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Benefit sharing: Symposium on food security and biodiversity,
October 16, 2003

"The International Treaty on Plant genetic resources for Food and Agriculture is at the crossroads where agriculture, environment and trade meet." - Dr. Jacques Diouf, Director-General, FAO, FAO Conference November 2001

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The benefit sharing provision of the International Treaty of Plant genetic resources, and its meaning for agriculture, biodiversity and food security. New rules for research and commerce involving plant genetics.

In late 2001 the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations adopted the International Treaty on Plant genetic resources for Food and Agriculture. The treaty will enter into force shortly after 40 countries have ratified it, becoming the principal international legal instrument governing transfers of Plant genetic resources.

The symposium examines practical approaches in interpreting the International Treaty's 'benefit sharing' provision. Additionally, the new Global Crop Diversity Trust, with a purpose of protecting international seed banks in perpetuity, is introduced.

Among the day's topics:

  • How will the International Treaty affect the grower inventor, the private sector researcher, national interests, the international community? Where are the natural conflicts, the areas of likely confusion, the opportunities?
  • What are practical approaches to addressing interests and resolving potential conflict among divided stakeholders?
  • What context for plant genomics research?
  • Are there lessons for food and agriculture from benefit sharing agreements on pharmaceutical use of Plant genetic resources?
  • Where is the balance between the International Treaty and the Convention on Biological Diversity?
  • What does analysis of past access to seed banks tell about future use and the prospects for conservation of plant biodiversity?

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