The Importance of Global Cooperation in Protecting Plant Species for Future Generations

The International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA), commonly referred to as the International Seed Treaty, is a crucial global agreement designed to safeguard the genetic diversity of plant species essential for food and agriculture. Aligned with the Convention on Biological Diversity, this treaty aims to secure food sustainability by promoting the conservation, exchange, and responsible use of the world’s plant genetic resources. It also ensures that benefits derived from these resources are shared equitably. A key component of the treaty is the recognition of Farmers’ Rights, which allows farmers to access and utilize genetic resources, participate in policy discussions, and freely save, use, and exchange seeds—subject to national regulations.

However, the interpretation and enforcement of these rights differ across countries. Critics, such as Regime Anderson and Olivier De Schutter, have pointed out that these rights are inconsistently realized worldwide. For instance, India’s Plant Variety Protection and Farmers' Rights Act grants farmers the ability to save and sell seeds produced on-farm, even if they contain protected genetic material. Without a unified and robust international approach to safeguarding these rights, crop genetic diversity and agricultural biodiversity are at risk.

Multilateral system for access and benefit sharing

The ITPGRFA implements a Multilateral System (MLS) of access and benefit-sharing among its member countries, covering 64 key food and forage crops vital for global food security. This system facilitates the free exchange of plant genetic resources, fostering international collaboration in the preservation and use of these crops. The treaty, negotiated by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, is governed by a body that oversees its implementation, including policy guidance and compliance.

Proponents see the treaty as a model of responsible global governance, ensuring that plant genetic resources remain accessible to all farmers while staying in the public domain. This accessibility is essential for maintaining biodiversity and food security for future generations, as outlined in the Second Report on the State of the World’s Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture.

Governing body sessions and progress

Since its adoption, the treaty's Governing Body has met multiple times to discuss critical issues like Farmers’ Rights, compliance, and funding strategies. For example, the Fourth Session, held in Bali in 2011, resulted in the Bali Declaration, which called for enhanced implementation of the treaty to combat agricultural biodiversity loss, food insecurity, and climate change. These meetings have also strengthened partnerships with other global organizations, such as the Global Crop Diversity Trust, to secure funding and promote sustainable agricultural practices.

Historical context and negotiation

The treaty emerged after seven years of negotiation, replacing the International Undertaking on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (IU), adopted in 1983. The IU was based on the idea that genetic resources were the common heritage of humanity, but this principle changed with the 1993 Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), which placed these resources under national sovereignty. The ITPGRFA was developed to address the unique nature of agricultural genetic resources, which cross international borders and are critical for global food security. Approved by the FAO in 2001, the treaty was opened for signature in 2002 and entered into force in 2004, after receiving the necessary number of ratifications. Since then, over 77 countries and the European Union have ratified the treaty.

Challenges and unresolved issues

Despite the treaty’s successes, several challenges remain. Key concerns include the extent to which intellectual property rights can be claimed on genetic resources covered by the MLS, the enforcement of Farmers' Rights at the national level, and the dispute settlement mechanisms under the FAO’s Third Party Beneficiary system. Critics argue that more needs to be done to ensure unrestricted access to genetic resources and that farmers are truly empowered to use, exchange, and sell seeds without restrictions.

Global food security and crop diversity

The preservation of plant genetic resources is critical for sustainable agriculture and global food security. According to the FAO, while humans have historically utilized around 10,000 plant species for food, today only 120 species account for 90% of our food supply. Furthermore, just four crops—maize, wheat, rice, and potatoes—provide about 60% of the world’s dietary energy. Over the past century, more than 75% of crop varieties have been lost, raising concerns about the erosion of agricultural biodiversity. The treaty plays a vital role in reversing this trend by facilitating the global exchange of genetic materials essential for food production. Without such efforts, there is a risk that corporate interests could dominate the control of genetic resources, undermining food security and the livelihoods of farmers.

The International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture is vital for preserving the genetic diversity of crops that are essential for future food security. By promoting international cooperation, protecting Farmers' Rights, and facilitating the exchange of genetic resources, the treaty ensures that future generations will have access to the plant species necessary for sustainable agriculture. However, it also faces challenges in its implementation, particularly regarding intellectual property rights and the consistent realization of farmers’ rights across different nations. Moving forward, strong global collaboration and robust regulation are essential to ensure the long-term success of this critical initiative.

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