Farmers'
Rights in the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and
Agriculture
The realization of Farmers' Rights is a
cornerstone in the implementation of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic
Resources for Food and Agriculture, as it is a precondition for the
conservation and sustainable use of these vital resources in situ as well as
on-farm.
The Treaty recognizes the enormous contributions made by
farmers worldwide in conserving and developing crop genetic resources. This
constitutes the basis of Farmers' Rights. According to Article 9, governments
are to protect and promote Farmers' Rights, but can choose the measures to do
so according to their needs and priorities. Measures may include the protection
of traditional knowledge, equitable benefit sharing, participation in
decision-making, and the right to save, use, exchange and sell farm-saved seeds
and propagating material.
Several other Articles in the Treaty are also
important for the realization of Farmers' Rights. However, the understanding of
Farmers' Rights and the modalities for their implementation is still vague. The
Governing Body of the International Treaty has taken steps to promote the
realization of Farmers' Rights and is in the process of discussing further
measures.