Options for recognition of farmers contributions
This is the first category of options to encourage, guide and promote the realization of Farmers’ Rights in the Options Document. It comprises options for the recognition of local and indigenous communities’ and farmers’ contributions to the conservation and sustainable use of PGRFA, such as awards and recognition of custodian/guardian farmers.
About this category of options
In Article 9.1 of the International Treaty, the Contracting Parties recognize the enormous contribution that the local and indigenous communities and farmers of all regions of the world have made and will continue to make for the conservation and development of PRGFA. The role of farmers in centres of origin and crop diversity is particularly highlighted.
The past, present and future contributions of farmers in all regions of the world in conserving, improving, and making available PGRFA are also referred to in the Preamble of the International Treaty. These contributions of farmers are stated to be the basis of Farmers’ Rights. Contracting Parties and relevant stakeholders may thus like to make these contributions of farmers and farming communities visible, raise public awareness of their importance, express recognition, and appreciation, and/or encourage farmers and farming communities to continue their efforts for conserving and sustainably using PGRFA.
Measures under this category can also contribute to the protection of traditional knowledge (Article 9.2a) and to the equitable sharing of benefits arising from the utilization of PGRFA (Article 9.2b), for example if active support is provided to custodian/guardian farmers and farming communities who engage in the conservation and sustainable use of PGRFA. Depending on how measures under this category are set up, other provisions of Art. 9 may also be relevant.
There are three options:
- Option 1A: Establish prizes and awards to honor custodian/guardian farmers, farming communities and their organizations who contribute to the conservation and sustainable use of PGRFA in an outstanding manner.
- Option 1B: Highlight the role and expertise of farmers, farming communities and their organizations in the conservation and/or development of PGRFA by mentioning their names and further details in official records.
- Option 1C: Designate locally, nationally or Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems sites for the conservation and sustainable use of PGRFA and support farmers and their organizations in the sustainable management and governance of such sites.
