits arising from their use are shared fairly and equitably. The MLS is based on the principle of "prior informed consent," which means that countries must give their consent to the use of their plant genetic resources and that the benefits arising from their use are shared fairly and equitably.
In summary, the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA) is an international treaty adopted by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, which aims to ensure the conservation and sustainable use of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture and to provide for the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising from their use. The treaty establishes a system for the exchange and distribution of plant genetic resources, and recognizes the role of farmers, including indigenous and local communities, in the conservation and sustainable use of these resources.