Adoption of EU’s position for the seventh session of the ITPGRFA

Background and further information:

The conclusions focus on some of the key themes of the seventh session, taking place in Rwanda from 30 October to 3 November 2017. In particular, the role of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and the review of the multilateral system of access and benefit-sharing and of the funding strategy established by the treaty.

The Council calls on the governing body of ITPGRFA to enhance the functioning of the existing multilateral system, expand its scope and improve its funding. It also underlines the significant contribution of farmers and local communities to the conservation and development of plant genetic resources, and the importance of the treaty's provisions on 'farmers' rights'.

The international treaty on plant genetic resources for food and agriculture was adopted on 3 November 2001 by the 31st session of the Conference of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and entered into force on 29 June 2004.

The conclusions were adopted during a meeting of the Agriculture and Fisheries Council.

The Council of the European Union adopted on 9 October 2017 a set of conclusions set out the EU's position for the seventh session of the governing body of the international treaty on plant genetic resources for food and agriculture (ITPGRFA).